Finance Commission

Regular Meeting

Glen Ellyn, IL · April 10, 2026

Minutes

Village of Glen Ellyn Minutes Village of Glen Ellyn Finance Commission Regular Meeting April 10, 2026 7:00AM Glen Ellyn Civic Center Board or Finance Date: April 10, 2026 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:01 a.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:13 a.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Chris Goodman Chair Present Lea Dan Vice-Chair Present Anne Arnold Commissioner Present Mike Graham Commissioner Present Leo Hoerdemann Commissioner Present Grant Lavery Commissioner Absent Kevin Moffitt Commissioner Absent Brian Niksa Commissioner Present Scott Waldbusser Commissioner Absent Also Present: Patrick Brankin Finance Director Michele Chaparro Assistant Finance Director Kelli Christiansen Village Trustee A. CALL TO ORDER The April 10, 2026 regular meeting of the Finance Commission was called to order by Chairperson Goodman at 7:01 AM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center. B. PUBLIC COMMENT – None C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 13, 2026 MEETING MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FINANCE COMMISSION FROM 2/13/2026 RESULT: Motion Unanimously Carried MOVER: Commissioner Niksa SECONDER: Vice-Chair Dan AYES: 5 ABSTAINS: Goodman Finance 2 April 10, 2026 D. Financial Scorecard Update 1. Financial Scorecard Update – Finance Director Brankin presented an update on the Village’s financial scorecard project, which is intended to compare Glen Ellyn with peer communities using a variety of financial, demographic, and operational metrics. He noted that the analysis began with demographic data provided by the DCEO, with Glen Ellyn’s population just under 28,500. Property tax rates were also reviewed, with Glen Ellyn at approximately 0.482. Brankin explained that the scorecard evaluates several measures in multiple ways, including median home values, standardized comparisons among peer communities, debt levels, pension obligations, staffing, and service delivery models. With respect to bonded debt, Glen Ellyn ranked near the middle of the peer group. Pension comparisons focused on IMRF and Police Pensions, as Glen Ellyn does not operate a traditional fire department. In those categories, Glen Ellyn also ranked near the middle of the peer group and performed well overall. Regarding pension liability per capita, Glen Ellyn ranked toward the lower end of the comparison group, while its funded ratio ranked near the top. Brankin noted that the Village benefits from contributions associated with Village Links, which positively impact the funded status. He added that the Police Pension Fund remains in the middle of the pack, with the recently adopted rolling 15-year amortization policy helping improve long-term funding. Brankin then reviewed staffing comparisons. In 2019, Glen Ellyn operated with 128 full-time employees, excluding Village Links, the Library, and Parks. The 2025 budget reflects 153 full-time employees. He noted that this increase includes the Village Board’s approval of five additional sworn police officers, increasing staffing from 40 to 45 officers, as well as additions such as a full-time HR director, HR generalist, and right-sizing in other departments. By department, Public Works and Police remain the largest areas of full-time staffing. Administrative functions were more difficult to compare across communities, as some municipalities separate legal, HR, IT, or communications into different departments, while others outsource some of those services. For Glen Ellyn’s purposes, Administration includes the Manager’s Office, Communications, IT, Legal, and HR. Glen Ellyn ranked near the middle of the peer group in administrative staffing. Community Development figures may be somewhat overstated, as some of budgeted positions were unfilled, though Brankin noted similar circumstances may exist in other communities. When measured per 1,000 residents, Glen Ellyn increased from 4.6 employees in 2019 to 5.3 employees in 2025, placing the Village higher than many peer communities. Brankin noted that Glen Ellyn has historically described itself as operating lean, though these updated figures suggest that may need to be reevaluated. These comparisons exclude Village Links and other recreation employees, Library employees, and Fire employees in all communities. Finance 3 April 10, 2026 Public Works staffing declined from 1.77 employees per 1,000 residents in 2019 to 1.5 in 2025. Police staffing trends showed that smaller communities often maintain more sworn officers per 1,000 residents than larger municipalities. Total personnel expense per 1,000 residents placed Glen Ellyn near the middle of the peer group, while expense per full-time employee ranked somewhat lower. Brankin noted that factors such as employee tenure make these cost comparisons more difficult to standardize. The scorecard also reviewed fire and EMS service models. Because Glen Ellyn operates a largely volunteer-based fire model rather than a traditional full-time structure, the Village’s total budgeted fire and EMS operating expenses were significantly lower than peer communities. On a per-capita basis, Glen Ellyn ranked lowest among the comparison group, just above Lisle which also does not operate a Fire department. Brankin estimated the Village saves approximately $4 million annually under its current volunteer fire model. Capital expenses were excluded from this analysis for all communities. Commission members asked how the scorecard would be used and whether it would eventually be shared with the public. Brankin responded that the current version is likely too detailed for public release and would need to be simplified into a more user-friendly format with clearly sourced data that can be updated regularly. Additional metrics may still be reviewed before the information is refined and presented to the Village Board. The Board would ultimately determine what information, and in what format, should be shared with the community. The Finance Commission expressed appreciation for the depth of the report and the extensive work completed to date. Brankin added that if the Commission would like to conduct deeper analysis on any specific topic, those items could be added to a future agenda. E. STAFF REPORT – Finance Director Brankin reported that he will be on leave for much of May, and the meeting date remains to be determined. The original meeting was scheduled for May 8, though it may be moved to an earlier date. He noted that the planned topic was fire service fees; however, he is uncertain whether the necessary fire capital plans will be available in time for a meaningful discussion. His recommendation was to wait until those plans are completed before addressing the fee structure, and as a result, the May meeting may be canceled. F. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – None G. TRUSTEE LIAISON’S REPORT – Trustee Christiansen provided several updates. noting that the Community Relations Commission hosted its second Community Conversation last evening and encouraged residents to watch for future CRC engagement events. She also shared that today is the final day to provide feedback on the draft Accessibility Plan, which is available on the Village website. Finance 4 April 10, 2026 Christiansen mentioned the Environmental Commission will host its annual Recycling Extravaganza tomorrow at the College of DuPage from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. She also noted that the Village’s unlimited curbside refuse collection week is upcoming, with certain limitations in place, and residents have been asked to have items placed out by Monday. She added that public feedback on the Zoning Code Update will remain open through April 15. Trustee Christiansen also welcomed the opening of the new business, Vintage Charm, which opened yesterday. Regarding the train station project, she reported that the Village is currently working through Phase II budget updates and ongoing budget negotiations with Metra. H. OTHER BUSINESS – None I. REMINDERS – None J. ADJOURNMENT– Commissioner Dan motioned to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Hoerdemann seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 a.m. Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Patrick Brankin, Finance Director

Agenda

Packet

Agenda Village of Glen Ellyn Finance Commission Meeting Friday, April 10, 2026 7:00 AM Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Room 301 Visitors are most welcome to attend all meetings of the Finance Commission and can find copies of the Agenda at the meeting or online at www.glenellyn.org prior to the meeting. Any individual with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should contact The Village of Glen Ellyn ADA Coordinator, 630-469-5000, at least five (5) business days in advance of the next scheduled meeting. All matters on the Agenda may be discussed, amended, and acted upon. A. Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Public Comment D. Approval of Minutes 1) February 13, 2026 meeting E. Financial Scorecard Update 1) Scorecard Update F. Staff Report G. Chairperson's Report H. Trustee Liaison's Report I. Other Business J. Reminders 1) Next Meeting: TBD K. Adjourn Civility Pledge - In the interest of civility, I pledge to promote civility by listening, being respectful of others, acknowledging that we are striving to support and improve our community, and understanding that we each may have different ideas for achieving that objective. Page 1 of 6 Village of Glen Ellyn Minutes Village of Glen Ellyn Finance Commission Regular Meeting February 13, 2026 7:00AM Glen Ellyn Civic Center Board or Finance Date: February 13, 2026 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:05 a.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:00 a.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Chris Goodman Chair Absent Lea Dan Vice-Chair Present Anne Arnold Commissioner Present Mike Graham Commissioner Present Leo Hoerdemann Commissioner Present Grant Lavery Commissioner Present Kevin Moffitt Commissioner Present Brian Niksa Commissioner Present Scott Waldbusser Commissioner Present Also Present: Patrick Brankin Finance Director Mark Franz Village Manager Michele Chaparro Assistant Finance Director Kelli Christiansen Village Trustee Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary A. CALL TO ORDER The February 13, 2026 regular meeting of the Finance Commission was called to order by Vice-Chair Dan at 7:05 AM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center. B. PUBLIC COMMENT – None C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 12, 2025 MEETING MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FINANCE COMMISSION FROM 12/12/2025 RESULT: Motion Unanimously Carried MOVER: Commissioner Moffitt SECONDER: Commissioner Arnold AYES: 8 Page 2 of 6 Finance 2 February 13, 2026 D. FINANCIAL REPORTS 1. Q4 2025 Financial Report – Finance Director Brankin presented the Q4 2025 Financial Report (see attached), noting that the report is preliminary, unaudited, and prepared on a budgetary (cash) basis. For calendar year 2025, General Fund revenues exceeded the prior year by approximately $1.0 million and surpassed the 2025 budget by $500,000. Expenditures were below prior-year levels, and overall performance was more consistent with typical year-over-year expectations. Core revenues outperformed projections, driven by a strong year in sales tax (113.5% of budget), home rule tax (115% of budget), and income tax (just over 100% of budget). Brankin noted that increases in core revenues were in line with 2021 and 2022 increases, likely due to legislative changes associated with the Leveling the Playing Field Act. Expenditures, excluding a $4 million reserve transfer, were approximately 6% higher than 2024, which aligns with normal cost growth trends. While inflationary pressures and labor costs typically contribute to higher increases, vacancies in the Police and Finance Departments helped offset some of those anticipated costs. The Village finished the year under budget, resulting in a positive change in fund balance of approximately $1.8 million. Within the Capital Projects Fund, real estate transfer tax revenues increased by $150,000 over the prior year due to a higher volume of transactions. Food and Beverage tax closed the year at an all-time high. In other funds, the Parking Fund ended the year at 162% of budgeted expenditures due to the Glenwood parking project, which was funded in part by the Parking Fund and in part by the Motor Fuel Tax Fund. A budget amendment is forthcoming as was noted when the project was brought to the Board for approval. The Village Links reported a positive change in net position of approximately $200,000. All funds with adopted cash reserve policies were in compliance as of December 31, 2025. The Police Pension Fund had a strong year, with 2025 investment returns just under 18%. Since consolidation on April 1, 2022, the fund has achieved an annualized return exceeding 8%, outperforming the Village’s long-term rate of return assumption of 6.5%. E. POLICE PENSION FUND POLICY Brankin reviewed the Police Pension funding policy and long-term rate of return assumption. He noted that at the June 2025 meeting, it was questioned why annual required contributions had been increasing and during the ensuing discussion it was noted that the Village’s 6.5% long-term rate of return assumption is more conservative than peer communities. He also noted that the discount rate used is set at the same percentage when looking at all assumptions. Increasing the assumptions would reduce the pension liability and lower required annual contributions. Page 3 of 6 Finance 3 February 13, 2026 Heidi, an actuary with Foster & Foster who prepared the Village’s actuarial valuation, joined the meeting by phone to answer questions. She shared updated survey data indicating that with a 6.5% assumption, there is a 57.5% probability of meeting or exceeding the return over a 20-year period. Increasing the assumption to 6.75% would lower that probability to 53.5%. She noted that these projections are based on a 20-year horizon and emphasized that assumptions should be revisited every two to three years, as market conditions evolve. Brankin stated that the long-term rate of return requires Village Board approval and asked whether the Commission wished to make a recommendation. Options included aligning with peer communities at 6.75% or maintaining the more conservative 6.5% assumption. He clarified that staff was not advocating for a specific outcome. Heidi added that the 6.5% assumption was established prior to pension fund consolidation. Trustee Christiansen noted that the Village could continue contributing at the current baseline amount, even if required contributions decrease under a higher assumption. She expressed a preference for remaining conservative at 6.5%, stating that aligning with peer communities was not a priority. Following discussion, Finance Director Brankin asked if anyone on the Commission wanted to recommend this change to the Village Board, but no such motion was made. Commissioner Moffitt thanked Brankin and Heidi for their thorough analysis and work on the assumption report. F. STAFF REPORT – Finance Director Brankin stated that he plans to cancel the March meeting and reconvene in April to review and discuss the Scorecard. He also noted that fire service fees will be revisited at the May meeting and expressed his intent to move that meeting to May 1. G. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – None H. TRUSTEE LIAISON’S REPORT – Trustee Christiansen provided several updates. At Monday’s Village Board meeting, the Board discussed e-bikes and approved an ordinance establishing new regulations. Under the ordinance, e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old, and riding on sidewalks is prohibited. She noted that this age requirement is more permissive than the State standard of 18 years old. The Village, as a home rule community, has flexibility in adopting its own regulations. An education campaign will accompany the ordinance to help inform residents of the changes. Trustee Christiansen also shared that the Board will hold its third strategic planning meeting on Tuesday, where members will focus on aligning the strategic plan with the Comprehensive Plan. I. OTHER BUSINESS – None J. REMINDERS – Next meeting, Friday April 10, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. Page 4 of 6 Finance 4 February 13, 2026 K. ADJOURNMENT– Commissioner Dan motioned to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Moffitt seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 a.m. Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Patrick Brankin, Finance Director Page 5 of 6 Glen Ellyn Finance Meeting 4/10/2026 7:00 AM Commission Department: Finance 535 Duane Street Department Head: Patrick Brankin Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Presentation Prepared By: Patrick Brankin AGENDA ITEM (ID DOC ID: 2026-269 # 2026-269) Scorecard Update Statement of the Issue: Analysis: Budget Impact: Contribution to Strategic Plan Action Requested: Attachments: Page 6 of 6