Mokena board members unanimously pass fiscal year 2021 budget
Also: Winners revealed in annual Get Hooked on Frankfort fishing derby
By Jon DePaolis
MOKENA, Ill. — The Village of Mokena Board of Trustees unanimously passed its annual fiscal year budget Monday, June 22.
Municipalities all over the country are struggling with shrinking revenues because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Mokena is no different. The Village’s fiscal year (FY) 2021 budget projects an opening balance of $61.2 million and a year-end balance of $52.4 million. The FY 2021 budget proposes $24.6 million in projected revenue and $33.4 million in projected expenses — a reduction of $3.2 million in revenues and a $3.8 million increase in expenses from the FY 2020 budget. The general fund calls for $9.06 million in revenue and $10.3 million in expenses.
Village Administrator John Tomasoski said during the budget hearing that the Village anticipates revenue to be down in many areas, including:
Tax revenue being reduced by 19.18% (or approximately $1.75 million).
Sales tax being down 24.31% (or approximately $1.64 million).
Amusement tax being down 55.61% (or approximately $108,000).
A reduction of $260,000 in what staff originally anticipated in receiving from video gaming and off-track betting revenue in FY 2021.
However, while Tomasoski said no one plans for a pandemic, Village staff recognized the coming challenges in March and began preparing the budget to account for those revenue shortfalls as best they could. He also noted the Village’s longstanding practice of being fiscally responsible, which allowed Mokena to remain in a strong financial position despite the pandemic.
“What this Village Board has done for many years is play the long game with finances,” he said.
After the 6-0 vote, Trustee George Metanias — as well as the other board members — thanked staff for the effort they put forth on adjusting the budget.
“You guys did a great job like always,” Metanias said. “I think you’re keeping the Village in a very good spot.”
Mayor Frank Fleischer also complimented staff and the board members for the job they were able to do with the FY 2021 budget despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“But this isn’t something new for Mokena,” Fleischer said. “This Village Board and the village boards over the years have also been very fiscally responsible, and we’ve been very lucky to bring staff onboard who have that same philosophy. We’ve all worked together. It is a team.”
Winners revealed in annual Get Hooked on Frankfort fishing derby
Pictured is Luke Tyrka, who was one of the winners of the Get Hooked on Frankfort fishing derby. PHOTO SUBMITTED
By Jon DePaolis
Congratulations are in order for two young Frankfort residents.
Brayden Schalmo, 7, and Luke Tyrka, 8, are the winners of the 2020 Get Hooked on Frankfort catch-and-release fishing derby, according to a press release from the Village of Frankfort sent earlier this month.
Schalmo hauled in a 16-inch bass at the Village’s Prairie Park, according to the release. Tyrka pulled in a 6.25-inch fish. Both children received fishing poles and gift certificates.
“The videos show that our young fishermen and women seemed to greatly enjoy fishing with their families,” stated Mayor Jim Holland per the release. “We were very pleased to find a way to safely hold this event for Frankfort families.”