Cerro Gordo, Illinois

APRIL 27, 2007

A special meeting was held on April 27, 2007 at 5:30 P.M. at 231 E. South Street. The purpose of this meeting was to finalize the budget, salaries, ordinance fines, possible annexation, and to discuss equipment for public safety and public works.

Those present were President Jim Morgan, Trustees Brad Williams, Lyle Shoraga, Rod Forbes, Jerry Morris, Don Ritchie, and Mike Songer. Also present was Clerk Linda Ash.

The meeting was called to order by President Morgan and turned over to Trustee Williams.

Salaries-The national cost of living increase is 3.3%. Apply across the board for everyone. Before, the Board always tied in the insurance cost and pay increases. Clerk Ash’s raise will be different to adjust the collectors pay. The Board is looking for insurance options. This must be done by May 31. Trustee Williams checked with Colette about paying out to employees-not to be done. A motion to approve a pay raise at 3.3%, with the exception of Linda Ash, was made by Trustee Williams, second Morris, all yeas.

Budget

Everyone has a spreadsheet handout. The Committee has cut $500,000 in the budget and we are still left with an $85000 deficit. At issue is the cost of utilities. The Village will need more income to cover the cost. May have to look at water and sewer increases.

Raise the budget amount in Gordy Park to $5000 to replace fencing around ball diamonds. This is a safety issue. May combine with fencing for Born Park to get a better deal. The possibility is also to look at a tax issue. The Board may have to raise street lights and audit amounts. This may be the year to bid out the audit. This should be done every three years and we have used the same firm for four years now.

Drainage has been cut from the budget. The Village is looking for the TIF to come up with some money. Motion to approve the budget made by Trustee Williams, second Morris, all yeas.

Ordinance Fines

The police department is looking to raise the cost of the ordinance fines from $40 to $75. This will help the department raise revenue. Also trying to get traffic citations under Village ordinance so the Village receives that revenue. This will be discussed at the May meeting

Pat is also looking at buying the tasers. By selling the rifles to the officers, selling the old squad car, minus the donation already received the cost of the tasers would only be $300. Colette is still looking into the selling of the rifles. This has been tabled until the next meeting.

Equipment for Public Works

Both items, lawn tractor and pick up truck, are about shot. May look for a good used pick up for Mark instead of new. Motion was made by Trustee Shoraga, second Songer to get the tractor. All yeas. The truck will be tabled for now. The Board will continue to look at other options.

There is a possibility of a piece of property being annexed to the Village. Trustee Williams has approached the owners about doing so. The Village would be willing to absorb the cost of the sewer hook up(there is a tap in place) and any legal fees incurred. The piece of property south of the house is also being considered for annexation. The Village would like to annex both properties at the same time. Both properties are in the TIF district. Motion to offer annexation and negotiate sewer at no cost to individuals made by Trustee Williams, second Morris, all yeas.

No further business was discussed and the meeting adjourned at 6:37 P.M. on a motion by Trustee Forbes, second Shoraga.
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Village Clerk 4/27/07