Milledgeville Trustees Discuss Financial Shortfall from the State of Illinois

Before the regular meeting of the Village of Milledgeville, a Special Meeting was held at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Hall to discuss a report from a municipal magazine that stated villages and cities would receive less tax revenue in 2010 compared to previous years. Trustees Doug Biller, Bill Stage, Gary Geirnaeirt, Gene Behrens, Stan Eads and Gary Judd were present, as were Village President Galen Wirth and Clerk Christine Ottens.

The report broke down the amounts that may be received on a per capita basis, which will affect Milledgeville’s already depleted funds. A list of items that may have to be cut was presented and discussed, as was a list of items that have already been cut to help the budget shortfall.

Phone lines have already been cut, heat has been turned down, employee overtime has been reduced, outside labor costs have been drastically cut, as have many other items.

The Board was asked to consider more cuts. Items slated for completion or purchase this year, such as some mowing and upkeep, road repairs, water projects, and the purchase of equipment were some of the items discussed. The Board will consider these items and meet again at a Special Meeting on March 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The regular meeting started promptly at 7:30 p.m., with all present from the Special Meeting, including Chief Jim Haag and Ellen Burgeson, CDAP Grant Administration.

The demolition and garbage removal from the home on Cochran St. that was destroyed by fire was discussed. Some materials for disposal remained at the curb for a few weeks, due to the fact that it was not normal garbage and material that Wiersema Waste would normally haul every week. Chief Haag reported that the house has been demolished, and the work had been done quickly.

Maintenance Supervisor Greg Miller had asked previously about the Village possibly approving a partial payment for the proposed co-purchase of the Total Patcher road repair equipment. But because of the special meeting financial report, Biller motioned, seconded by Judd, to not purchase the Patcher at this time. The motion passed 6-0.

Ellen Burgeson conducted a Public Hearing for the CDAP Grant #07-242022, regarding the Water Tower. She reported that the Village had received $350,000 from the CDAP Grant, and the hearing required to close out the grant. Of the $350,000, construction of the tower was $331,500, and $18,500 went to grant administration.

The Board thanked Burgeson for her work on the project. She responded that the Milledgeville Public Works crew had been very helpful throughout the constructiuon. She also thanked former Village Clerk JoAnne Ludewig for all of her assistance.

President Wirth asked for a transfer of $50,000 from the TIF fund into the General fund since funds are low. This will be used to continue to pay the bills. The transfer was unanimously approved.

Wirth continued, stating he had purchased two Certificates of Deposit on behalf of the Village, in order to get a higher interest rate, hence, more income for the Village. One CD was out of the Water Tower Debt service account in the amount of $40,000 for 12 months. That CD will accrue interest at a rate of 1.6%, rather than the .75% accrued in the savings account it was in. The other CD was for $50,000, paid out of the TIF Redevelopment savings account. The CD is for 6 months at an interest rate of 1.25%

Chief Haag reported that he had completed the test to become the Freedom of Information Act Officer for the Village. he has also taken the Open Meetings Act test, Clerk Ottens has also completed both tests, making the Village 100% compliant.

Ottens reported that the Village had received a letter from the Milledgeville Credit Union regarding proposed activities for the “Mid Summer Bash.” The letter will be sent to other Milledgeville businesses as well, asking for community involvement.

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