Tighter internal controls suggested for Pinckneyville
The December 14 meeting of the Pinckneyville City Council was called to order by Mayor Robert Spencer, with Commissioner Kevin Hicks leading the pledge to the flag.
The agenda for the meeting, as well as the minutes from the November 23, 2015 meeting were approved by the unanimous vote.
City Treasurer Rick Reese gave the treasurer's report. He told the commissioners that the bond payment was made on December 1, which left $84,000 in the bond account. He also informed the council that as of November 30, 2015, the unrestricted cash balance was $387,313.36, which is a very low balance. He did point out that there was still some property tax money to come and the State of Illinois still owed the city $518,955.19. The city has received some video gaming money from the state, as well as some for the motor fuel tax account.
Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the treasurer's report and with Commissioner Stone seconding the motion, the treasurer's report was approved. Commissioner Stotlar then made a motion to approve the accounts payable, which were approved after commissioner Peradotta seconded the motion.
Next on the agenda was Commissioner Hicks asking the Board to approve late closings for all Class A liquor license establishments for New Year's Eve on December 31, 2015. Commissioner Peradotta seconded the motion and the motion was approved.
Commissioner Peradotta informed the council that the new clock is now keeping time and New Wave came and cleaned out the holes that FW Electric had dug for the new lights, so the lighting project should be completed soon.
City resident Margaret Scholebo addressed the council regarding using TIF Funds to build a skate park that could also be an outside venue for concerts and youth activities. Commissioner Hicks said that DuQuoin's skate park had closed because of too many accident concerns. Ms. Scholebo told the council, that the city could make it mandatory for everyone using it to sign a waiver, saying the city isn't responsible for any accidents.
Harold Emling gave the council a brief summary of the city's audit for the year ending April 30, 2015. The audit is available for review in the commissioners' offices. He told the council that the city had a break-even for the fiscal year, even though there was a $32,000 deficit in the city's finances. There was no action taken on the audit and it was approved as given. Mr. Emling did tell the council that he strongly recommends that the city review their internal controls often to minimize monetary losses.
The city experienced an alleged employee theft of funds earlier this year.
The council also approved a $30 gift certificate for all current city employees. The gift certificate will be from local participating businesses and will cost the city $2,010.
The council also approved the renewal of the 2016 city insurance package with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. at a cost of $167,266.00, which includes cyber coverage. The premium went up $11,792 from last year's premium. After a discussion was held, while they approved the insurance package for 2016, they requested the city clerk to get bids from other providers.
The final business for the meeting, was to pass Resolution No. R-2015-38 which estimates the tax levy for fiscal year ending April 30, 2016 (exclusive of the Library Fund) at $653,750. The tax levy has to be approved before the last Tuesday in December.