Taxpayer Advocate Demands Accountability from Board on Debt

During a recent government meeting, a board member expressed serious concerns regarding the financial decisions made by the current board, highlighting a dramatic increase in taxpayer debt. The member pointed out that in 2017, the village's taxpayer debt stood at approximately $25 million, but has surged to around $91 million over the past eight years. This rise, they argued, is unsustainable for a community of about 21,000 residents.

The board member criticized the management of local assets, specifically mentioning the Grosnick building, suggesting that it should be sold to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers. They also raised alarm over a recent withdrawal of $1 million from the tax fund, which they claimed had not been approved by the taxpayers.

The member emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability, insisting that taxpayers have a legal right to oversee spending decisions. They called for more inclusive meetings that would allow community members to participate in discussions about fiscal management, a suggestion they noted has been made multiple times without action. The meeting underscored growing frustration among residents regarding the board's financial strategies and the perceived lack of taxpayer involvement in critical decisions.