Rodney Perez
In case you are bored and need some interesting reading....

In regards to the debate concerning City of Peru donations

I will clarify my stance, and will be making further recommendations to the Peru City Council, and Finance Committee In regards to the council debate on donations, which led to my “Nay” vote for approving city donations to some very meaningful charity organizations

The City of Peru’ financial situation is no better than any other municipality, however, I feel our administration along with budget director Hylla is leading our city in a positive direction.
The City of Peru is in the process of proposing the budget for the next fiscal year. This is our opportunity as alderman to look at every line item, through every department, and then forward our recommendations to that committee for review

Due to the economy and the overwhelming amount of expenses caused by continuous water main breaks, and other city needs, it’s important our city leaders work along side our budget director to trim fat where we can

Making budget cuts are not always easy, especially when it includes taking money from the coffers of meaningful non- for profit organizations that request donations from the City. I made it clear! I support funding boys baseball, and girl’s softball through the cell tower funding by voting “Yea” to the $ 8,000.00 that will be split amongst the two leagues.

In addition: The City of Peru donates nearly $10,000.00 per year to the “same short- list” of non- for profit organizations, or events year after year. The list consists of approximately 8-10 groups, or charities that receive staggering amounts ranging from$100.00 and up. Since the majority of the council agrees “not” to cut back on the amount of donations, the city should work to be fair and balanced of all contributions and limiting which charities would receive continuous yearly donations such as “Maud Powell”. All other non- for profit groups should be rotated through, allowing other groups an opportunity.

Since the city is in the Budget Process and looking for ways to cut back, my recommendation to the council last evening was to start with “donations.” Cutting our yearly donations in half, with the exception of what is contributed to boys and girls ball leagues. (Which is contributed through the Washington Park cell tower funds).

After debate the Council voted 7-1 in favor of two donations that were on the agenda, which totaled $300.00. " yes".. only $300.00, which then total's nearly $10,000 at the end of the year. There should be two other requests for donations on next weeks agenda totaling $2,000.00 which is expected to pass by 7-1
If we are going to tighten our belts and become fiscally responsible we must keep our eye's on the Nickles and Dimes!
I understand the debate of fisherman and tourists coming into Peru and staying in our Hotel's and dining in, So then let's get serious and put our money in tourism because donating $200.00 to a Walleye tournament or contributing $1000.00 to a car club that will raise money for another non for profit organization that already receives $48,000.00 from the city does not bring in the tourism Peru needs.

I will make the following recommendation in regards to donations: First and foremost the city must have structure in it's giving of charitable contributions. This can be achieved by implementing “guidelines.” an “Application for Donation” request form would be filled out by the 501C3 organization then reviewed by the finance committee. This would give all organizations a fair chance of receiving assistance from the city.

I will also recommend the council “immediately” consider “evenly” dividing the projected $ 9,500.00 amongst the short-list of organizations, and clubs currently being considered. Since the city council chooses not to cut donation spending, I agree with Mayor Harl, and Alderman Lukosus that the $100.00 donated to Il. Valley Center for Independent Living, and the $200.00 donated to the Spring Valley Walleye Club should be increased without increasing last years $ 9, 500.00 budget. Both of these organizations are as equal as the organizations/ clubs that are receiving the $1000,00 donations.

If we are going to do this, We must be Fair!

Thank you,
Rodney Perez