Madison Co., Ill. (ECWd) –
The Metro East Sanitary District covers both St. Clair and Madison Counties in Illinois and was formed under the Metro East Sanitary District Act of 1974, 70 ILCS 2905.
Both St. Clair County and Madison County Board Chairmen appoint 2 Commissioners each, and an additional Commissioner is appointed by the Chairman of the county with the greatest equalized assessment value annually – See Sec 3-1.
Salary of each Commissioner shall be the lesser of either St. Clair or Madison County Board member salary – See Sec 3-4.
(70 ILCS 2905/3-4) (from Ch. 42, par. 503-4)
Sec. 3-4. Commissioners shall be paid the same salaries as the county board members from either St. Clair or Madison County whichever is lower.
If anyone cannot read and understand Section 3-4, please drop us a note on what you do not understand.
The Commissioners of this district are paid the same as Madison County Board members, since it is the lesser of the two counties, however, these commissioners are also being paid Health Insurance coverage for themselves and their families, which is not part of a Madison County Board member’s pay.
Commissioners Charles Brinza, Victor Darwin, Charlotte Dixon, Marious Jackson, and Scott Oney are participating in this health insurance which is not authorized by state law. See the January 2023 Insurance Invoice (here).
We do understand a couple of months ago the Commissioners stopped including family members in their insurance but continued the insurance for themselves.
This additional compensation of insurance, above and beyond what Madison County Board members are paid, is unauthorized compensation and should be repaid to the District.
We understand this has been going on for decades, but we also understand it needs to stop immediately.
There are two other Sanitary District Acts which permit providing for health and other insurance to the “Board of Trustees.” Neither Act applies to the Metro East Sanitary District “Board of Commissioners” as they were formed under a different Act and are “Commissioners” not “Trustees.”
4 Comments
Win one
Posted at 11:10h, 20 MarchMadison County, run by Republican office holders, lacks transparency and accountability, Why did it take the Edgar County Watch Dogs to inform us of how MESD employees have been unjustly enriching themselves at taxpayer expense? And this is just the tip of the iceberg. If anyone had the time and energy, examining ACT/MCT, The Treasurer’s Office, to start, might shock every taxpayer. Whenever a County lacks transparency and accountability nepotism is to blame. Family and friends of current elected Republican officials sit on important boards and commissions; none have the experience or qualifications to hold these appointed positions. One can only hope that there is one decent elected official who will tackle the MESD fraud. Sure won’t be the Madison County Board – they’re more interested in increasing their own pay. The State’s Attorney won’t bother either. He’s awful busy self promoting himself. Madison County is a ship with no rudder.
Justice Seeker
Posted at 06:04h, 20 MarchWhat we do in Illinois. Ignore the law and trample on taxpayers while we take care of friends and family. No regard for the law. No fear because the states attorneys are sold out to corrupt political structure. Sworn to uphold the law but fail to do so.
Brian K Anderson
Posted at 16:23h, 19 MarchThats not the first govt body that doesn’t understand/follow adopted compensation packages. Why pay health insurance in excess of $1,000 when compensation package clearly states not to exceed $1,000 PER MONRH? Does $1,000 per month equal $12,000 per year? Why does a govt unit pay directly to an elected official when the comp package clearly states health insurance to be paid to VENDOR……SMH
Dave
Posted at 10:44h, 20 MarchGood point!