E-Help 7/17/2006

INCLUDES:
1. Telephone Excise Tax
2. Electronic Dog Fences (Gilberts)
3. Purchase Policy posted to website
4. Certification Bonus survey (Pleasantview Fire Protection)
5. Results to Health Insurance survey (Alton)
6. Cash payment in lieu of Health Insurance Benefits (LWFD)
7. Minooka Finance Director position

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FEDERAL EXCISE TAX
Ted Knapp, IRS Representative reported that we should NOT pay the Federal Excise Tax on phones.  If it was paid in error, you will need to file form 843 for a refund.

State of Illinois Dept of Revenue reports that local entities are no longer exempt from paying state taxes on phones since the passage of the Enhancement of Simplified Telecommunication Tax Act.

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ELECTRONIC DOG FENCES
The Finance Committee asked me to check if any other municipalities have an ordinance for electronic dog fences.  Could you please put the question on the next E-Help.
Thanks.
Marlene Blocker
marlene@villageofgilberts.com

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SAMPLE POLICIES
We have recently added Lake County's Purchasing Policy to the IMTA website at http://www.imtausa.org/policies.htm

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CERTIFICATION
Treasurer Certification bonus/stipend survey
Entity Name, bonus/stipend amount, frequency
Pat Peck
ppeck@plvw.org

Grayslake, $500 once every five years upon re-certification

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SURVEY HEALTH INSURANCE RESULTS

Village of Gilberts (5500)
Carrier:  Blue Cross-Blue Shield
Covered Employees:  5  - PPO  - Employee pays 23.5% of premium
                              17 -  HMO -  Employees pay 15.9% of premium

The board is considering going to a flat rate for all employees and also reimbursing employees who do not elect health insurance coverage at the same rate with the next open enrollment.  I see Cathy Hojeck is looking into reimbursing employees who do not elect health insurance.  I would also like to see those responses.
Thanks.
Marlene Blocker

Municipal Name: Antioch                       
Population: 8788
Total Employees covered by health insurance: 97
Insurance Carrier: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO

Emp                 425.31  free to employees
Emp & Spouse  872.81  Employee pays $40 per pay period
Emp & Child      808.85  Employee pays $40 per pay period
Family           1,256.36   Employee pays $40 per pay period

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CASH PAYMENT IN LIEU OF HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS
Does anyone offer your employee a cash payout if they choose not to take the Health, Vision or Dental insurance? 
If so, how much and how do you pay, lump sum, quarterly, monthly?
Thanks
Cathy Hojek
Finance Assistant
Lisle Woodridge Fire District
chojek@lwfd.org

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Village of Minooka: Finance Director (posted 7/13/2006)
The Village of Minooka (9,000) seeks an experienced hands on municipal professional to lead and develop a Finance Department in a fast growing community.  Minooka is a progressive community located in western Will County currently experiencing growth in residential, commercial and industrial development.  Minooka a full service municipality, operates under a Council/ Administrator form of government with a $20,000,000 annual operating budget and 35+ full time employees.  The Finance Director will serve under the direction of the Village Administrator and is responsible for accounting, fiscal policy, reporting, budgeting, cash management, debt management, purchasing, and related functions.

More information available about the Village of Minooka at www.minooka.com

Send resume and salary history to:
Village of Minooka
121 E. McEvilly Road
Minooka IL 60047

Deadline for applications is August 11, 2006
Inquiries can be made to Village of Minooka (815)467-2151

Skills Required:
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or closely related field and at least five (5) years of progressive experience in municipal finance.  MPA/MBA or CPA certification a plus.

Compensation:
$70,000 to $80,000 DOQ

Donna,
I posted the job notice at  http://www.imtausa.org/job.htm
Will this be the first Finance Director for Minooka?
Have a great weekend!
Michael

Mike, Yes this would be the first full time Finance Director.  We have a part time one now and me but there is just too much happening.  Thanks again. Donna