Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Actions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Timberlake council adopts 2025 tax budget, amends appropriations and allocates ARPA funds for police radios; tables Local Government Fund change
Summary
At its June 18 meeting, Timberlake council adopted the village tax budget for fiscal 2025, amended 2024 appropriations after stronger-than-expected income tax receipts, approved use of remaining ARPA funds to purchase police radios and hired a part‑time service worker. Council tabled a proposed new Local Government Fund apportionment formula for further discussion.
Timberlake’s village council on Tuesday approved the proposed tax budget for fiscal year 2025, amended the village’s permanent appropriations and authorized the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to buy radios for the police department, while tabling a proposed change to the Local Government Fund formula.
Fiscal Officer John H. Roskos presented the tax budget and the council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2024‑9, declaring an emergency so the budget could be finalized. Roskos told the council the General Fund ending balance through May was $428,893.18 and that May revenue exceeded expectations largely because income tax receipts were stronger than anticipated.
The amendment to the 2024 appropriations (Resolution No. 2024‑10) was approved after council members said additional funds were needed to cover a retainer paid to RITA. Council suspended the three‑reading rule and passed the amendment unanimously.
Council also approved Resolution No. 2024‑11 to apply remaining ARPA funds toward the purchase of radios from Communication Services for the police department. Roskos said roughly $22,000 remains in ARPA funds and that the radios will cost in excess of $26,000; upgrading the chief’s office radio and scanner to new encryption was quoted at $404. The resolution passed after suspension of rules by unanimous roll call.
In personnel action, council approved Resolution No. 2024‑13 to hire Anthony Swartz as a part‑time Service Department employee; council confirmed Swartz has the required license and previously served as Service Committee chair.
Council spent substantial time on Resolution No. 2024‑12, a proposal to adopt an alternative formula for apportioning the Local Government Fund. Mayor John Marra summarized the history of the proposal, referenced multiple legal opinions and compared the 1982 alternative formula to the newly proposed method. Council members raised concerns that the new formula could freeze Timberlake’s allocation for a decade and limit growth; Mr. O’Leary cautioned about potential political repercussions from county officials. The council voted to table Resolution No. 2024‑12 for additional discussion (motion passed with four yes and one abstention).
Votes at a glance — Resolution No. 2024‑9 (Tax Budget): suspended rules and approved, unanimous; Resolution No. 2024‑10 (Appropriations): suspended rules and approved, unanimous; Resolution No. 2024‑11 (ARPA for radios): suspended rules and approved, unanimous; Resolution No. 2024‑12 (Local Government Fund formula): tabled for additional discussion (4 yes, 1 abstain); Resolution No. 2024‑13 (hire Anthony Swartz): suspended rules and approved, unanimous.
The council approved the May 2024 financial reports by unanimous vote and heard department reports, including a police activity summary and a zoning report. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM; the next regular council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20, 2024.
