Trustees split over $1,000 sponsorship; amended donation approved under expense policy

Trustees in the Village of Maywood debated whether to approve a $1,000 sponsorship for The Answer, Inc.'s Spectrum Gala and sharply disagreed about whether the expenditure aligned with the Village's expense policy.

An initial motion to approve the $1,000 sponsorship failed after trustees questioned whether the event provided a village‑wide benefit and whether funds had been budgeted. Trustee K. Wellington said the organization "does not benefit the Village as a whole" and argued that payment should be made personally rather than from municipal funds. Village Attorney Michael Jurusik advised trustees that the Village's expense policy permits either advance board approval for an expense or out‑of‑pocket payment with later reimbursement "at your own risk."

After the initial motion failed, Trustee I. Brandon offered an amended motion incorporating language supplied by the Village Attorney finding the event an eligible discretionary expense under the policy; that amended motion passed 6–1 (only Trustee K. Wellington opposed). The board's action allows the donation under the expense policy framework and included language authorizing trustees to use discretionary stipend funds for the event if they choose.

The record shows questions from Trustee A. Sanchez and others about whether the sponsorship had been considered in the budget; Village Manager Willie Norfleet Jr. confirmed the item had not been included in the adopted budget. No vendor contract or additional funding authorization beyond the board motion was recorded at the meeting; the trustees directed no further administrative steps beyond the approved motion.