MWRD Commissioners Hear from Departments as Part of 2021 Budget Process

Special Meeting of the MWRD’s Committee on the Budget & Employment
November 5, 2020

On October 13, the Executive Director presented his 2021 budget recommendation.  At today’s meeting, the Committee voted to accept some slight increases to that recommendation, which still result in a small overall decrease from 2020 of 2.1% currently.  The proposed 2021 tax levy may increase by 1.1%.  However, all numbers could still change before final approval of the budget, scheduled for December 17.
Next steps:

• Commissioners to provide further ideas for the budget to President Steele, which are incorporated into a second set of changes.  Upon approval, these are included in what is referred to as the “Tentative Budget” which will be posted on the web site.
• Dec. 3 at 2 pm:  public hearing for the public to weigh in on the Tentative Budget
• December 10 (time not yet set):  Special meeting to consider the Tentative Budget with any further changes
• December 17 at 10:30:  regular Board meeting, with one last opportunity to further amend the budget

Proposed budget as it currently stands (incorporating changes approved on Nov. 5);

• Total appropriation request:    $1.127 B, decrease of $24 M from 2020, or 2.1% reduction
• 2021 estimated tax levy (a portion of the total appropriation):  $658 M, increase of $7 M from 2020, or 1.1% increase of levy.  However, the estimated cost per $100 of Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) is 23.61 cents for 2021 vs. 23.90 cents in 2020
• Total positions:  1,938, a decrease of 15 positions from 2020
• If the past is any indication of the future, these numbers will likely go up with further revisions

At this meeting, all major department areas of the MWRD presented highlights of their accomplishments in 2020, along with key initiatives for 2021, all of which are reflected in the Executive Recommendation, as amended at this meeting.  These areas include:
Stormwater Management Fund  --

• There continues to be an issue with levies greater than what is being spent.  MWRD’s responsibility for storm-water management began in 2004, with bonding authority received in 2014.  It takes a long time to identify and implement projects.  2021 levy will remain flat.  COVID responsible for delaying or cancelling some projects in 2020.  
• Comm. Shore recommended a placeholder be added to the budget for someone to help get the Stormwater Trading Project going and oversee the rollout.
• Comm. Du Buclet asked whether there has ever been a study on racial impact.  Not based on race, but there is a map reflecting disproportionate impacted communities (focus on income, not race).  MWRD using this to develop where shove-ready projects should be identified.  
• Comm. Avila reminded that MWRD only has jurisdiction in Suburban Cook County as Chicago has its own stormwater management operation.

Monitoring & Research – included in 2020 highlights was providing samples of wastewater for surveillance for Covid-19

Procurement & Materials Management – moved up and fully implemented electronic bidding and signature process as a result of needs due to COVID-19

General Administration – Planned space\use study halted due to COVID; no provision to do this in 2021 budget.  In Diversity section, President Steele said she wanted to add a position.  Plan is to conduct an affirmative action disparity study for purposes of evaluating MWRD’s Affirmative Action Policy.  With regard to Public Affairs, Comm. Du Buclet asked how the MWRD can be more visible to the public.  Comm. Garcia wants translator to appear at more events.

Board of Commissioners (includes Treasurer and Legislative Section) – Comm. Shore would like to put excess funding released from TIF districts toward Retirement Fund, as was done last year.  Told would be done.  Currently expecting $19 M.

​Retirement Fund – at 56% funding and holding steady

Additional Comments at end from Comm. Davis:

• As part of the Climate Action Plan, wants to establish benchmarks for adding electronic vehicles to MWRD’s fleet.  Suggested 50% by 2025 and 100% by 2030.
• Expressed concern about the Thornton composite reservoir as the clock is ticking on the transitional reservoir.  This impacts flooding in the South Suburbs.  Comm. Davis suggests that green infrastructure projects should be prioritized here to provide capacity to prevent/reduce flooding.  Comm. Davis impressed with the acquisition work in flood plains and flood-prone properties in this area.  He also applauded the work on identifying disproportionately-affected areas as important for prioritizing projects.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims                                                       Length of meeting:  4 hours