Resident raises concern about village credit-card charges; manager says receipts exist

During public comment at the March 24 Westchester board meeting, a resident raised concerns about village financial controls tied to BMO credit cards. The speaker said they reviewed records and found eight village credit cards but asserted that only some charges appeared in published bills. The resident listed small purchases (for example, $15.99 at Walgreens, $40 at Dunkin’ Donuts, $13 at Taco Bell) and said there were no receipts for these transactions.

The resident proposed that village credit cards not be set to autopay and that all purchases require a receipt to be approved, describing the suggestion as a safeguard against misuse. The commenter also referenced a prior period and alleged a former village manager bought a pool for personal use; the commenter framed that as part of broader concern about small undocumented charges creating a lack of oversight.

Village Manager Barry addressed the comment later in the manager’s report and stated that receipts for credit-card transactions are required as part of village policy and that staff review bills. He said changes to the format and review processes have been implemented and that trustees are aware the finance process has been adjusted. The transcript records the manager’s assurance but does not provide documentary evidence in the record during the meeting; no formal board motion or investigation was initiated during the session.

The exchange recorded a claim by a resident and a direct response from village staff; the claim was not adjudicated in the meeting and the transcript provides no supporting document beyond the speaker’s statements. The board did not take a formal action on the matter at the meeting; the manager’s comments indicate staff-level controls are in place and that a finance director hiring process is underway.