Between the Budget Hearing and the B&B, It Should Be an Interesting City Council Meeting Monday Night

One council member joked that tonight's Channel 10 showing of the Geneva City Council meeting ought to be a pay-per-view event, there is so much on the agenda.

First and probably foremost is the 7 p.m. public hearing on the city's Fiscal 2010-11 budget.

Normally, this is a yawner. But in tough economic times, it's possible we'll see some passion in City Hall. At least, the chances are that good that the public hearing will bring out more commentary from citizens and more scrutiny by elected officials than in previous years.

You can review an excellent summary of the budget in PDF form by going to the city's website, and clicking on the City Council agenda.

Of course, it's always good to keep in mind that the city's portion of your property tax bill is only a small fraction. The biggest portion goes to the Geneva School District.

The FY 2011-12 covers more than $55.6 million in revenue and expenditures, including the General Fund in the amount of $14,646,315, the Electric Fund in the amount of $32,448,310, and the Water/Wastewater Fund in the amount of $8,513,380.

Still, the budget and budget items have brought on some debate among City Council members, from to Mayor Kevin Burns' for his questioning of some expenditures already approved in the 2010-11 budget.

Look for a split vote on the proposal to bring a new to Geneva. Aldermen split 5-5 on the issue at the Committee of the Whole meeting a week ago, and Burns cast the decided vote that moved the item to tonight's council agenda.

The city also will consider letters of agreement with two unions: the International Association of Firefighters Local 4287 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 196.