Michael Forbes, President | Christian Jorgensen | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Gregory Volk | Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer |
Steve Hastings | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Forbes asked for any other nominations for president or vice-president. Hearing none, Mr. Forbes closed the nominations. Mr. Forbes asked all those in favor to signify by saying aye for Mr. Barenie to be president and Mr. Forbes to be vice-president. Nominations carry by voice vote, 5 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Forbes turned the meeting over to Mr. Barenie.
Motion by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Volk. Motion carries by voice vote 5 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Barenie reported highlights of the Town’s finances as follows:
St. John remains a “AA” Credit Rating with Standard & Poor’s, which means our fiduciary responsibilities, finances and policies are in good shape.
Last year, the Town started with $23 million dollars in various funds in the bank and ended the year with about $20 million, approximately $3 million dollars of the reserves were spent. The Town spent approximately $4.5 million on a lift station, which utilized funds from those cash reserves.
Revenues this year were over budget by 98 percent; however, the budget was a very conservative budget. Overall, it was a great year revenue-wise. From last year’s actual revenues, there is a 16 percent growth in revenue.
Expenses for 2017 increased by $178,000 over the prior year’s expenses, and increase of about 4 percent. The increase in expenses were due largely to the addition of a police officer and public safety matters.
St. John has the second lowest tax rate, falling in just behind Winfield whose public safety is basically volunteer. We are very competitive from a tax standpoint, which is great. It is like a double-edge sword because it draws a lot of growth, and growth needs to be managed as best as possible.
Tax revenues collected last year were $5.7 million, approximately, which was about a 9.1 percent increase over the prior year.
From 2014 to 2017, the Town of St. John invested $6.7 into the community by paving approximately 24 miles, or 20 percent, of the roads. We continue to make road improvements a priority as we move ahead.
Overall, it was a great financial year and a solid position from a balance sheet perspective. Cash in the bank, as well as our revenues, are exceeding our expenses on an annual basis, which comes down from the staff and the management, who do a great job.
Motion to approve the 2017 Annual Finance Report as submitted by Mr. Jorgensen. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries by voice vote 5 ayes to 0 nays.
(The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.)
Respectfully Submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Board of Finance