City Defers Gaming Tax, Approves Tech and Fire Gear Donation

Introduction

At the December 3, 2024, Government Operations Committee meeting, city leaders focused on legal, safety, and technology updates to strengthen municipal operations. Highlights included the deferral of the video gaming push tax, approval of a restated intergovernmental agreement for Tricom Central Dispatch, authorization of a fire gear donation to a local training center, and renewal of the Gartner Technology Consulting contract.

Video Gaming Push Tax Deferred Until 2025

City Administrator Heather McGuire presented updates on the video gaming push tax, first approved in 2021 to preserve municipal authority over gaming revenue. Due to two ongoing legal cases challenging the tax, city officials opted to continue deferring implementation until December 31, 2025.

• One appellate court ruling upheld municipalities’ right to impose the tax, but a potential Supreme Court appeal remains.

• The state gaming board has yet to issue rules on the tax, further delaying implementation.

• The vote passed with one dissenting voice, ensuring the city maintains its legal right to impose the tax when disputes are resolved.

Tricom Central Dispatch Agreement Modernized

Fire Chief Moy requested approval of a restated intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for Tricom Central Dispatch, a service partnership between St. Charles, Batavia, and Geneva dating back to 1976.

• The new IGA consolidates and modernizes six amendments to the original agreement.

• The agreement received unanimous approval from Tricom’s board of directors and the attorneys representing all three cities.

• The committee unanimously approved the resolution, reinforcing regional collaboration for emergency communications.

Surplus Fire Gear Donated to Local Training Program

The committee approved an ordinance allowing the donation of surplus turnout gear and breathing apparatus to the Fox Valley Career Center, a high school firefighting training program.

• The equipment, although outdated for hazardous conditions, remains valuable for non-IDLH training scenarios.

• This donation supports firefighting education for students from St. Charles and surrounding areas.

• The program instructor will provide hold-harmless agreements to ensure safety compliance.

Technology Contract Renewal with Gartner Consulting

IS Director Larry Gunderson presented the annual contract renewal with Gartner Technology Consulting, emphasizing cost savings and operational benefits.

• Direct savings include avoiding over $75,000 in consulting fees for security risk assessments and other projects.

• Gartner provides expert insights, RFP templates, and technology planning resources, reducing staff time and training expenses.

• The contract, secured through a state-negotiated agreement, was unanimously approved.

Conclusion: Strengthening Municipal Efficiency and Safety

The December 3 meeting reflected the city’s ongoing commitment to legal preparedness, emergency readiness, and technology-driven efficiency. By deferring the gaming tax, modernizing agreements, supporting firefighter training, and leveraging consulting expertise, city officials are making deliberate choices to balance fiscal responsibility with community safety.