EDGAR CO. (ECWd)–
It has been over 17 months since we first raised concern with the actions taken under the leadership, if you can call it that, of former County Board Chairman Chris Patrick as it relates to the dissolution of the Mass Transit system in Edgar County. Actions that would have cost the tax payers of this county well over $100K.
We started working on this issue prior to May of 2013, — over 18 months ago. Here is one of the first emails we sent to trustees of the Mass Transit District regarding the sale of their real estate (click here), which will now have to be dealt with as real estate sold without proper authority.
The board refused to listen and did as they darn well pleased, however, we continued to demand accountability and never stopped fighting for compliance with the law.
For reasons we will never understand, our efforts of keeping funds in this county were met with resistance from the county board and the State’s Attorney. Resistance that included fabricated excuses without any research as to why we were wrong and the money could not stay in the county.
My attempts of exposing the illegal actions may have been the real reason I was taken out of the County Board meeting on June 12th, of 2013, but we may never really know the truth. (Click here for coverage of that meeting)
Two weeks after that meeting I wrote yet another article outlining all the problems with the actions of this county board, the State’s Attorney, and specifically stated this entire mess will prove to be a problem in the future. (Click here for that article)
Now, 17 months later in today’s county board meeting we finally have confirmation that the money we demanded from day one, that belonged to the county, is in fact going to stay in the county with more to come! Just as we spoke about during numerous county board meetings. $152,000.00 to date and depending on the revenues raised from the auction of the rest of the property, including the real estate, the figure could rise substantially.
You would think after years of complaining about our demands of accountability to the law, you might hear at least one person acknowledge that following the law brought a substantial windfall to the county, but nope, not a word!
Not only did the county’s bottom line go up by $152,000.00 but it was in fact a portion of that money that made them able to make a $50,000.00 payment to IMRF to save interest charges on those underfunded obligations saving as much as 6% in interest.
That equates to no less than $155,000.00 this county was able to use to ensure they were not over budget, paid off some debt, and paid down IMRF obligations. All because of the efforts of two people who simply demanded accountability to the law, and refused to accept the incompetence of its elected officials who were hell bent on giving it away! Why on earth it took such an effort is beyond us, but let this be an example of the importance of following the law!
Additionally, ECWd has secured over $65,000.00 for Clark County for their portion of the proceeds from the dissolution of the East Central Illinois Mass Transit District.
You are Welcome!
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14 Responses
Great job! A what point do you think elected officials will comprehend they are in office to serve the good of the people not run a financed club house?
RT @Erin_WSPatriots: Edgar Co watchdogs follow the money http://t.co/bRC4LNPRHQ
I’m glad for you. I hope you can convince Clark County officials to act now and get back the money that is rightfully ours. While the amount is not nearly so large, money is money. As for this article you just posted, your critics will claim you are merely glory seekers. In fact, in an effort to dissuade me from having any contact with you, one of the water district officials told me that all you watchdogs ever want is to write your articles and let the rest go. That’s horse hockey, of course. But here’s the thing: those very people who you help won’t say much of anything either. You get a lot more public praise squandering $150K+ of public money than you ever get saving it. You usually get heavy criticism from wasters. I speak from experience (in fact, several experiences). You are to be praised and congratulated. Happy
Thanksgiving.
RT @Erin_WSPatriots: Edgar Co watchdogs follow the money http://t.co/bRC4LNPRHQ
It’s true. John and Kirk have worked tirelessly for the good of the Edgar County Citizens, for honest government and for fair and equal treatment of all citizens here in Edgar County. They insist that all public officials simply follow the law, and then be held accountable when they break the law. No exceptions. It never mattered who you are, where you are from, how much money you have, or how much influence you have, as a servant of the public everyone is treated the same.
In this case, by following the law…..something our county board officials were not so inclined to do…..and something they even refused to do …..Kirk and John managed to convince our state officials to do the right thing. Their actions prevented our county from committing the Illegal act of taking money from our taxpayers and sending it elsewhere, something well under way before it was halted by our Watchdogs.
Not one county board official listened, supported or acknowledged the need to return over $150K back to our county taxpayers until well after it was over. No help there. More damming is the fact, more dollars, substantially more dollars to be returned to the Edgar County taxpayers because of this issue and our Watchdogs. Even Clark County has benefitted from this.
You may ask, how can it be, that our county board is so unwilling to give credit to those that have saved this county hundreds of thousands of dollars, that have caused Edgar County to balance it’s budget, to avoid a ending the year in the red, to pay $50,000.00 on a county retirement fund, to save interest on that money, to participate is some debt reduction and all without the slightest acknowledgement for that contribution?
Well, unfortunately and sadly, this lack of appreciation is clearly a notable characteristic of our Edgar County Board and some of its members.
It also seems, this is yet another example of how petty egos, personal agendas, self serving interests and even ‘the furthering of the notion, there is absolutely no corruption here in Edgar County’ undermines our governments ability to function properly.
In the moments wherein, our county board should be calling out the wrongdoing, deceptions, lies, and illegal acts……they are instead providing “cover” for their good buddy’s. The fraudulent grant application for airport projects submitted by our county board and it’s representatives: (now halted, with Edgar County Officials under investigation by the Office of the Executive Inspector General in Washington DC ): it’s continued operation ‘on the fringes’ with it’s current manager: are more continuing examples of same.
John and Kirk have done more to rid our county and state of criminals, their illegal activities, the special deals for themselves and friends; than any single agency anywhere in our government that was ever intended to do the same.
My hat’s off to both of you, great work! Nice article in FORBES MAGAZINE and please keep up the great work you’ve been doing!
Edgar Co watchdogs follow the money http://t.co/bRC4LNPRHQ
RT @ECWDogs: Watchdogs capture over $150K for Edgar County – http://t.co/O4GlzffH0g
Watchdogs capture over $150K for Edgar County – http://t.co/EKzVoYNQzi
good job guys . I told you before I worked with Chris Patrick when I was at the State he was mentally challenged then it seems it has been all down hill for him since. I think they finally banned him from bidding on any State jobs. Keep up the good work from a FORMER Paris resident
Watchdogs capture over $150K for Edgar County – http://t.co/F96LCPRAcD
Cool! Really, that’s cool. Job well done. Now send the $152K to the Orland Park Public Library that has spent about $200K to ensure a continuing flow of child pornography in the library. Oh forget it, they just nearly quadrupled the library’s tax levy by lying about having to cut children’s story hour, so they’ll make back the money soon and be able to afford even more litigation!
Your work is not in vain. There are MANY who including myself appreciate you guys! I know you don’t do it for kudos but out of a sense of duty. Our country’s citizens take a lot for granted. One such example of this is wanting to believe that elected officials always have their constituents best interest at heart. Certainly not true. Not always is this done on purpose, but mostly in ignorance and the ability to listen to others opinions and insights.
RT @ECWDogs: Watchdogs capture over $150K for Edgar County – http://t.co/O4GlzffH0g
Watchdogs capture over $150K for Edgar County – http://t.co/O4GlzffH0g