FOIA Suit v Arcola Township – Update –

R.R.maybe it’s not just her that used the cards.Could it be that other family members picked up those receipts?If so that would explain the reason for holding on to those receipts and fighting so hard to keep them from going public.

The fact that Deana had a Road District gas card is not being disputed by Supervisor Clark. They fixed that by giving her a $4,600 raise. “REALLY” It baffles me why they are not wanting to give up the receipts for the gas charged to that card. It must be that they are only trying to hide the amount she spent. Spending more & more taxpayers money on an attorney to hide the amount is not being mindful of the taxpayer. Nice job Bill Coombe

Bill Coombe it is all up to you to answer the question everyone is asking why have you spent $4800.00 on a lawyer to try and hide receipts for gas. The answer some of your fellow township officials are giving is, you just do not keep receipts, that does not work, everyone knows you have to keep receipts. Back to the question why spend taxpayers money on a lawyer to hide receipts? It is not a complicated question and you should not have to pay a lawyer to give us an answer. You asked the question one time about who deserves the answer well here is the answer to that question. The Taxpayers deserve the answer.

jmkraft,can you buy a postcard big enough to include everything the Township is up to?That’s one piece of mail I’m looking forward to.

Call Me, I don’t believe ICTC total includes Deana and Mark’s cell phone bill. The township also pays for those.

Is there a pattern starting to develope here?I read on the home page where an offical in Lawrence County is forced to resign because of little oversight and loss of taxpayer money.Could it be that the elected officals in Lawrence Co.got their continuing education in Effingham,the same place Arcola Twp. got theirs?The answer may come after May 6th.

Any way Lawrence Township could give Arcola Township some pointers on how to get rid of all of the people supporting the abuse of tax dollars in Arcola township. We would be more than happy to send them our supervisor, clerk, road commissioner and their boss the secretary, maybe that budget could afford them

2013 Ictc $3456.99 2014 Ictc $4143.88 that is 345.33 per month for phone bills for the township office that is open 32 hrs. per week 46 weeks per year. We would think they could just walk across the street and talk to their lawyer. I don’t know about anybody else but I think these figures are getting a might ridiculous

Not Amused, the gm and Madigan is for the audit. now according to Dixon the auditors were covering up a little also. Now as transparent as this township is I am sure only $4261.50 was paid to hide receipts these auditors probably did not ask for any receipts or were maybe told not to ask. Does that make all you taxpayers feel warm and fuzzy. Thank you JM Kraft

For all the numbers on the Township’s Treasurer’s Report the one that stands out for me is the $4261.50 check written to M.Petty.Is that the price the taxpayers pay for not answering FOIA’s,according to jmkraft it’s going to be much higher.Another question I have is the amount for $4200.00 to G.M.& Madigan,is that another attorney paid to help Petty?

Comfort Station, we are taxed $22,294.00 Township spent $13,284.00 Open 32 hours a week minus 6 weeks vacation. Secretaries wages to clean bathrooms $5801.00. Toilet paper $7483.00. Ending balance $90,040.00. $man it should not be smelling at the township the taxpayers have bought enough toilet paper to wipe away the smell of ——t. Bill Coombe that is very mindful of the taxpayers.

It’s good to be a Arcola Twp. boardmember,at least when it comes to vehicle service.The Twp.year ending report shows boardmember Dale Knowles received $2527.70 from the Twp.,and just above that Effingham Truck got only $2507.73.Everybody has seen Deana’s vehicles at Dale’s and I’m sure she pays for the work done,or does she?Could that be why they are fighting the release of reciepts?Who’s to say,you see the Twp.Board isn’t very “Transparent”.

2011-$3007.75 ~ 2012-$3673.95 ~ 2013-$6093.51 ~ 2014-$-0-.These are the years and the dollar amounts paid for gas according to the Township’s Annual Treasurer’s Report.With the Township owning only 1 gas vehicle,does anybody see why they are fighting the lawsuit?It appears that as soon as questions were asked and a lawsuit filed,the gas buying stopped.It’s starting to smell around here,and it appears to be coming from the Township Office.

what about the secretary hiding her wages this year in the road fund rather than the general assistance. maybe Mark needed more help than Corky did, you know what I mean. I guess it is a problem trying to hide $100,000.00 from the taxpayers

How much more arrogance of bill Coombe do we have to put up with. He is foia officer , show these receipts and quit spending our 4800.00 just for last year and we have not made it to court yet. It is time these morons start paying there own legal expenses after all they are the ones hiding the misuse

It’s easy to see why the Oil &Gen. Rd. funds have over 360,000.00 dollars in them,just drive the roads.That doesn’t count Neco&Walker Co.Is anybody as pissed as I’am after reading the Treasurer’s Report?The Township isn’t broke,the Taxpayers are!

jmkraft your post makes sense,unless your on the board.Mark and Deana have and always will run the board,that is unless something changes,like May 6th.They are fighting the release of reciepts so hard people are taking notice.Lining the pockets of the Dimond Bros.next door is nothing new they have been doing so for years.If Bowdre is right 10 short years with TOIRMA could save the taxpayers over $250,000.00!Care to explain,Joey?

I’d like 2 know how the Township is going to explain to the taxpayers why they need $90,000.00 in the Comfort Station account.Is it because Deana gets $5800.00 of her salary from that account?The Comfort Station sits behind locked doors,is open less than 30hrs a week and is never open weekends or for festivals.Wake up Arcola,thats just a small part of a $971,306.36 ending balance.

They say it is to keep things local. Do they seriously think that money stays local? Didn’t look like they were buying their gas local. What I saw showed purchases in Charleston, Mahomet, and , oh yeah, out of state. Not sure why we would be buying gas in those places, but I guess they know best.

You guys in Arcola must have plenty of money to spend,our insurance bill is half of yours.We get ours through TOIRMA,which is the cheapest and best way to go.The next time you see Nacke,ask him why Arcola Township is the only downstate township not to use TOIRMA.After all he’s spending your money,not his.

The Sheriff after getting his butt kicked in the election still needs to feel needed,after all you remember how he strong armed the cacus.Something must have happened to make Mark and Deana call him in for the budget meeting.Still going over the Report,some of the numbers are very glaring such as the check to Dimond Bros.,it’s still going up.

High rider it sounds as if they not only hired a lawyer they also hired a sheriff to run there meeting about their budget. From the looks of it in the paper they may need protection from the tax payers, most will be outraged by those spending habits

Lake Lady forget about the misuse of TIF,have you read this weeks paper?If not I suggest the voting public get a paper and see just how bad the Township has it.Look at payroll and some of the expenses,and you tell me what poor house they live in!

As long as we are talking about the Township Board,what ever happened to that misuse of TIF Funds Joey was talking about?I hope everybody is paying attention,as usual Joey throws a accusation out there but can’t back it up.

It looks like the Watchdogs are getting ready for the court date,I see a posting of a Supreme Court Rule to back them up.I wonder if the Township thinks they can still make the lawsuit go away?I think not,May 6th and our tax dollars won’t save them.

Why do we let the Township go unchecked?People should question the budget numbers and show some concern.Dixon went unchecked,look what happened!

The township continues to spend our tax dollars on legal expense. Court update would not let petty dismiss case. we do have legal right to see receipts for tax money spent. May 6 is coming soon. They will surely have there budget together by then. From what we have seen on the internet of their tentative budget they might have a little work to do

P.C.is 105% correct!The Township is playing everybody like a fiddle,acting like team players at one meeting then going to another meeting stirring up trouble.And the ones that are sooooo concerned don’t even bother to show at the meeting they caused.Mark,Bill,and Dale must have had a good laugh,while some want to work out an agreement worthy of Arcola’s future,the 3 stirring everybody up didn’t even bother to show up.Anyone hear the fiddle music playing in the backround?

Help,unless you are new to the game you know the Township is very good at throwing something out just to see if it sticks.Yes,Nacke and Clark stated they had no problem with the TIF,but it should not suprise anybody that they went to the School Board,after all they have made a very comfortable living talking out of both sides of there mouths.When in the same room with people who are only intrested in what is best for Arcola and it’s future,they appear to be of the same mind but, along knowing no one will question there motives,they show their real colors.Mark my words-Arcola Township will NOT work to unite,their mission is to divide and conquer,just watch what they say then watch what they do.They know time is short,and they will drag their feet.

politically correct as you can tell by the meeting the other day the townships little trained monkey probably will not be coming back to you. After Mark Nacke , Bill Coomb and Dale Knowles went to the school board meeting and told them they better call another meeting to discuss what they did not understand from the first meeting. They did not show up, so they sent Joey and Corky so they could make sure everyone was still confused about what there position really is. Township is sure aggressive about telling the school board how they need run there business. You would think they would be more interested in there own problems that they have right now rather than trying to tell the school board what the school should do. Or maybe there house is in order and this is all they have to do?

Joey where are you?You have had ample time to come back at Mr. Foran and his letter in the paper.I know you’ve had a rough month and all with your boy getting wipped in the governor’s race and Mr. Foran schooling you in the paper,but come on,you’ve had time to be told your next move.You’ve got alot to do,after all did’nt you say you were one and done after this term?Maybe if you thought more about your community like LIbman Broom “57yrs.” you might try to do more than load your resume.

Nacke’s still got that pile of free junk up at the shed,that’s one of the favors kid is talking about.It won’t be gone anytime soon,because Deana and Mark have a fireman’s stag to organize.It amazes me what the taxpayer pays for!

Mr. Nacke is the only rd. comm.in this county and most likely any other county in the state that makes that kind of money.His favors have served him well,for his pay and the condition of his roads,it’s easy to see why the county engineer and Mark get along.The free stuff at the school and the fire dept.have a way of making people look the other way.

Thank You, Terry Foran for calling out one of the township board members. Of course we all know from all the past dealings no one at the township talks before a select few give permission so in reality you called out the leader of the township. Maybe she will give you a call and explain. again Thank You

And we all wonder why they do not want to show receipts for the things they buy with our tax money. And spending more money on hiding receipts from the taxpayer. And boasting how smart they are at being mindful of the taxpayer with their limited facts and figures. Credibility is a long way from the townships reach.

The person that just made post regarding Mark Nacke salary needs to get their own name. I don’t disagree with your post, but don’t use my name “who are you kidding”.

People, don’t be misled by what Spread the Wealth has posted Mark Nacke salary of $22,100.000 is just what he gets from the cemetery he also gets $45000.00 from the town fund for a total of $67,100.00 plus benefits. And his job description is, he was elected to make sure he pays people to get the work done. That is over 10% of the total expenses for a manager. Now are all other surrounding township road commissioners at that same rate?

More 2013 Annual Treasures Report Arcola Township:
Total Expenses; $525,420.73
Payroll: $190,226.81
M. Nacke grave openings $7400.00 plus $14,700.salary
Ictc $3456.99 Phone Bills (wow)
Blue Cross Insurance $27,126.78
IRS payroll tax $14,553.12
Lord Abbett $10,468.39 Retirement for 2 employees
Diamond Bros. Ins. $47,377.00 Work Comp and Liability
Phillips 66 $6093.51 Gas for Secretary
T. Foran $2592.06
Ameren $11,831.02
Total $ 321,124.67
The Arcola Township has almost 2/3 of the total budget being used for administrative costs rather than our tax dollars being used for repairing roads and keeping our cemetery. Also they are retaining a growing balance of $929,233.67 which is almost 9 times the amount that they spend on actually working on the roads per year. I read in the Arcola Record Herald that the School Board held a meeting last week to discuss TIF. In attendance were Mark Nacke , Bill Coombe, and Dale Knowles of the Arcola Township. Now Bill Coombe spoke to the school board at a previous meeting wanting them to be mindful of the taxpayers. After looking at the Townships report we can only hope that these three guys are not trying to influence another taxing body into running the school system as they are running the township. After all this is not about oil and chips and corn and beans. This very well educated board at the school is about, molding the future leaders of our community. It appears from the example above the school board would neither need nor want advice from another taxing body with this business plan. Why doesn’t Mark Nacke , Bill Coombe and Dale Knowles go back to the Township office and worry about fixing the problems they have before offering there advice to anyone else. This complete lack of regard for our tax dollars needs to be fixed.

I encourage everone to read the letter to the editor in this weeks Record Herald.Terry Foran has put Joey Hackler on notice that if you are going to make accusations about “mismanagement” you better be able to back it up.Joey just because you make a claim doesn’t mean it’s true.From what I gather several people felt strongly enough about their convictions they spoke at that meeting.But not Joey,you can only run back to the safety of your computer where you won’t be taken to task.Let me give you some advice Joey,stand up and be counted and defend what you believe,in person,not hide behind a computer.Maybe then you will regain some credibility.

People, don’t be misled by what Spread the Wealth posted. Deana’s salary of $27,561.61 is just what she draws from the General Assistance Fund. She also gets salary from several other funds. To the total of over $70,000.

Richey you have it right incompetent township officials; Check this one out
Annual Treasures Report 2013;
General Assistance: Beginning Balance: $83,538.27
Revenues $37,566.43
Expenses ( $52,957.26)
Ending Balance $68,147.44
Compensation Summary;
D. Shields $ 27,561.61
Arcola township Supervisor Corky Clark has been quoted as saying his only job at the township is to oversee the General Assistance Funds. His salary is $8500.00. Now if we take the two salaries of Deena and Corky of $36,016.61 from the expenses of the general assistance we have a balance of $16,940.65. Now unless they are trying to be deceitful in the treasures report it has cost the taxpayers $36,016.61 dollars for these two people to hand out $16,940.65. Or better yet it has cost the people in need of general assistance $36,000.00. When it costs more than twice the dollars to administer a program than what is being given out there is something very wrong. They are also holding a balance of $68,147.44 which is more than 3 times what they give out per year. From the outside looking in (because the door is locked and they don’t keep receipts) I think the citizens of Arcola deserve an answer. Prove what is going on at that office. The unfortunate people that have to depend on General Assistance should be outraged after all a lot of them pay taxes also.

kidding,your number is about $20,000.00 higher than ours,but then again we don’t buy for families.

It truly amazes me how Township supporters throw daggers at the City. This isn’t about the City. This can only be construed as a diversion from the incompetent Township elected officials. I have yet to see anything about the alleged illegal activity on any of their post. Please, please tell us that you support the use of the Road Districts gas credit card for Deana’s personal use and the stonewalling of the FOIA request. This is the real issue now isn’t it?

Big n bowdre, how does that figure compare to your Township?

So we know the credit cards were misused. Joey Hackler said they have fixed that problem by taking them away from the secretary and giving her a $4600.00 raise. Is the reason they still do not want to show receipts is because there might be more misuse and they do not want to have to give her another raise? After all, there report shows about $37,000.00 worth of gas last year used don’t we have roads to work on in Coles County

Rancher,just to be fair I believe the Township credit cards also enjoy the holidays.Twice on Christmas day last year they were used in Charleston.Now I know they can get busy in the winter but on Christmas day?Twice?You talk about dedication.

Rancher, once again, it was not just a vacation she used the gas card for. It has been used for years to buy all her family’ s gas. Thousands and thousands of dollars. Chances are though, had she not used the card out of state, we wouldn’t’ be here. Bet she regrets that.

The election is over and the township AKA Deena,Bill, and Mark can now, since they do not have to put on anymore fish frys for the sheriff maybe they can concentrate on finding those pesky receipts that seem to have been misplaced. We know they would much rather try to make all the other taxing bodies mindful of the taxpayers but it is high time they step up and be accountable for there willful misuse of taxpayers money. Now that may sound a little strong but using a credit card of the taxpayers for a personal vacation in most peoples book is willful misuse and it is time they quit spending our tax dollars defending that. We have to call Bullshit now. Join in if you agree and you do not have to use your name they have played that excuse out long enough. ACCOUNTABLE

The sheriff’s vote was very telling,I see where the “loyal at any cost ” Arcola Twp. did as they were told.The Queen and Rd. Comm. did all they could,running the fish fry and election central out of the office for Charlie’s boy,but it wasn’t enough.At least now you guy’s can spend your tax money where it’s truely needed,fighting that lawsuit.Don’t forget to thank your Twp. Board.

The tele-conference shows the Township didn’t get the job done.May 6th@3:00Judge Lincoln will hear all motions,Deana didn’t get what she wanted.This is just the start of the Taxpayer finding out about trips and holiday shopping done on the Taxpayers dime.No make that dollar,the money they spent is way more than dimes!

jmkraft,will we get an up date on the lawsuit today?

wonder if the township can take time out of there busy election schedule to talk with Judge Lincoln on Tuesday. If they would put as much time in producing receipts as they have at trying to get a sheriff elected and an ex sheriff on the central committee they would not have to talk to the judge this issue would already be taken care of. Would this be a control issue? Please keep us posted on the conversation Mr. Kraft

Still bitter I see enough is enough.You write as if you have alot of insight about the maintance division of the City,you really need to move on.Your bitterness is clouding your thinking,but here’s something to think about.Say you had a small child,say a little girl maybe,and she liked to play outside in the backyard.And just across the alley was a big pile of dirt,rocks,concrete,and weeds,and the little girl wanted to play on that pile.Now you being the adult know that rats and mice carry enough diseases resulting in everything from rat-bite fever to liver and kidney damage,not to mention cardiovascular damage,so you tell her it’s not safe to play over there.But of coarse you don’t live next to the pile so it’s ok,right.

enough is enough rather than going around telling everyone the phone # of OSHA I would assume your past fellow employees would appreciate you stopping and helping them out of a dangerous or life threatening situation. Or would that be too much for you. The rest of your post does not make a lot of sense, facts instead of misleading info works better

Enough is enough, you need to go back and read the paper. I believe R Place was approved for 2 tifs recently. The complaint people have with township is the “illegal” spending of money. I don’t believe I have read any complaints otherwise. Oh I take that back. Only other complaint I recall is about the extremely overpaid part-time secretary. You know trucks and equipment do have to be replaced from time to time.

Lake lady apparently you haven’t been down north jacques to see the “gem” the city keeps out there. You’ve probably been too busy planning a race party. Everyone is concerned about how much money the township is spending right now. Anyone else notice the shiny new truck parked at the city shed? Or the fact that they are leasing a new backhoe and skid steer? Last I saw their backhoe looks pretty nice. No? Nobody noticed? Add it up people its well over 100k for a new truck, backhoe, and skid steer. Humptydumpty has no problem spending money on b.s. like that. Go in and talk to the owners at R Place about how he and the mayor are doing everything possible to not give them t.i.f. money. Does everyone want to play the OSHA game? How many times have you seen those poor guys fixing main breaks without a dig box? Do they even own one? 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) Here’s the number to OSHA’s emergency number, it has been passed out throughout the population of Arcola, and will be used if they are seen in dangerous or life threatening situations.

Why would anybody be suprised that OSHA is looking at the Township?Have any of you people driven by the shed lately?Where did that pile of whatever by the garage come from?I’m sure their’s no rodents around there,yea right.

Corky manages his board about as well as he manages his properties!!!

OSHA?What else are these clowns going to hang us taxpayers for?Corky Clark you are suppose to be in charge of that board,grow a pair and straighten this stuff out.

The Township agenda is up and one item is OSHA.It appears that OSHA was contacted anonymously and Jeff is involved.This sounds more serious than Deana’s smoking at the office.How much is it going to cost the taxpayers to fight OSHA too,they’er not done with the lawsuit in front of them now.Watch your back Jeff,these guys will do just about anything to save their own hides.

Coombes is quoted as saying we don’t keep receipts, yet they come in the mail with the bill. Now they must of destroyed them or Coombe is lying, now we wonder which one is it.

Mr.Coombe maybe more worried about releasing incriminating records than following the law.3.18.14 should change that.

kidding you must be talking about receipts.If I remember right Clerk Coombe wrote something a while back about,everybody not deserving a ” right to know ” what is spent at the Township.We shall see.

I have been online and reviewed the agendas and minutes for the Illinois Downstate Local Records Commission from 2011 to current. Arcola township has not applied during that time to dispose of any public records. The law reads “No public record shall be disposed of by any local government agency, unless written approval of the Local Records Commission is first obtained.” It also reads “In the case of a violation of the Local Records Act or of this Part discovered by the Commission, the Attorney General, and the State’s Attorney of the county in which the alleged violation occured, will be notified. So where are they?

Every tax paying voter in Arcola Township should read the post by Common Sense,absolutely spot on!The choke hold the Regime at the Township Office has had on this community is sliping away little by little thanks mostly to the ECWD.Right will prevail.

Well Lola there are several that do get on this site and more everyday. and some that know what is going on are still saying just a little misuse of tax money is alright because the guys do everything for us, including our thinking. But they are doing that with your money. Is that still alright?

Common Sense, the problem is that they don’t have any “common sense”. This is why everyone in Arcola needs to be made aware of what is going on at the township office. There are many people that don’t get on this website who would be shocked at what has transpired.

One would think that Bill Coombe might be running for another office. Over the last year he has came out in public with some real good ones and it seems he is having to back up on most of them.
1. State Mandated Caucus rules. (That was the start, but not true)
2. The township cannot survive with the TIF in place (that is looking out for the good of the community, yet we have $900,000.00 surplus of tax money at the township,)( living like Paupers )
3. My office is very transparent (So we lock the doors we will buzz you in)
4. I am so confident I am doing the right thing (So we hire a Lawyer)
5.Everyone should be mindful of the taxpayers (keep the lawyer, taxpayers are not entitled to see receipts, that is mindful)
6. I went to Philadelphia birthplace of the Constitution (Forgot to read it while he was there)
What’s Next Bill? Quit talking out of both sides of your mouth and look the taxpayers in the eye and tell them, we will get a Forensic Audit and we will pay for that with taxpayers money and show everyone The Township Has Done Nothing Wrong. That makes more sense to us taxpayers than paying a lawyer to tell us we don’t have the right to look at receipts . Stop playing the cover-up game common sense has to be used at some point

For those who think the ECWD will give up and go away need to read the article “Watchdog Testifies on FOIA Expansion Bill”.It’s just a matter of time before they prove the problems at Arcola Township are real and need fixing,no matter how uncomfortable it will be for some.Deana,Bill,and Mark will keep spending Tax Money covering their tracks,while the ECWD insure public records are just that “Public Records”.

Adding an extra ? to each new post is just annoying. All you are doing is agitating this situation. Absolutely no positive can come out of it. The truth may not come out as soon as we would like, but it will come to the surface. Coombe and Petty are playing games and this is not a game folks. The board better get done what they need to this term because I can see the hand writing on the wall the next go around.

It’s not the receipts for gas usage out of state they are wanting to hide. We already know about that. It is the thousands spent on gas over the years for her and her family she is not wanting us to see.

The township has already lost, mostly respect for now. Things must be really bad to go to these extremes just to not show receipts. There is nothing but time on the side of RIGHT so sleep easy all of you at the township, you have made your bed.

Your question as to who is going to pay the ECWD expenses is not suprising coming from your side.Rather than work towards cleaning up the mess at the Township,you try to side step the real issues at hand.The taxpayers are paying for the failure of the Township Board to follow the laws pretaining to the Freedom of Information Act.If Clerk Coombe’s statement was correct about being ” Transparent ” the Township would not be in court fighting a lawsuit.If transparency was not being questioned,we would know why and who used a township credit card not only out of the county,but out of state.Let the ECWD take care of themselves,your time might be better spent asking why the Township does’nt fully answer FOIA’s.

Another good example of the complete disregard for the taxpayers money. ? and ?? your secrets out these are the same kind of ?’s you have been asking since the caucus last election trying to divert the spotlight off of the real problem. Why IS there a lawsuit is the real question. It is because Bill Coombe? Deana Shields?? does not want anyone to look at receipts of gas money that was used for personal use that the township board has approved at there monthly meetings. Pretty easy to slide that by the board members that don’t even get to look at those receipts either. Why are they fighting so hard to not let this get out. Has there been more than just the secretary using these gas cards for her vacation. Bill Coombe surely would not jeopardize his reputation in this community for just his secretary. Keep going Watchdogs and thank you for looking out for our tax dollars. We all hope the end is near.

Well,well look who’s back.? you should’nt worry about the ECWD,you should be asking why tax dollars are spent defending your buddies up at the Township.

You know, ?, it is none of our business who pays his attorney, if he loses. He is not a taxpayer entity. Hopefully if township loses this will get her out of there. Even after paying both attorneys we will save money in long run by not paying her OUTRAGES $70,000 PLUS salary.

Be sure and look at dump truck (fuel, etc) expenditures in summer 2010. Township dump trucks were being used to deliver MANY loads of dirt, over a few days, to newly purchased private property in Coles County. The property was south of Rt. 16, in a residential area. I called the Township Road Commissioner Office (or Township shed?) and left a msg. (voice mail) indicating what, where and when I observed their trucks. I called anonymously.

And should you lose then who is paying for the lawsuit? You?

And who will be paying for your lawyer should you lose? You?