McLean County Finance Committee met Oct. 6.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
The Finance Committee of the McLean County Board met at 4:30 p.m. in Room 404 of the Government Center, 115 East Washington Street, Bloomington, IL.
Members Present: Chairman Catherine Metsker, Members Chuck Erickson, Laurie Wollrab and Val Laymon
Members Absent: Members Josh Barnett, Gerald Thompson and William Friedrich Other Members Present: None
Staff Present: Cassy Taylor, Interim County Administrator; Cathy Dreyer, Assistant County Administrator; Samantha Vazquez, Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division; Julie A. Morlock, Recording Secretary
Department Heads/Elected Officials Present: Marshell Thomson, Animal Control; Rebecca McNeil, County Treasurer; Michelle Anderson, Auditor; Jerry Vogler, Veterans Assistance Commission.
Others Present: Mr. Patrick Hoban; Connie Clifford, Chief Deputy Supervisor of Assessment Office
Chairman Metsker called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum.
Chairman Metsker presented the minutes of the September 1, 2021 regular meeting of the Finance Committee for approval.
Motion by Laymon/Wollrab to approve the September 1, 2021 regular meeting minutes of the Finance Committee.
Motion carried.
Chairman Metsker confirmed there were no members of the public to appear before the Committee.
Ms. Marshell Thomson, Animal Control Director presented her monthly reports. Chairman Metsker asked if there were any questions; hearing none, she thanked her.
Ms. Michelle Anderson, County Auditor presented for action a request to approve the Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2020 (Report of Federal Awards). Ms. Anderson noted later than usual because federal government had not provided stipulations on how to handle reporting funds provided to the Nursing Home during COVID-19. Ms. Anderson went over the report and indicated there were no negative findings. She provided and went over report we need to submit to the State on grant funding we receive. Ms. Laymon asked if there was a location to review submitted information. Ms. Anderson indicated it is on the State portal. Ms. Metsker thanked her for information.
Motion by Laymon/Erickson to recommend approval of the Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2020 (Report of Federal Awards).
Motion Carried.
Ms. Becky McNeil, County Treasurer presented for action a request to approve Resolutions to Authorize the County Board Chair to Execute Deeds of Conveyance or Assignments.
Motion by Erickson/Wollrab to recommend approval of Resolutions to Authorize the County Board Chair to Execute Deeds of Conveyance or Assignments.
Motion Carried.
Ms. McNeil went over her reports including revenue from shared sales tax, property tax and motor fuel tax and indicated we are doing well. She went over the investment report and indicated rates are still very low. Ms. McNeil went over self-insured plan and indicated numbers are similar to 2020. She then went over Nursing Home Fund including revenue and expenses. Ms. Metsker noted to the Committee the Nursing Home was utilizing contract employees less and census was up. Ms. Wollrab also asked about types of beds. Ms. Metsker agreed it does matter on type of bed and recent admits are Medicare for which we get more reimbursement. Ms. Wollrab asked about progress with Carle agreement. Ms. Taylor stated they are working to increase star rating so we can enter into additional agreements. Ms. McNeil noted Medicare and private pay were both up on her report. Mr. Erickson asked to get recommendations of the Blue-Ribbon panel. Ms. Taylor indicated she would send information to the entire committee. Discussion about meetings and who attends and takes notes. Ms. Taylor stated they are working to complete all recommendations, but most have been met.
Motion by Laymon/Wollrab to accept and place on file the County Treasurer’s Monthly Financial Reports.
Motion Carried.
Ms. Kathy Michael, County Clerk presented her monthly report. Ms. Metsker noted that recording division has been very busy and thanked them for extra effort. Chairman Metsker asked if there were any questions; hearing none, she thanked her.
Ms. Cassy Taylor, Interim County Administrator presented for action a request to approve an Ordinance Amending Designation and Operation Criteria in the Bloomington Normal Enterprise Zone. Mr. Hoban indicated that they had already approved the Intergovernmental Agreement and now others have approved both the initial agreement and this ordinance. Ms. Wollrab asked him to clarify this includes retail. Mr. Hoban confirmed.
Motion Wollrab/Laymon by to recommend approval of an Ordinance Amending Designation and Operation Criteria in the Bloomington Normal Enterprise Zone.
Motion Carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve a Resolution Establishing Rates for Health and Life Insurance Coverage. Ms. Taylor said there would be no increase to employees’ costs for next year. She also went over additional options that will be available to employees. Ms.
Wollrab asked about increase for insurance in the budget. Ms. Taylor confirmed the County is taking the increase not the employees. Ms. Wollrab asked if COBRA rate would be increased. Ms. Dreyer indicated all rates will remain same as 2021. Ms. Metsker stated COBRA is not a rate subsidized by the County because the employee is leaving the organization and questioned it not going up. Ms. Taylor stated they would review and bring any changes to stand up. Committee agreed with that process.
Motion by Wollrab/Laymon to recommend approval of a Resolution Establishing Rates for Health and Life Insurance Coverage.
Motion Carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for the American Rescue Plan Fund 0163. Ms. Taylor stated brought forward incentive for vaccine with nursing home residents and this would be for all other employees. Ms. Taylor noted this is not a mandate or a judgement against those who have decided to not be vaccinated. Ms. Wollrab asked if there was an increase in individuals who received vaccination at the nursing home. Ms. Taylor confirmed there was. Ms. Wollrab stated struggling with this as vaccine is already free, could save lives, and now are incentivizing individuals to get this vaccine. Ms. Taylor stated they also consider incentive to those who continued to serve and were on the front lines during the pandemic. Ms. Wollrab asked about those who have not been vaccinated because of religion or health reasons and if they would be eligible for this. Ms. Taylor confirmed they would be if they submitted form signed by physician or religious leader as not including would be discrimination. Ms. Wollrab indicated she could not support. Ms. Laymon asked if those who are not vaccinated are required to get tested. Ms. Taylor state for health care workers yes. Ms. Laymon asked her to confirm this would be for all employees. Ms. Taylor confirmed.
Motion by Wollrab/Erickson to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for the American Rescue Plan Fund 0163.
Motion Failed. Ms. Metsker voted yes, and Mr. Erickson, Ms. Wollrab and Ms. Laymon voted no.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the County Treasurer Department 0004, including: General Fund 0001 Financial Management Program 0004; and Collector Automation Fund 0168, Financial Management Program 0004. Ms. Taylor went over responsibilities, revenues, expenses and changes from 2021 budget. Ms. Laymon asked if continue to move forward with on-line forms vs paper. Ms. McNeil indicated they are required to be print and mail tax bills per the property tax code. She stated they have a tax platform that has helped greatly as people can go online to see and pay taxes, but her office is still required to mail out notices. Ms. McNeil indicated she meets with IT regularly to discuss available technology options.
Motion by Laymon/Erickson to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the County Treasurer Department 0004, including: General Fund 0001 Financial Management Program 0004; and Collector Automation Fund 0168, Financial Management Program 0004.
Motion carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the Veterans Assistance Communication Fund 0136, Veteran’s Assistance Department 0065, Veteran’s Assistance Program 0074. Ms. Taylor went over services provided to veterans and provided an overview of budget with no major changes to the budget from last year. Ms. Wollrab asked why emergency assistance amount did not increase. Mr. Vogler stated they have seen a reduction in veterans in the county, but also feel bans on evictions and stimulus packages have reduced needs for veterans during COVID. He stated they have started to see some coming in for assistance but feel $40,000 will cover requests. Ms. Metsker asked if there is a cap on annual amount. Mr. Vogler confirmed there is a cap amount per year. Ms. Wollrab indicated she hoped all assistance available would be utilized to help Veterans.
Motion by Laymon/Wollrab to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the Veterans Assistance Communication Fund 0136, Veteran’s Assistance Department 0065, Veteran’s Assistance Program 0074.
Motion carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the Historical Museum Fund 0134, Historical Museum Department 0072, Historical Museum Maintenance Program 0072. Ms. Taylor went over revenue and expenses. Ms. Wollrab asked where lease funding shows up. Ms. Dreyer indicated it is in the Facilities department budget.
Motion by Laymon/Wollrab to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the Historical Museum Fund 0134, Historical Museum Department 0072, Historical Museum Maintenance Program 0072.
Motion carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Bloomington Election Commission Department 0048, City Elections Program 0053. Ms. Taylor and indicated overall budget is 2% less. Ms. Laymon asked about $37,000 increase. Ms. Dreyer stated costs have increased so increasing requested amount. Ms. Laymon asked if we know we will receive that amount from Bloomington. Discussion of Bloomington fiscal cycle that differs from County budget cycle.
Motion by Erickson/Laymon to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Bloomington Election Commission Department 0048, City Elections Program 0053.
Motion carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Assessment Office Department 0049, including Property
Assess/Review/Supervise Program 0054; and Board of Review Program 0055. Ms. Taylor provided an overview of the budget including revenue and expenses and change from 2021 budget. Ms. Laymon asked about increase in occasional seasonal positions for this year. Ms. Clifford stated that their GIS technician is retiring so they plan to hire and train someone for that position before he retires.
Motion by Wollrab/Erickson to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Assessment Office Department 0049, including Property Assess/Review/Supervise Program 0054; and Board of Review Program 0055.
Motion carried.
Ms. Wollrab asked about use of fund balance throughout budget and if our remaining fund balance will meet the parameters set in our policy. Ms. Taylor stated we expect it to be same or better and confirm budget is set up to meet policy. Mr. Erickson asked them to confirm they are working to meet policy set in May. Ms. Taylor confirmed. Ms. Anderson indicated general fund balance changes all the time and need to also consider many things for the health of the organization not just the fund balance.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, County Auditor Department 0003, Auditing & Financial Management Program 0003. Ms. Taylor went over office responsibilities, budget overview, and changes to budget from 2021. Ms. Metsker asked about Clifton Larson Allen. Ms. Anderson indicated that expense comes out of Administration budget.
Motion Laymon/Erickson by to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, County Auditor Department 0003, Auditing & Financial Management Program 0003.
Motion carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the County Clerk Department 0005, including: General Fund 0001, Elections Program 0006, Records Program 0007, and Legal Records Documentation 0008; and Recorder Document Storage Fund 0137, Legal Records Documentation Program 0008; and County Clerk Document Storage Fund 0164, Records Program 0007; and GIS Fees Fund 0167, Legal Records Documentation Program 0008. Ms. Taylor provided an overview of the County Clerk’s services, overall budget, and changes from 2021. Ms. Metsker stated she hoped budget falls within numbers provided. Ms. Michael stated changing legislation can affect her budget. Ms. Wollrab asked for clarification on GIS fees as to whether the fee increased or the amount we received increased. Ms. Taylor confirmed amount received increased. Ms. Michael indicated they have a fee study regarding fees in her office and would bring information to the Committee once that was finalized.
Motion by Wollrab/Laymon to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the County Clerk Department 0005, including: General Fund 0001, Elections Program 0006, Records Program 0007, and Legal Records Documentation 0008; and Recorder Document Storage Fund 0137, Legal Records Documentation Program 0008; and County Clerk Document Storage Fund 0164, Records Program 0007; and GIS Fees Fund 0167, Legal Records Documentation Program 0008.
Motion carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Animal Control Department 0032, including: Animal Control Program 0065 and Municipal Warden Program 0066. Ms. Taylor provided overview of budget including changes from 2021 budget.
Motion by to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Animal Control Department 0032, including: Animal Control Program 0065 and Municipal Warden Program 0066.
Motion carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the Tort Judgement Fund 0135, Tort Judgement Department 0077, including: Risk Management/Insurance Program 0077; and Risk Management/Civil Program 0078. Ms. Wollrab indicated there used to be a risk manager who provided a report to the committee on a quarterly basis and asked that a report be brought again to the Committee on a regular basis. Ms. Taylor indicated staff would request that Mr. Spanos provide a report to the Committee. Ms. Wollrab asked about changes in retention and liability. Ms. Taylor indicated changes were because of loss incurred. Ms. Metsker stated there was a significant increase last year for liability insurance and asked about number staying the same this year. Ms. Taylor indicated amounts are reserves for possible settlements.
Motion by Laymon/Erickson to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the Tort Judgement Fund 0135, Tort Judgement Department 0077, including: Risk Management/Insurance Program 0077; and Risk Management/Civil Program 0078.
Motion carried.
Ms. Taylor presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the Co-Operative Extension Fund 0133, Co-Operative Extension Department 0088, Co Operative Extension Program 0088. Ms. Taylor provided information on this budget including property tax revenue and distribution of funds to the Extension service. Ms. Wollrab questioned the increase. Ms. Metsker indicated levy was inadvertently decreased last year, so this amount brings back up to what agreed to give last year. Ms. Metsker indicated they continue to ask for $400,000 or $500,000 each year, but the University continues to hold onto a fund balance of 1.2 million or 18 months of operating expenses. Ms. Wollrab asked if they are utilizing fund balance. Ms. Metsker stated yes. Ms. Wollrab asked if they are justifying the $350,000. Ms. Metsker stated they match budget to levy amount. Ms. Metsker indicated that the State is supposed to match what County gives but State has not always matched. Ms. Wollrab stated our reserve is 4 months. Ms. Metsker stated they want to hire more people.
Motion to Amend by Wollrab to change to $325,000. No second was provided.
Ms. Metsker stated she would bring up motion was made to reduce this amount. Ms. Wollrab stated she would bring it up at full board. Ms. Metsker encouraged Ms. Wollrab to come to meetings. Ms. Metsker stated other two counties involved do not question. Ms. Laymon stated she wanted to learn more about this issue before voting on this budget. Ms. Dreyer confirmed that levy has not gone through. Ms. Metsker indicated Ms. Dreyer could share documentation from Extension. Discussion about options.
Motion to table Erickson/Laymon until November meeting.
Motion Carried.
Motion by Erickson/Laymon to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget for the Co-Operative Extension Fund 0133, Co-Operative Extension Department 0088, Co-Operative Extension Program 0088.
Ms. Metsker thanked Committee members for doing homework and being prepared to discuss budgets.
Ms. Taylor provided information on County Bond Rating. She stated the 2022 budget included a recommendation for a bond issue through the Public Building Commission. She noted that we have an expiring debt and issuing a new one would pay for necessary renovations and repairs including elevators and changes in Animal Control building.
Ms. Wollrab thanked them for information and budget work. She indicated information has been much simpler and easier to understand. Ms. Metsker agreed.
Chairman Metsker presented the Finance Committee with bills in the amount of $1,054,432.99 for review, and approval as transmitted by the County Auditor.
Motion by Laymon/Wollrab to approve the bills as presented.
Motion carried.
Chairman Metsker asked if there was other business to come before the Committee; hearing nothing, she adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m.
https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/8415
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