Plainfield, IL. (ECWd) –
Plainfield Fire Department purchases have been the subject of previous articles for its us of the Foreign Fire Tax Fund on Christmas gifts, PFD Trustee Reynold’s conflict of interest, and another Foreign Fire Tax article.
This article will look at credit card purchases between August 2014 and November 2015 – a 15-month time-frame.
- Turkey Raffle purchases of over $1,325.00
- Christmas Gifts of over $1,300.00
- Retirement Party over $1,490.00
- Edible Arrangements over $724.00
- Flowers costing over $165.00
- Hog Roast purchases over $714.00
- Food and parties costing over $6,045.00
- Corn Cob Pipes for $67.99
- Massage Envy massage(s) for $75.00
These purchases, in 15 months, total to over $11,900.00.
These included purchases at T Bird Liquor store, NHL.com, Gift Cards, and Massage Envy.
Again, we look at the purported public purpose for these purchases and fail to find any.
Additionally, the “Turkey Raffle” purchases could be in violation of the Raffles and Poker Runs Act, which clearly indicates who may operate a raffle – and a public body is not listed as an entity that may operate a raffle. Any purchases used with public credit for another entity is improper.
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2 Comments
Brittany
Posted at 12:45h, 18 FebruaryIt’s such a shame that Edgar County Watchdogs has to come after the Plainfield Fire Department. Those Christmas gifts are blankets and pillows that the firefighters use while they’re on shift or duffle bags they use to bring their clothes and gear to and from home. The retirement party was for members who gave 30+ years of service to the district. Edible arrangements were bought for members’ families who were grieving after numerous deaths throughout the year. Same goes for the flowers. Disappointed that this was a priority for the watchdogs when there’s actual corruption out there. I’m a Plainfield resident paying the Plainfield taxes and have no issues with those “Christmas gifts” used for when the firefighters are sleeping on their shift while they’re away from their families on holidays and birthdays and other important family events. This article only hurts the men and women who are on shift every 3rd day saving lives.
Kirk Allen
Posted at 11:48h, 20 FebruaryIT’s such a shame that Brittany cant see the fact that what was happening was wrong. Even the Chief agreed such purchases will STOP immediately. This is not coming after anyone. Its exposing how taxpayer funds are being spent. Read the article on the gifts again. I have no problem with items used for the FF in the performance of their job but in this case, other folks who DO NOT sleep at the station got those same gifts and it had nothing to do with public service.
Way to many people dont understand how to separate doing things that make you feel good versus doing things that the law says you can do. Show me in the law where they can spend on the things you defend and I will support them. Want a party, pull out your own wallet.
The fact of the matter is the article is not about the firefighters and the great job they do. This should expose the trustees and how bad of a job they are doing monitoring the taxpayers money.