Village of Western Springs Finance Committee met Aug. 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm
Items of Discussion:
• Public Comment: None
• Minutes: The minutes of the July 25, 2022 were tabled to the next Finance Committee Meeting
• FY 2021 AFR Presentation: Brian LeFevre, Sikich LLP was present to discuss the FY 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Auditor’s Communication to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Lefevre pointed out that the Village received GFOA’s certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting for 2020, which was the 27th consecutive year the Village received the award. Mr. Lefevre emphasized that a good starting point for the reader is to look at the Management Analysis and Discussion and then move to the critical schedules. Mr. LeFevre stated that they issued an unmodified opinion, which is the highest level of opinion you could receive. He stated in addition the Village has also opted to have an individual fund opinion and it is the most comprehensive opinion, as well. LeFevre went over the Statement of Net Position and the notes of the financial statements. He then reviewed the status of the three pensions funding levels. LeFevre said the audit went smoothly and that staff was very professional throughout the process. The Committee thanked him and recommended that the FY 2021 AFR be presented to the Village Board at the August 15th meeting.
• Budget Amendments/Transfers: A budget amendment for $30,000 to increase Paramedic Coverage in the Fire and EMS department was requested by the Director of Fire and EMS (5103100 51650). The amendment is needed to increase the salaries of the Village’s contracted firefighter/paramedics, as will be discussed in the following agenda item. The Finance Committee approved the requests and recommended that the amendment be placed on the August 15th Board Meeting agenda.
• PSI Contract: Director Kelly presented that the Village has historically utilized contractual firefighters/paramedics since the 1990’s. Public Safety Services (PSI) currently provides six (6) contract paramedic/firefighter to the Department. He stated that since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been significant staffing issues in emergency services. There has been a significant decrease in newly licensed paramedics in the state of about 75% in 2021 compared to 2020. In order to maintain staffing levels and increase desirability, the recommendation is to increase the starting salary of contractual paramedics. He stated that this would keep us competitive with other municipalities who have also increased their salaries. The Finance Committee recommended that the increase of the contract be placed on the August 15th Board Meeting Agenda.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:58 am
https://www.wsprings.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08152022-1406
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