B.
FY24 Budget Update
Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson provided a FY24 Budget update. She noted that this
presentation is similar to the one shown in the Finance Committee last week. The total
General Fund budget is $122,418,212, which is approximately $779K less than FY23.
Hopkinson provided the revenue highlights, which utilized a property tax increase of
$2,447,509 and $9,676,550 use of reserves. On the expense side, it included a 3%
wage increase for non-union employees, equity adjustments, vacant positions, and
reduction in Sheriff's budget for both wages and detainee medical costs. The Special
Revenue funds total appropriation is $271,946,432, which is $1.2M more that the FY23
Budget. Hopkinson provided an overview of the contents that make up the General
Fund. The FY24 revenue total is $122,418,212 and the expense total is $122,418,212.
She noted that this is a balanced budget. She spoke on the major changes to the
General Fund. She provided the Forecast and Reserve Target for the General Fund
over the next four years. Hopkinson explained that the County has an excess amount
of reserves because the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) money that was given by the State of
Illinois. This money was used to help pay for County salaries. Within the General Fund,
Hopkinson stated that the largest line item is the Sheriff's Office salaries. As of October
31, 2023, the County's General Fund reserve balance is $85,524,888. This is an
abundance of more than 90 days of reserves. Hopkinson explained that at the end of
this fiscal year on November 30, 2023, the County's 90-day reserve target is
$30,182,354. This will leave the County with approximately $51M in excess of
reserves. In FY24, the current General Fund projected amount is $72,331,191. This will
include $9M in reserves being used to balance the budget. Hopkinson noted that the
Building Management Department (BLD) will have exhausted all surplus reserves by
2026. Hopkinson addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion
ensued on utilizing ARPA funds to help construct a new Public Health building.
Hopkinson shared the numerous funds that are using reserves to balance the budget,
such as the Insurance Liability and Illinois Municipal Retirement funds. She addressed
the process in figuring out the calculations made when developing a tax levy under the
Property Tax Law Limit (PTELL) using three different inflation rates, such as 5%,
3.211864%, and 0%. She noted that the current budget does not use the 5%
Consumer Price Incex (CPI) rate. The maximum tax extension amount before new
property with a 5% inflation rate would be $60,619,261, which calculates to a maximum
tax rate of .00318304. Depending which inflation rate the County chooses, the current
year New Property Tax Extension revenue amount would be $676,223. The Current
Year Maximum Tax Extension with a 5% inflation rate amount would be $61,295,475.
This would be an annual change of 6.171%, which is an annual change in dollars of
$3,562,854. Hopkinson addressed questions and comments from the Committee.
Discussion ensued.
Hopkinson reviewed the Estimated Interest Earned Allocation. Interest Earned is
allocated across all funds in the County based on the amount of Cash/Investments in
that fund. ARPA, CARES, and a few other funds are segregated into their own
cash/investment accounts. She listed the Equity Adjustments by Office/Department
across all funds. The total amount is $1,880,286. Madam Chairman Pierog stated that
ASA Frank will be providing a formal presentation on the County's Interest Earned at