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MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING/TAX REFERENDUM WORKSHOP
The Board of Commissioners of the Village of Palos Park, Cook County, Illinois held a Special Council Meeting/Tax Referendum Workshop on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Answering to roll call were Commissioners Milovich-Walters, O’Connor and Mayor Mahoney. Commissioners Pavlatos and Polk were not in attendance. Also in attendance were Carol Bryson, Village Clerk; Patricia Jones, Village Administrator; Donald Renner, Attorney; Barbara Mazairek, Finance Director; Joe Miller, Chief of Police; Steve Manning, Community Development Director; Nicole Marxman, Recreation Director; Sheila Sosnicki, Library Director; Kathleen May, Deputy Clerk and Cathy Gabel, Deputy Clerk. Mayor Mahoney opened the Special Council Meeting with remarks regarding the February 2nd Primary Election referendum question to raise the Village Tax Rate to fund the Palos Park Police Pension Fund. In 2002, the police officers submitted a petition signed by residents to place two questions on the ballot regarding a police pension fund. Village residents voted to participate in a pension fund however, the residents voted not to fund such a pension plan. Since its inception, significant general operating fund revenues have been used to fund the police pension plan. With revenues in decline, it is necessary to request a tax rate increase in order to pay the approximately $200,000 annual police pension fund contribution, and to continue police staffing and services at current levels. Mayor Mahoney spoke of the referendum impact on resident’s tax bills by saying the proposal is to raise the 2009 limiting rate by $0.099 (less than 10 cents) per $100 of equalized Assessed valuation (“EAV”). A home in Palos Park with an EAV of $101,535 would see an increase of approximately $101 on their tax bill. A home with an EAV of $210,343 would see an increase of approximately $208. Given these economic times, Mayor Mahoney stated that this has been a difficult decision for the Village to make. Commissioner O’Connor believes we all share the belief that the Village must remain fiscally sound and must be financially sustainable. The Village’s goal is and has been to budget well and live within our means. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Howard Pocius – 55 Romiga Lane, Palos Park – Mr. Pocius asked Council if the Village has done a comparative study on a per capita basis on the cost of our services. How do we compare to other municipalities? Jim Kline – 131 Forest Edge Ct., Palos Park – Stated the budget for the full-time Police Department is increasing 61/2 % per year. Actuary has presented data that indicates the pensions could be earning 71/4 % and that would be enough to fund the benefits of the full-time police staff. Last year however, the pension fund made only 2% after expenses. Mr. Kline believes the pension liabilities are vastly understated. Reduce full-time police employees. Mr. Kline was complimentary of the Police Department. Steve Skirba – 12620 S. 84th Avenue, Palos Park – Complimented Joe Miller and the Police Department. Police Department deserves a pension plan. The current liability unfunded is $1.4 million. Concerned that we’re not getting correct assumptions. Would like to see actuarial evaluation for ten years with realistic assumptions. In agreement with Mr. Kline. Don Mahoney – 11720 Brookside Dr., Palos Park – Mr. Mahoney is a retired International Representative of IBEW. Mr. Mahoney negotiated labor agreements for IBEW for 37 years. Commends Council. The Village needs good solid full-time individuals who can look forward to a decent pension. Lance Laborde – 96 Old Creek Road, Palos Park – Mr. Laborde stated his taxes have gone up approximately 40% in the last 12 years and would not likely get in these economic times what he paid for his house 12 years ago. Most people are tapping into their “rainy day funds” and so should the Village. Maria Rogers – 12021 93rd Avenue, Palos Park – Mrs. Rogers was concerned about an article in the Southtown newspaper about the Village asking for a tax increase and the possibility of Taste of Palos being cut from the budget. Mrs. Rogers stated the seniors will be the ones really affected. Administrator Jones stated she did not say Taste of Palos would be cut. Mayor Mahoney closed the meeting by saying there will be much criticism about the tax increase however, the Village Council takes its residents comments, criticisms etc. very seriously. Mayor thanked all the residents who came out and those listening at home. Administrator Jones reported information on the tax increase will be available in the February/March Village Newsletter which will be available Monday, January 25th on-line. Hard copies will be available at the Kaptur Administrative Center. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Commissioner O’Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows: Ayes: -3- Commissioners O’Connor, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor Mahoney Nays: -0- Absent: -2- Commissioners Pavlatos and Polk ________________________
Cathy A. Gabel
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