July 7, 2014 - Finance Committee Meeting Minutes

Finance Committee Meeting

7/7/14

 

Committee: Thomas Hilliard – Chairman

Dale Fox

Dave Godwin

Kris King – Clerk

Michael Schwab – Mayor

Rob Pauli

The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm. Mr. Hilliard discussed that he went over the expense statements. Said we were in good shape except for two. The two in question are the Capital Project General, #D373250. Appropriated was $128,103.65. Spent to date was $94,776.57. The second one is benefits for the fire department, #B91B212. Appropriated was $22,000. Spent to date was $18,418.25. Kris King explained that the fire department’s workers comp. was already paid for the year and that is the majority of the amount.

 

We appropriated $20,000 for skate park improvements and it looks like we won’t be using any of that this year.

 

Mr. Hilliard went on to explain about the Boy Scout building. He talked to a representative for the Boy Scouts. They have no issues giving up half of the building for the police vehicles to be stored. He explained that this is a good solution to save funds until we have enough to build a proper garage. The mayor/village administrator estimates approximately $6000. to get the garage door and proper permits so this can be done. Mr. Hilliard stated that while he was down there, he noticed the roof on that building needs to be re-shingled.

 

Mr. Hilliard also explained that he has voted for the recent sewer increases and that he is not happy with ordinances #34, #25, and #11, 2013. These ordinances were created to save money for the general fund but they pay wages and benefits out of the utilities. If we keep increasing the utilities, he doesn’t agree with putting the burden on the residents.

 

Mr. Hilliard brought up medical benefits. He doesn’t believe that we should fund the $4500. medical deductibles for the employees. He said that it is not fair to all the employees. It only benefits the employees who use the medical benefits. The clerk, Kris King, and the mayor, Michael Schwab, explained that the deductibles offset the cost to keep the insurance low.

 

Mr. Hilliard asked about the income tax administrator. How do we want to handle it? Are we going to use the same administrator? Mr. Tharp asked what we are going to do for the year 2015? If we are going to do something, we need to do it soon. The mayor explained that he has no intention of switching. We are paying $9000. and Rita would be $25,000. plus. The village solicitator has indicated that Joe’s Tax Service would be a conflict of interest. Mr. Godwin asked if there was a problem. Mr. Hilliard said none that he knows of but suggested there may be some interest from other employees at a lower cost. Mr. Godwin passed out material explaining that we save $21,000. this year due to pay raises being held off till September.

 

Mr. Hilliard stated that this is his opinion: He is worried about lack of income growth and the amount of spending we are doing.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 6:25pm.