The Minonk City Council approved the budget for 2010-2011 at its Monday night meeting. The new budget will start May 1 with a balance of $2,783,836. Budgeted expenses are $3,583,405 with a budgeted revenue of $2,317,733 which will leave the city with an ending balance of $1,518,164 as of April 30, 2011. Mayor Bill Koos said that is was very difficult this year to come up with a budget because know one knows what type of revenue will be forthcoming from the State of Illinois this year as the state is over $9 billion in debt. Both the Mayor and City Adminstrator Doug Elder thanked all those where involved with the budget this year. Elder said the budget was comprehensive and is a very workable budget that should bring the most good within the constraints of what revenue is available. To view a summary of the budget, click here.
Motor Fuel Tax Street Maintenance Plan
Joe Adams of the Farnsworth Group, the City's engineering consultant, told the council that $57,000 will be needed this year for street maintenance. This money comes from the city's share of the Motor Fuel Tax that is collected by the state each year and distributed to the various municipalities. Adams said he and Public Works Supervisor Charlie McGuire drove all the streets of Minonk this spring to determine which streets needed repair in the form of either spray patching or oil and chip application. Adams said 20% less will be spent this year on street repair as the streets are in better shape that he anticipated. He said Minonk's streets are in better shape than most communities. The council approved the request for $57,000 for street maintenance.
Other Business
The council approved $833.22 in expenses for completion of the concession stand at Veterans Park.
The sale of two inoperable trucks to Greg Frei of Minonk was approved by the council.
The council approved the adoption of a 90/10 split on health insurance fees between the city and its employees. Previously, the city paid 100% of the employees health insurance premium. The 10% portion of the premium will be deducted from the employees pay check
City Administrator Comments
City Administrator Doug Elder said signs are being made to label the new recycling bins that will be installed starting April 28. There will be separate bins for paper, plastic, aluminum, and metal. Glass will not be accepted at any of the bins.
The first of the house demolitions was started today (Monday). All three condemned houses will be demolished within 30 days.
The meter base for electricity at Veterans Park has been damaged due to an overload. ComEd will be installing a 600 amp service to replace the 400 amp service which is inadequate for the park's needs. It will take 3 weeks for repairs. Until then the lights on the west diamond will be shut off. The ball games at the east diamond will be moved up earlier so as to reduce the amount of lighting needed for the games.
The City Administrator thanked all those involved in helping complete the budget.
Mayor's Comments
The Mayor thanked City Administrator Doug Elder for his work on the city's budget and all those involved in the budget process.