03/04/2002MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 4, 2002
The Village Board met as a Committee of the Whole in the conference room of the Village Hall at
8:55 P.M. on Monday, March 4, 2002. In attendance were:
Steven Harris, Mayor
Robert Franz, Village Manager
Jerry Kayne, Trustee
Robert Fialkowski, Director of Finance
Derek Ragona, Trustee
John Sliozis, Chief of Police
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee
Barbara Little, Director of Public Works/Engineering
William Seiden, Trustee
Diane Mikula, Assistant to Village Manager
Vernon Swanson, Trustee
Matthew Wylie, Trustee
Proposed Budget - Fiscal Year 2002-03
Mayor Harris began the meeting by suggesting a budget review schedule that would include: a
general review of the document at this meeting; an in-depth discussion of new operating budget
initiatives and capital items following the March 18th Board meeting; and a review of
personnel/salary matters in executive session following the April 1st Board meeting. There were no
objections to this schedule.
After brief comments regarding the budget transmittal memo, the Manager asked the Director of
Finance to highlight some changes he had proposed to the budget format. Although the document
is substantially the same as in the past, a few funds are now incorporated into the General Fund and
the overall budget now includes all expenditures, including Tax Increment Financing funds which in
the past were included in the Capital Budget but not shown in the consolidated budget summary.
Revenue projections were reviewed with the Board as was the annual fee and tax survey showing
how Deerfield compares with surrounding communities. Staff indicated that no tax or fee increases
were proposed for 2002-03. However, it was noted that, due to decreases forecasted in other
revenues, a property tax increase or other new revenue sources will be needed as early as fiscal year
'04. Capital project demands would also require increases in water and sewer rates in "04. Trustee
Rosenthal suggested that the Board needs to spend some time discussing a Telecommunication Tax.
Although discussed in the past, she believes that it is time to seriously consider this revenue source.
There was brief discussion on new proposals in the General Fund: the additional of a Computer
Systems Coordinator; implementing a Geographic Information System (GIS); and planning
consultant services for updating the Village's Comprehensive Plan. Health insurance costs are
expected to increase by approximately 20%. Also, there are several equipment purchases (new and
replacements) scheduled for this next fiscal year.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 P.M.
Minutes prepared by:
RO RT D. FRANZ, Village an r