Hinsdale Village manager addresses Fuller's bankruptcy and disputed engineer costs

Residents of Hinsdale are facing potential financial implications as the Village Board addresses the bankruptcy filing of Fuller's Service Center Inc. During the March 18, 2025, meeting, community member Christine Richards raised concerns regarding the service center's financial dealings and its obligations to the village.

Richards highlighted that Fuller's Service Center has paid over $1.2 million in salaries, bonuses, and dividends to its owners while managing to pay all creditors except for two: its lawyer and the Village of Hinsdale. The village is listed as a disputed creditor in the bankruptcy filing, with claims that the service center owes for the cost of an independent engineer hired to oversee the installation of safety bollards. This installation was necessary due to inadequate initial work performed by Fuller's own engineer.

Richards emphasized that Doug Fuller, the owner, had previously agreed to cover the costs associated with the independent engineer but is now refusing to pay. She commended the village manager and staff for pursuing this claim, stressing that taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund safety measures at a private business.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by Richards, who noted that Fuller's assets are diminishing rapidly. She urged the board to take decisive action to ensure the village collects the owed amount before the service center prioritizes payments to other creditors.

In response, village officials assured residents that they are actively working with legal counsel to navigate the bankruptcy proceedings and pursue the outstanding debt. The board acknowledged the complexities of the situation but reiterated their commitment to protecting taxpayer interests.

As the situation unfolds, Hinsdale residents will be closely monitoring the village's efforts to secure the funds owed by Fuller's Service Center, which could have significant implications for local finances and community safety initiatives.