MICHAEL FORBES, PRESIDENT | MARK BARENIE | BETH HERNANDEZ CLERK-TREASURER |
MARK BARENIE, VICE-PRESIDENT | STEVE HASTINGS | STEVE KIL, TOWN MANAGER |
CHRISTIAN JORGENSEN | DAVID AUSTGEN, ATTORNEY |
Home Construction was strong in 2016 with 219 new residential housing that generated fees of approximately $633,000. On page seven of the report, it lists tax rates for 13 different municipalities. St. John is at 0.5 tax rate and Winfield is the only other community that is lower. St John has a lower tax rate than Lowell, Cedar Lake, Hobart, Hammond, East Chicago, Whiting, Highland, Munster, Merrillville, Crown Point, Dyer, and Schererville. Winfield does not have their own Public Safety-no fire or police-so if they had to pay for those services, their tax rate would probably be higher.
All of the other documents are favorable as well. St. John does have bonds for Building Corporations, Water Works and Utilities with Schererville for new buildings and water towers. The overall debt is about $24,000,000. It is broken down into categories. The Building Corporation debt is about $10,000,000. The Water Works debt is about $4,500,000. The Sewer debt is about $5,500,000. There are also some road bonds, which are about $4,000,000. All together that gets to the total debt of $24,000,000.
Mr. Barenie explained that he also looks at the quarterly reports, which provide information on how to budget for the Clerk-Treasurer's office, the Town Council, and all of the other departments. The Town is a little over on revenues for 2016 compared to the prior year 2015. The Town is also below expenses compared to the previous year by approximately $150,000. St. John is doing well from a financial standpoint.
Mr. Forbes stated that he would like to entertain a motion to accept the 2016 Annual Finance Report as submitted. "So moved," by Mr. Hastings. Mr. Barenie seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (4/0). Ayes ---all. Nays ---none.
(The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.)
ATTEST:
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Beth R. Hernandez
Clerk-Treasurer