South Cook News

City of Calumet City Council met Aug. 7

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER The Special Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 6:07p.m. by Mayor Jones. 

PRESENT 7 ALDERMEN: Navarrete (6:17 p.m.), Wilson, Tillman (6:19 p.m.), Williams, Gardner (6:12 p.m.), Patton, Smith 

ABSENT: 0 ALDERMEN: None 

Also present were Mayor Jones, City Clerk Figgs, City Treasurer Tarka, Deputy Clerk I Jessica Coffee, City Administrator Deanne Jaffrey, Police Chief Kolosh, Director Sheryl Tillman, Attorney Don Lanzito, Attorney Anthony Bass. 

PUBLIC COMMENT: None 

City Tax Relief Presentation

There was a lengthy presentation of the 2024-2025 Calumet City Tax Ordinance by Attorney Anthony Bass. Attorney Bass introduced a 4 step approach to the council. The 4-step approach highlighted the city's surplus funds, the need to rebate a portion of the TIF funds, direction would need to be given to the City Treasurer to create a program to provide City Tax relief to residents. 

Alderman Tillman Tax Appeal 

Alderman Tillman commented regarding the relevance of residents appealing their taxes in order to receive relief. 

Attorney Bass Tax Appeal 

Attorney Bass reported the City of Calumet City will be able to recuperate the relief provided to the resident if the appeal is granted because all residents would be required to sign over refunds issued to the city. 

Alderwoman Wilson Discussion

Alderwoman Wilson would like to know if ARPA funds are able to be used for the tax relief program. Alderwoman Wilson reported that the $400.00 to $1000.00 will not help people in the 2nd ward with $15,000.00 tax bills. Alderwoman Wilson inquired about the Tax relief program being offered to first time home buyers as well. Alderwoman Wilson feels that more should be done on the State level because families can't continue funding Schools at 65 percent of the tax bill. 

Mayor Jones 

Mayor Jones stated the guidelines for the relief program can be worked out by the council. Mayor Jones doesn't think any residents will refuse assistance. Mayor Jones reported he is presenting House Bill 56-87 and 56-88 which would deal with the restricted funds of the TIF and making the South Suburbs a flat rate destination for the next 5 years. 

Motion for Closed Session

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Williams to enter into executive session at 7:25 p.m. for the purpose of potential litigation and acquisition of property. 

MOTION CARRIED

Executive Session 

The council met in executive session from 7:17 p.m. to 8:03 p.m.

Return to Regular Order

Alderman Gardner moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to return to the regular order of business at 8:03 p.m. 

MOTION CARRIED

Adjournment 

Alderman Gardner moved to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Smith at 8:03 p.m. 

https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/calumetil-pubu/MEET-Minutes-f04df58b12ef4ac7abafac0a1cf20a86.pdf