Lake County Gazette

North Chicago City Council met Monday, Dec. 12.

Here are the minutes as provided by North Chicago:

Special Meeting, Monday, December 12, 2016

MINUTES

The City Council of North Chicago met in a Special Meeting Monday, December 12, 2016 at 6:01 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 1850 Lewis Avenue with Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. presiding.

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

Upon roll call being taken, the following members were present:

Present: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January

Absent: None

Interim Comptroller, Mary Wells explained the urgency of filing the 2016 Tax Levy. It was similar to the previous year. The 10.6% encompassed the debt service and pensions and it would be increased. She suggested a $208,137 reduction amount in operations and the equalized assessed value (EAV) was decreasing.

The Mayor explained that a 0% increase as prior year.

Alderman Markham questioned if there were ideas in guaranteeing the outcome. Ms. Wells stated the city was under budgeted currently.

Chief of Staff, Deb Waszak elaborating further that the City was trending approximately $500,000 under budget.

Alderman Allen requested enlightening the council of the decreased spending and reductions from the staff.

The Mayor stated the recent 5 years the total budget wasn’t increased. The City had been managed quite well. Alderman Allen stated that data made a difference and he had none.

Mrs. Waszak stated that she could provide year-to-date budgets. The auditors would provide a good report.

Alderman Markham verified there would be an increase in various areas although 0% increase approved? The Mayor explained there were unnegotiable obligations to be met.

Alderman Markham requested the figures and didn’t receive them.

Treasurer, Kenneth Robinson clarified the difference of a Budget vs. Levy. The reduction was based on previous year figure amounts. He suggested the aldermen and staff offer budget reduction analysis.

III. REGULAR AGENDA

3-1 2016 PROPERTY TAX LEVY ORDINANCE

Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the 2016 Tax Levy with a 0% increase and no new monies be added in the amount of $10,357,251.

Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

IV. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Charles January

He stated the City owed $102,000,000 to the Police & Fire Pension. The City had no vision; suggested reviewing the salaries of staff and contracted staff; Interim Comptroller was paid at $77/hr. and former Interim; $98/hr. If there was a property tax increase, individuals would “walk away.” The average person’s salary wasn’t $20,000. He suggested that the Mayor devise a city plan. Business development was non-existent.

Betty Harris

She indicated the need to balance spending; concerned for the senior citizen’s wellbeing; the City needed to maintain the monies within, there was need to outsource and privatize; there were talented business owners; there was no new revenue and the attorney wasn’t necessary to attend every meeting.

The Mayor stated that $500,000 was under budgeted and housing for seniors met the qualifications.

V. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Runnels, seconded by Alderman Markham that the meeting stand adjourned.

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.