Below is an article that ran in the Argus-Press today. Despite an improving economy, cities, counties, villages and townships across the State continue to struggle to balance declining revenues and increasing expenditures. It is prudent for our elected officials to be fiscally responsible with our tax dollars. – Rob Lennon council member: Outgoing treasurer doesnt provide records By SALLY YORK, Argus-Press Staff Writer | Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 10:32 am LENNON — A Lennon Village Council member claims the village treasurer has failed to respond to requests for financial reports; the treasurer said she provides monthly financial statements. Council member Robert Widigan sent a letter by email Monday to fellow village council members and others stating in part that the council “has not received requested quarterly reports during this term, and financial tracking information hasnt been reported since May.” In addition to council members, the email was sent to news media outlets, including The Argus-Press, and local officials such as Gayle Raymond, the village treasurer since 1988. “I submit a financial statement every month,” Raymond said Monday, declining to say why she has not provided other requested reports. Widigan said the monthly financial statement, which lists the village’s bills and bank account information, is not sufficient for the council’s needs. He said without a quarterly report and monthly financial tracking information, “it is difficult for our departments to monitor their budgets properly.” He said the charter requires the treasurer to produce quarterly reports, and to provide any other financial information the council requests. “I have not seen a quarterly report since I joined the council in 2009,” Widigan said. “And we have not received monthly financial tracking information since May.” He said he does not suspect financial irregularities, and does not know why Raymond is not complying with the council’s requests. “There was no reason given,” he said. His email refers to “several issues that have proven to be divisive” to village officials, and notes that council directives have not always been followed. The village’s success “requires that our elected officials and public servants set aside ideological or personal differences.” Raymond said she is not seeking reelection Nov. 4. “It’s time for me to retire,” she said. She observed that no one has filed to run to fill her position, which pays $419.10 per month, or for the open positions of clerk (currently held by William Sprague), president (Johnathon Sprague) and two council seats (Wade Alderman and James Lanfrankie). “The only name on the (November) ballot is Robert Widigan,” she said. Widigan is running unopposed for a third open seat on the six-seat village council. Council members Keith St. Clair, Dave Mayers and Barbara BakerOmerod are up for election in 2016. He said Raymond’s departure is another reason why the council needs the requested financial information. “While irregularities are not suspected, it is the due diligence as an elected official to constantly monitor the village’s fiscal health,” he said in a separate written statement. “Knowing where the village financially stands today will help ensure a smooth transition into the new term.”
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 00:28:51 +0000
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