The Finance Committee of the DeKalb County Board, met on Wednesday, October 5, 2005, @ 7:00p.m. in the DeKalb County Administration Building’s Conference Room East.  Chairman Jeff Whelan called the meeting to order.  Members present were Sue Leifheit, Ruth Anne Tobias and Jeffery Augsburger.  Members absent were Jeff Metzger, Steve Faivre and Dennis Sands.  Others present were Ray Bockman, Gary Hanson, Ken Campbell, Sharon Holmes, Eileen Dubin, Joan Berkes-Hanson and Steve Slack.  A quorum was present.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

            Moved by Ms. Leifheit, seconded by Ms. Tobias, and it was carried unanimously to approve the minutes from September 7, 2005.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

            Moved by Mr. Augsburger, seconded by Ms. Tobias, and it was carried unanimously to approve the agenda as presented.

SALARIES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS

            Mr. Bockman, County Administrator, handed out a one-page suggestion for salaries for elected officials (a copy is attached). He said that he is not looking for any action this evening.  His recommendations are highlighted by 20 “boxes” on the sheet for Committee Chairmen, County Board Chairperson, County Board members, Vice-Chairpersons, County Clerk and Recorder, Sheriff and the Treasurer.  The purpose is statutory and is a requirement of the county board to set the salaries periodically, explained Mr. Bockman.  They must be set before these officials run for election, by May 2006.  Ms. Holmes, the County  Clerk and Recorder, said that they must be set at least six months before the election.

            Mr. Bockman said that he surveyed several counties and he looked at a number of their current salaries for these individuals.  As you might expect, the salaries in DeKalb County fall lower than the counties east and north of our county, and higher than the counties west and south of our county, he explained.

            The committee agreed to bring the issue back to their November 2005 committee meeting for further discussion.

DISCUSSION ON FINANCE COMMITTEE BUDGETS

            Mr. Hanson said that there were no appeals filed by anyone.  He would be able to answer any questions that the committee might have about the budget at this time.

Chairman Whelan asked what the 5-year Special Projects entails, are we setting aside money for something?  Mr. Hanson, Deputy County Administrator, said that the money comes from the General Fund Balance and it ranges from $100,000 to $200,000.  For FY2006 it will have $900,000 in the fund and

they are asking for $200,000 for FY2006.  They plan on spending $450,000 for intended items, like the Sheriff’s communication system or a database system for the State’s Attorney’s Office, etc.

            Chairman Whelan then asked Mr. Hanson about the Land  Acquisition line item and wondered if that deals with the Highway Department.  Mr. Hanson said that it was for buying property for the Sycamore Campus, but they have now moved that to the Opportunity Fund.

            Ms. Dubin and Ms. Tobias both wondered what other things come out of the Opportunity Fund?  Mr. Hanson said that for next year they are looking at the remodeling for the Public Safety Building, potential house acquisitions as they come up, money for the federal lobbyists if chosen, and money for the drug court.

            Moved by Ms. Leifheit, seconded by Mr. Augsburger, and it was carried unanimously to place the budget on file for public view.  Mr. Hanson said that there will be a public hearing held on the budget and also the property tax levy at the November Finance Committee Meeting, November 2, 2005.  He will also be publishing these notices in the local newspapers.

            Before adjourning, Chairman Whelan said that Mr. Steve Faivre, has resigned effective immediately from the county board and that Chairman Tobias to find a new member.  There will be declaration of vacancy issued at the Executive Committee and then a possible appointment will be forthcoming.

            Chairman Whelan also asked the committee about Mr. Sands’ request for a special meeting to discuss the budget.  The committee felt a special meeting would not be necessary as there was still a November committee meeting to discuss the budget.  The committee suggested that Mr. Whelan encourage Mr. Sands to submit his specific suggestions as soon as possible.

ADJOURNMENT

            Moved by Ms. Tobias, seconded by Ms. Leifheit, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

                                                                        Respectively submitted,

                                                                        _________________________________

                                                                        Chairman Jeff Whelan

________________________________

Mary C. Supple, Secretary

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