LaSalle aldermen raise idea to cap charitable donations, propose larger gifts be appropriated in budget

Aldermen at the LaSalle Finance Committee debated whether the city should limit ad hoc charitable donations and require larger gifts to go through the budget process, citing state guidance and a desire for clearer rules.

One alderman said Illinois law treats elected officials as custodians of tax money and suggested limiting recurring donations and capping yearly gifts to prevent pressure on council members to give taxpayers’ funds without broader agreement. The alderman said larger donations — an example figure mentioned was $500 per charity as a working number — should require a formal appropriation during the budgeting process.

Another alderman said they had distributed an opinion from the Illinois Municipal League attorneys (Glink) in the past that aligned with tightening practices, recalling that earlier council practice had kept donations to a few hundred dollars. Committee members discussed possibly setting a cap on total annual giving and then selecting which charities receive funds through appropriations rather than one-off votes.

Aldermen noted exceptions and common recipients that typically receive city support, including organizations that provide direct services to city residents or support city departments. Committee members said they expect to draft an ordinance after the election and intend to get written guidance from the city attorney and sources such as the attorney general’s office before finalizing policy language.

During public comment, a resident (speaking anonymously at his request) questioned perceived inconsistency in the council’s approach, contrasting quick approval and increased funding for a local baseball program with more reluctance to provide funds to a food pantry.

No ordinance or policy was adopted at the meeting; members discussed pursuing a draft ordinance and further legal guidance before the next council session.