Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle Finance Committee met Oct. 28

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Ptak called the Meeting to order at 6:00 pm

ROLL CALL

Present: Chairman Ptak, Alderman Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane

Absent: NONE

Others Present: Finance Director John Duncan, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, City Engineer Brian Brown, Director of Public Works, Kevin Fay, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, City Attorney James McPhedran (arrived at 6:21 pm)

A quorum was present.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the minutes from October 14, 2024.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Bart Hartauer introduced himself and explains the purpose of the presentation, which is to propose a change in health insurance broker agent of record for the City of LaSalle. Hartauer acknowledged the city’s long-term relationship with Blue Cross Blue Shield and the challenges in the current health insurance market. He outlines the services that his agency would provide, including annual reviews of employee benefits, assistance with enrollment, and handling disputes with insurance companies. Hartauer highlights the experience and local presence of his agency, emphasizing their ability to provide bilingual support and maintain a high level of customer service.

Alderman Ptak did ask if the premiums would stay the same. Hartauer confirmed that the rates would be the same. Ptak suggested that the city does rotate between the two brokers, Brennan & Stuart and Hartauer’s agency to ensure fairness.

Alderman Thompson questioned switching health insurance providers, including the need for union negotiations if there are substantial changes. Thompson was also concerned about the impact on the employees and the need for a smooth transition. 

Hartuaer reassured the committee that the plan would remain the same, and the only change would be the agent of record.

Chairman Ptak suggested that he would like to reach out to Brennan & Stuart, the current health insurance broker, to request a proposal for comparison.

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to table the proposal from Hartauer Insurance regarding Health Insurance Renewal Representation.

ROLL CALL

AYES: Chairman Bacidore, Aldermen Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Finance Director John Duncan provided an overview of the financial audit report from Fiscal Year 2024. Duncan mentioned that the committee members had all received a bound copy of the Audit Report. This will also be posted to the city’s website. Duncan read an email from the auditor in regard to the audit. The auditor stated that there were no glaring concerns for the city of La Salle, with no found significant deficiencies in internal control or compliance.

Duncan summarized the audit report and stated how the IMRF pension fund is 92.5% funded, and the police pension is trending towards full funding by 2040. The firefighters' pension is also making progress, with 84.54% currently funded. The general fund revenues exceeded the budget by $1 million, primarily due to ARPA funds, resulting in positive increase in the fund balance.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Chairman Ptak adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2024-11/10-28-24.pdf