Illinois Valley Times

City of Peru Finance Committee met April 14

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ROLL CALL: Aldermen Payton, Sapienza, and Tieman present. Alderman Ballard absent

MINUTES

Alderman Tieman made a motion to approve the Finance Committee Minutes of March 3, 2025, and the Closed Session Minutes of June 12, 2023, March 4, 2024, March 18, 2024, April 15, 2024, April 29, 2024, May 13, 2024, June 10, 2024, June 24, 2024, December 9, 2024, January 6, 2025, February 3, 2025, February 17, 2025, March 3, 2025. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion; motion carried.

PRESENTATION

None

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

FINANCE

Finance Officer Tracy Mitchell submitted the proposed draft budget and reported that the General Fund has a deficit of $400,000. Ms. Mitchell also discussed Landfill and Airport funds. Alderman Payton stated that not all municipalities have a balanced budget and noted forecast projects and grant assurances along with timing, regularly using reserves to manage deficits. Ms. Mitchell reviewed increases and decreases across departments. Alderman Payton noted the first draft of the budget has all budget requests included and that they will meet again with department heads individually to fine tune. Mayor Kolowski noted the $600,000 less projected revenue and is fearful of future business losses. Mayor Kolowski noted the fire department truck painting and new cars for police department. Alderman Payton reasserted this is a preliminary budget and we need to have multiple reviews.

Finance Officer Tracy Mitchell reported on the additional fuel adjustment added to the Republic Services contract. Ms. Mitchell noted the rate per resident with the fuel adjustment is $19.12 and the contract states $19.01 to which we are currently in a deficit. Ms. Mitchell recommended updating the garbage fees ordinance for the remainder of the contract in the amounts of:

• $19.75-May 1, 2025-April 30, 2026

• $20.50-May 1, 2026-April 30, 2027

• $21.25-May 1, 2027-April 30, 2028

Finance Officer Tracy Mitchell initiated a discussion regarding our rate structure with comparison with neighboring communities. Alderman Payton asserted the need for a comprehensive review and long-term strategy.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Kim Reese, Director of Human Resources, reviewed proposed changes to the wage ordinance.

Ms. Reese reviewed health and dental rate increases. (6.1% increase for health; 9.5% increase for dental).

Committee discussed the IMRF Authorized Agent Change and noted that outgoing city clerk Dave Bartley is currently the authorized agent and recommended appointing Kim Reese as authorized agent.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Payton discussed/recommended $500 donation to the ACES Baseball Organization for the upcoming traveling baseball tournament held at Veteran’s Park on May 2-4, 2025; with proceeds going to St. Jude.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

CLOSED SESSION

Alderman Tieman made a motion to go into closed session meetings where the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body is considered, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired, meetings where setting of the price for sale or lease of real estate owned by the public body is being considered, and meetings held to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Payton, Sapienza, and Tieman voting aye. Alderman Ballard absent. Motion carried.

Closed session began at 6:18 p.m. and ended at 7:15 p.m.

Alderman Tieman made a to re-open the meeting. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Bartely called the roll with Aldermen Payton, Sapienza, and Tieman voting aye; Alderman Ballard absent. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Sapienza made a motion to adjourn. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

https://www.peru.il.us/government/agendas-and-minutes/minutes/finance-committee-minutes/finance-committee-minutes-2025/6893-finance-committee-minutes-04-14-25/file