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Manteno mayor issues vetoes, cites audit concerns as residents press for accountability
Summary
Mayor Annette Lamoore issued three vetoes — blocking contract amendments for the village administrator, a remote-attendance policy and a tree-removal contract — and highlighted outstanding forensic-audit questions as multiple residents urged changes to policies and resignations.
Mayor Annette Lamoore opened the meeting's reports section by reading a detailed statement saying she would not execute contract amendments or alter compensation for Village Administrator Chris Larock and announcing two additional vetoes: a proposed remote-attendance policy and a tree-removal contract.
Lamoore framed the first veto around statutory appointment authority, citing Illinois law and Manteno village code and saying holdover administrative officers are serving until successors are "officially chosen and qualified." On the remote-attendance policy she said in writing that expanding routine electronic participation would risk technical failures, compromise the official record and dilute in-person accountability. On the tree-removal contract the mayor said the expenditure had not been sufficiently vetted against budget constraints, competitive bidding or a public-facing environmental assessment.
Public comment preceding the mayor's remarks focused heavily on the recently released forensic audit. Pat Martin told the board the audit appeared "directed, targeted, and biased," criticizing auditors for what he described as inadequate follow-up and a rushed process that nevertheless concluded roughly $1 million was missing from the treasurer. "Pretty concerning," he said.
Other residents urged policy changes and accountability. Diane Sauerbier said it was "time to turn the page on old ways" and urged officials she considered negligent to resign or be replaced. Sandy Chiz criticized trustees for how they treat the mayor and Trustee Vaughn, saying interruptions and condescension "are rude, unacceptable, and without basis." Ann Gates corrected a prior public statement about an overseas company and called for more restrained conduct at meetings.
Lamoore summarized key audit topics she said remain under review, including cash management, investment policy, bonding, ethics and conflicts of interest, procurement and bidding, and the golf course. She said outside parties were still reviewing the audit and that she would share information with trustees when available. The mayor's written vetoes instruct the board to process them "in accordance with state law."
