Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Finance Council Affairs & Administrative Services Committee met April 14 

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chair Talluto called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call 

Committee Members Present: Talluto, Nudera, Irby, Belanger

Committee Members Absent:

Other Elected Officials Present: Curran

City Staff and Others Present: Coyle, Bruns; Dan Virgil

3. Public Comment

None.

4. Receipt of Written Communication

None. 

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the March 24, 2025, meeting of the Finance, Council Affairs & Administrative Services Committee

A motion to approve the minutes of the March 24, 2025, FCA&AS Committee meeting was made by Alderman Nudera and seconded by Alderman Belanger. A voice vote was taken, and the minutes were approved unanimously.

B. Municipal Utility Fund Analysis

Director Coyle presented an analysis of the Municipal Utility Fund, forecasting future financial results over the next five years. She noted that 2024 revenue ended better than expected, leaving the fund in a better cash position than projected. Other points of emphasis included the amount of water purchased from the DuPage Water Commission (DWC) in 2024, which increased 1.3% over the prior year. Projections for 2025 – 2029 are based on an average of the 2023 and 2024 amounts. The analysis also included a forecast of water and sewer volumetric rates over the next five years. No increase is projected to the DWC or Elmhurst rates in 2025. The forecast for 2026 captures 2025 and 2026 rates increases from DWC, with a 4% increase thereafter, while the Elmhurst rate is forecasted at 3.5% increases from 2026 through 2029. Fixed Capital Investment Recovery Charge (CIRC) rates were also forecasted based on projected debt service payments. Of note was a decrease in the projected rates from the original rate study due to water system project scope changes which generated cost savings of $10.5M. Director Coyle also noted that in 2030, just outside the five-year forecast, there is a projected increase of $20 to the bill rate related to the Bundle 6 phosphorus removal project. Director Coyle also noted the forecast did not include lead service lines due to uncertainty surrounding final requirements and timeline. 

The Committee discussed the DWC water commodity cost at length, deliberating the timeline for passing along DWC rates increases. Staff proposed absorbing the DWC rate increase set to take effect on May 1, 2025 through the remainder of this year, until the 2026 water and sewer rate increases are evaluated. Given the positive 2024 financial results within the fund, the Committee reached consensus with staff’s proposal and will not propose a change in the DWC rate at this time. Water and sewer rates for 2026 will be evaluated in conjunction with the 2026 budget process in the fall.

6. Other Business

Director Coyle introduced the concept of an exempt transfer stamp, as a primer to a full evaluation at a future meeting. Currently, the City does not have a stamp for exempt transactions, such as a sheriff’s sale or deed transfer. As the City has no exempt stamp, these sales can be recorded through the County without a stamp and the City could be left with no recourse for pursuing any outstanding balances due from the original owner.

Alderman Nudera asked staff whether the general ledger account could be included on the accounts payable expenditure reports posted to the City Council meeting agendas. Staff agreed to explore options for providing this as it is not part of the current report generated by the accounting system.

Committee members confirmed they are available to meet on April 28, should there be topics for their review.

7. Adjournment

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

The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public