Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Finance, Legal & Audit Committee met March 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Marcier, Cahoe, Barragree, Miller, Muench, Anderson, Alderwomen Rohlfs and DeLahr and Mayor Allhands

GUEST: Watseka Chamber Executive Director Amanda Hibbs

Alderman Marcier opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. There was no public comment. Alderman Marcier makes a motion to recommend to the council to accept the February Treasures report and Alderwoman Rohlfs seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

Amanda Hibbs Executive Director for the Watseka Chamber spoke about her Christmas drive though light project she is doing at the Legion Park. To date she has collected $5,629.68 and has purchased 2 displays. The Chamber will be having a Monicals community day soon with some of the proceeds from that day going to the project and Robinson Chiropractic is making the Chamber charity of the month. Amanda has also applied for funds from the Freed Trust. She is in attendance to ask the city for $10,000.00. The Legion is letting the chamber host this event in the park for no charge. She is also accepting cash donations. Amanda is going to go to the local electricians to see if they would do some work at no charge. Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the council to donate to the Chamber $10,000 and Alderman Anderson seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

Alderman Marcier stated the year end transfers will be done next month due to a software issue at Fox Group.

Mayor Allhands addressed the committee about some inaccurate budget numbers that were put on social media. He stated a budget is only an in-house tool for the city to use, the Appropriation Budget is the document that should be used as the legal document. He then went on to say if the Alderpersons have questions, they should go through the proper channels such as going to Cathy or the Department heads to get the correct information before putting it out. There was a short discussion about projects that were done that put a particular line item over budget. Mayor Allhands stated that the city has passed a balanced budget for years and the vote is always unanimous. He also stated the city has passed all audits. Mayor Allhands stated he hopes a retraction will be put on social media about the inaccuracies.

Alderman Marcier makes a motion to adjourn at 7:05 and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/media/3981