Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Finance/Audit Committee met March 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Allen called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy (RP), January (RP)

Absent: None

II. DISCUSSION OF APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 REALLOCATING $40,000 FROM DEPARTMENT 115 LINE 50900 “OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES” TO BE PROPORTIONALLY REALLOCATED TO LINE 65051 TO 65057 “ALDERMANIC EXPENSES”:

Chief of Staff, Greg Jackson explained the request for $40,000 reallocated for aldermanic expenses (Legislative Budget) from the 2024 Appropriation Ordinance. It rested upon the council members vs. staff. In addition, re-evaluating the future expenses for FY 2025. This item led to a proposal, and he was asking for a consensus moving forward. He compared other local municipal aldermanic expenses and explained expenditure items, pension obligations, froze the property tax within the 2025 budget. The $9,000 for each alderman had already been spent; remaining amount of $37,000 was for the fiscal year; he recommended it was utilized for the last (7) weeks of the fiscal year. It would allow for flexibility as needed with spending amongst the council members. All departments have been provided with the direction of free spending.

Alderman Jackson asked why the need of addition expenditures; he won’t support it or an amended ordinance. Alderman January agreed with Alderman Jackson; she recalled was unable to attend the conferences and if so, would be overbudgeted.

Chief of Staff Jackson agreed needed an effective mechanism to serve all interests.

Alderman Evans emphasized the aldermen wasn’t asking for additional money; funds were already budgeted but not utilized.

Alderman Coleman inquired if 2025 budget would be separate line items and if decision was to pool the money or not. Chief of Staff Jackson explained, the budget would need several options with strict guidelines. It would require due diligence. Alderman Coleman expressed need to spend the remaining amount.

Mr. Jackson strongly stated it was the best solution, based on what was requested and the need of the council.

Alderman Allen suggested the remaining money be placed in the general fund for the police.

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson that the Finance/Audit Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy (RP), January (RP)

Nays: None

Absent: None

The meeting stand adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

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