McHenry Times

Village of Cary Committee of the Whole met Sept. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ATTENDANCE 

Village Board of Trustees 

Mayor Mark Kownick, Trustee Dale Collier, Trustee Ellen McAlpine, Trustee Rick Dudek, Trustee Anthony Stefani, Trustee Rick Walrath, Trustee Jennifer Weinhammer

Others Present 

Village Administrator Morimoto, Assistant Village Administrator Sage, Community Development Director Simmons, Public Works Director Noonan, Police Chief Finlon, Finance Director Brainerd, Economic Development Specialist Gardner, Village Attorney Uhler

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kownick at 7:22 p.m.

II. Roll Call

The roll was called and all were present.

III. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Kownick led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

IV. Public Comments

There being no comments, Mayor Kownick closed Public Comments at 7:23 p.m.

V. Discussion Items

A. New Revenue Sources Discussion

Finance Director Brainerd provided an overview of potential new revenue sources, including information on a non-home rule sales tax that was requested at the last budget meeting.

Assistant Village Administrator Sage provided information regarding the projected funding shortfall for the Village's road maintenance program, potential non-home rule sales tax revenue, and the referendum process that would be required if the Committee desires to consider a non-home rule sales tax.

Mayor Kownick stated the Board can also consider a referendum to change the Village's non-home rule status. Mayor Kownick also noted that other surrounding communities have gone through the referendum process and had success with it to address things like road improvements.

Trustee Collier stated he feels the referendum for home-rule fails more often than the non-home rule sales tax.

Trustee Walrath stated more education is needed on what is included in home-rule to answer the question on what other benefits there are besides the home-rule sales tax.

Trustee Dudek asked for an analysis about utilizing bonds with the non-home rule sales tax as the dedicated revenue source to sell bonds in order to maximize the amount of roads that could be improved sooner rather than later with the funds since costs continue rise.

Trustee McAlpine stated it is important to plan for the revenue shortfall now rather than later, when road repair costs would be higher.

Assistant Village Administrator Sage stated that the direction from the Committee is that staff will prepare information regarding a potential referendum to change to home-rule status, as well as information regarding potential revenue bonds. This information will be presented at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.

VI. Adjourn

Motion: 

There being no further items to discuss, Mayor Kownick entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. 

Motion moved by Trustee McAlpine and motion seconded by Trustee Walrath. Motion Passed.

AYES: Collier, McAlpine, Dudek, Stefani, Walrath, Weinhammer

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

https://www.caryillinois.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09192023-72