Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Finance Council Affairs & Administrative Services Committee met Oct. 28

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chair Talluto called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

2. Roll Call 

Committee Members Present: Talluto, Jensen, Nudera, Irby

Committee Members Absent:

Other Elected Officials Present: Curran, Levin (7:11), Bram (7:37), Cahill (7:43), Deuter (8:03), Haddad-Tamer (8:03), Sienko (8:05), Hill (8:05)

City Staff and Others Present: Coyle, Bruns, Kravets, Grabowski (7:43), Dufort (8:05), Sianis (8:06), Novak (8:06); Barbara Lonergan, Dan Virgil (7:49)

3. Public Comment – None.

4. Receipt of Written Communication – None.

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the October 15, 2024, meeting of the Finance, Council Affairs & Administrative Services Committee

A motion to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2024, FCA&AS Committee meeting was made by Alderman Jensen and seconded by Alderman Irby. A voice vote was taken, and the minutes were approved unanimously.

B. 2025 Budget – Key Revenue Assumptions

Director Coyle continued presentation of the performance and expectations of several key revenues, covering the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Funds, Parking Fund, and Municipal Utility Fund. TIF revenue projections have historically been based on a 5% growth rate, with adjustment for any known substantial developments in the TIF. The 2025 budgets incorporate this 5% growth, while a half year of the new Vyne on Haven development has been added in addition to the growth rate for 2026. The Parking Fund revenues are based on 2024 estimated results and includes a $1.6 million transfer from the General Fund to the Parking Fund to permanently forgive the amount owed from the pandemic. The 2025 budget for the Municipal Utility Fund was reviewed in comparison to the rate study. Staff highlighted why a rate increase may not be necessary. The Committee discussed reviewing the new water supply rate from the DuPage Water Commission when released next year to determine the impact on rates. That rate is typically effective May 1st. Additionally, the Committee will need to address whether to continue the senior CIRC rate freeze currently in effect, which expires at the end of 2024 as originally written in the ordinance.

C. 2024 Preliminary Property Tax Levy

The Committee continued discussion of the 2024 proposed property tax levy. Final direction from the Committee will be required at the next Committee meeting November 12, with the first reading by City Council on November 18. The Committee continued to discuss the increase necessitated by a shift in public works salaries from the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) fund into the General Fund. Additional information was requested on the funding level for roadway projects achieved by the shift in salaries, compared to past years. In addition, the Committee would like an alternative property tax levy scenario which splits the increase by half, including recommended options for General Fund expenditures cuts which would be necessary as a result, and how it would impact proposed roadway projects in the Motor Fuel Tax Fund. The Committee also requested a comparison of the increases in the tax levy since 2019 as compared to CPI for the same period.

D. Veteran Vehicle Sticker

Finance staff surveyed several other communities that sell vehicle stickers to identify whether they offer a discounted vehicle sticker rate for veterans and active military members. Director Coyle presented the findings of the survey, and the Committee had a preliminary discussion of the topic, including potential estimated reductions to City revenue as a result. The topic will be discussed further at a future meeting.

6. Other Business

None.

7. Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by Alderman Nudera and seconded by Alderman Jensen. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

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