Chambana Sun

Vermilion County Finance & Personnel Committee met March 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Agenda Item 1 - Call to Order and Roll Call

Committee Chairman Steve Fourez called the Finance & Personnel meeting to order at 5:00 PM. Upon the call of the roll, the following members were present; Robert Boyd, Steve Fourez, Todd Johnson, Becky Stark, Bruce Stark, and Crisi Walls. Wes Bieritz was absent and excused. Also, in attendance was Darren Duncan, Vermilion County Treasurer; Bill Wright, Vermilion County Auditor; Alexis Berlin, Chief Deputy Auditor; Doug Toole, Health Department Administrator; Bill Donahue, Risk Consultant; Stephanie Weber, Assistant State’s Attorney; and Michael Marron, Vermilion County Board Chairman.

Agenda Item 2 - Adoption/Amendments to the Agenda

Walls motioned, second by Mr. Stark, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion passed by acclama- tion.

Agenda Item 3 - Approval of Minutes – February 5th ,2017

Mrs. Stark moved, second by Walls, to approve the minutes with the correction. Motion passed by accla- mation.

Agenda Item 4 - Audience Comments None

Agenda Item 5 - Financial Update

Ms. Briggs distributed a financial update report that included the year end reports for the 2016-2017 fis- cal year. These reports were discussed. The General Fund had a deficit in expected revenue of around $900,000, but expenditures were significantly under budget. For the 2017 – 2018 fiscal year, the tax levy has been increased which will contribute to increase the General Fund. A month-end report for January was also provided at the beginning of the meeting.

Agenda Item 6 - Ordinance: Amendment to the Annual Budget and Appropriation for the State Attor- ney’s Office – VOCA Grant

Stark moved, second by Walls, to discuss. 

The State’s Attorney’s Office has been awarded a grant to help aid the Victim/Witness Program. This budget amendment is to add the salary expense for these positions which will then be reimbursed quar- terly by the federal grant. Stephanie Weber from the State’s Attorney’s office was present to answer any questions. She also stated that the in the last few years the legislation has added requirements for the State’s Attorney’s office regarding the Victim Bill of Rights. The additional personnel will help assist in complying with those laws.

Upon the call of the roll the following members voted yes, to wit: Robert Boyd, Steve Fourez, Todd John- son, Becky Stark, Bruce Stark, and Crisi Walls. 6 yes, 1 absent

Agenda Item 7 - Ordinance: Amendment to the Annual Budget and Appropriation for the VOCA Salary

Mr. Stark moved, second by Boyd to discuss. 

The State’s Attorney’s office must provide a portion of the salary for the new Victim/Witness Program. This amount was originally budgeted in the State’s Attorney salary line and is being moved to the grant salary line. Therefore, no additional funding has been added to the budget.

Upon the call of the roll the following members voted yes, to wit: Robert Boyd, Steve Fourez, Todd John- son, Becky Stark, Bruce Stark, and Crisi Walls. 6 yes, 1 absent

Agenda Item 8 - Ordinance: Amendment to the Annual Budget and Appropriation for State’s Attorney’s Office – Books and Periodicals

Mrs. Stark moved, second by Walls to discuss. 

The State’s Attorney’s office has asked to move $10,000 from Books & Periodicals to Case Expense. The case expenses have increased with use of more Grand Juries this fiscal year.

Upon the call of the roll the following members voted yes, to wit: Robert Boyd, Steve Fourez, Todd Johnson, Becky Stark, Bruce Stark, and Crisi Walls. 6 yes, 1 absent

Agenda Item 9 – IMRF Discussion

A discussion was held about the IMRF fund, specifically concerning the Elected County Official Account (ECO) and the SLEP Enhancement Account. The Regular Account is well funded at this time. The ECO ac- count had a balance of $148,931.17 at the end of 2017. While this account does have a positive balance, there are still around 8 officials that will retire from that fund. If a long serving elected official should re- tire, that account would then expect to fall into a negative balance. The SLEP Enhancement account had a balance of -$888,717.34 at the end of 2017. Not only is the county not funded, but every year the county is paying a 7.5% interest on that account as well. The County’s IMRF Representative, Mandy Beedie, met with the County Board, Treasurer, and Auditor offices and suggested making a supplement payment to these funds. Chairman Marron brought the idea that a large payment should be made to both accounts from the General Fund. The General Fund currently has a large fund balance that can only make a small percent interest on short term CDs. A large payment to these IMRF accounts would result in positive IMRF funds, smaller percentage in yearly contributions, and 7.5% earned interest for the ac- count rather than a penalty every year.

Agenda Item 10 – Executive Session

Not necessary

Agenda Item 11 - Items of Information

Half of the County Board Department has moved to the Vermilion County Administration Building and the rest of the offices will be moving this week. The County Clerk department positions not involved in the election will move next. The positions that are involved in the election and the Danville Election Commission will move when the election is over. Chairman Marron stated that after the offices have moved, he would like to meet with the Sheriff to discuss a security plan and have an active shooter training. All County Board and committee meetings will take place at the Vermilion County Administration Building starting April 1st. Chairman Marron discussed how smooth the transition to the Vermilion County Administration Building has been due to the County employees, especially in the Technology and Building & Grounds departments. He would like to discuss bonuses after the move has been fully completed.

Agenda Item 12 – Adjournment

Chairman Fourez adjourned the meeting at 5:35PM.

http://countyboard.vercounty.org/meeting%20minutes/Finance%20Personnel%20Minutes_03_05_18.pdf