Whitehouse committee approves $3,500 discretionary advertising allotment for Toledo Free Press

The Village of Whitehouse Committee of the Whole voted unanimously Jan. 13 to permit up to $3,500 in discretionary advertising expenditures with the Toledo Free Press above the Village's budgeted notice costs.

Council members debated whether to donate directly to the Toledo Free Press or to instead purchase advertising to promote Village events and satisfy public‑notice requirements. Administrator Jordan Daugherty told the Committee that required public notices have historically cost between $200 and $400 per notice and that public‑notice spending runs “up to about $3,000 per year.” Councilman Dave Riggenbach said the $3,000 figure is already budgeted and favored using advertising rather than a donation to avoid a conflict of interest.

Councilwoman Louann Artiaga moved to authorize discretionary spending up to $3,500 for advertising with the Toledo Free Press, and Councilman Larry Yunker seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 6–0 vote.

Councilmembers said the discretionary authority will allow administration to place event ads and special notices without returning to Council for each small outlay. The Committee did not specify an annual cap beyond the approved $3,500 discretionary allowance, and members indicated the administration will select which events to advertise during the year.

The Committee’s vote amends how the Village will use its communications budget but does not reallocate the core public‑notice budget; Daugherty confirmed the $3,000 notice line remains in place. Further formal appropriation changes would be processed at a subsequent Council action if needed.