This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
The Peru money counters have cut the library taxes and now are looking to cut the township off the tax bill. I am beginning to like Harl, Potthoff, Radtke. They may not be popular but they have become very effective in saving Peru's taxpayer.
If it is legal, yes. The subdivision across the river also needs to become part of a municipality. Either Oglesby or Peru - but they need to be incorporated. It makes more sense from a police and fire point of view for them to become part of the City of Oglesby.
Very interesting that all of a sudden the city wants to consolidate with the township. When Pulaski Street was worse than a washboard, Harl said take it up with the township. Now he wants to consolidate? It is to get back at Steve Weberski? Does he still have a vendetta against Weberski? Are township employees part of a 150? So if the city and township consolidate, Peru employees will take over the road upkeep. Peru employees are 150 union members. Is this Harl's way of getting more work to the union?
Anonymous said... sounds like at the city meeting last night the township clerk and trustee from across the river a little nervous about their jobs. I understand Bernabei and Studer all for consolidation of township with big savings for us the taxpayer. Strange the new republicans want more government. bernabei and studer have are backs so thanks
I absolutely believe Studer wants to reduce expenses from the township. He stated so when he was running for the position. As for the other one, i don't believe a word he says. I believe it is a political positioning move for him at this point. I believe he needs something to please the public and justify another high salary and great public pension that he wants. Why the sudden need now? never heard a word from him before until the public started to push the issue. Nothing more than political and for personal gain again?? Don't get me wrong, if costs go down overall, I am for it. don't think we need a major study and the attorneys to "look into it" though. The state is working on this issue and structure change already. why duplicate the effort? The duties in the township office are so minimal that it wouldn't take much to hand it over to the city. city does most of it anyway. As for revenge to weberski? could be. wouldn't doubt it. Have seen that happen before. So, if the current trustee said that salaries couldn't be changed for this group, why were they not changed on day one when they went into office for the next group? Don't buy his story and excuses. 5 miles of road don't need revenue of a half million dollars. According to warehouse.illinoiscomptroller.com, there were 12 employees in 2015. For what???? Are you kidding me? Not sure where the trustee got his information. oh, and the financials are unaudited. How convenient. lol. Mostly admin salaries and employee salaries. unacceptable for 5 miles of road. read those reports on the states website. it will make you sick to your stomach to know that your hard earned money filled their pocketbooks and retirement plans these past few years. Was somewhat confused as to why one of them got paid in the under $25k category and again in the $25k to 50$k category. 2 salaries? More Pension money????!!!! Holy cow! This craziness has to end. if the current group of trustees that manage OUR money don't vote a salary reduction and benefit elimination within the next month or so, none of them will get my vote again. It was all lip service to get your vote. Please don't fall for it again.
This was my first post on the subject In the past three years there has been an effort to reduced each fiscal budget. A website was created to have Transparency. We have cut the hours of the secretary almost in half compared to the previous regime and currently the road commissioner has one employee who works 32 hours per week. The previous Democratic Road Commissioner had a full time employee and a part time employee for his less than 6 miles of road.
It is true that elected officials are greatly over paid for what they do compared to other Townships. However this was Passed unanimously by the previous Democratic regime. I have made a commitment to reduce the elected official salaries. The vote is done every four years prior to the next election. This topic is being discussed and is on This months agenda. Pulaski street North of Shooting Park was completely redone by the Peru Township Road Commissioner and many Culverts were replaced South of the River last year as well. To say very little service are provided is totally incorrect. Eddie Mitchell Peru Township Trustee
IL Township Government is not what's flawed it's the past and present people who run it. This is true for all government bodies State and Federal. Past elected Peru Township officials are to blame for most of Peru Townships graft (one of the Highest Paid elected Township Salaries in the State) and yes the current salaries was passed by Trustee, City of Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei Four years ago. Township Taxpayers deserve him too explain why he voted yes to increase Peru Township salaries. What is his motive now. Is it to save face with his political career? I will post a copy of all those past Township officials who voted to increase the elected official salaries. What's next we abolish All School Districts, the City of Peru, Lasalle Township, all IL Townships, the State of IL, and The Federal Government. If elected officials can not control waste and over spending at the smallest form of government in IL then all other higher government bodies are doomed to fail because of greed or Go Bankrupt like the State of IL. Eddie Mitchell Peru Township Trustee
If anyone wants more info on the subject please contact me or attend our Monday June 20th meeting. Public and News Media is welcome to attend. Transparency in government is a must. I was told the City of Peru had been in closed door discussion on this Topic. If it is true, I guess closed door sessions are a norm in Peru politics. I believe there is a motive by the mayor, Chuck Studer and Chief Bernabei. All are tied in the inner circle of Perus Politics. Will the News Tribe print the facts and will Rod be one sided on this issue? Do we forget the Alderman at Large referendum? It would have made Peru government smaller and reduced the City's budget. Eddie Mitchell Peru Township Trustee
he promised no employees then he hires one. from my foia, the spending had doubled. and i noticed mr mitchell did not come out right away and say it has to be consolidated. it has to the wasteful spending has to stop and stop now!
Why would Harl have a vendetta with Steve Weberski? Let's estimate that at the most, Steve serves 2 hours a month. Pay is $26,000 a year and medical benefits. Do you agree that the position of township clerk should pay $26,000 a year and have medical benefits?
8:23 Eddie. It has taken you how many years to finally bring the topic of overpaid official salaries to the agenda? Why has it been quiet prior to the City of Peru pressing the issue? The website has nothing on it but the poor resumes of the elected officials. It looks like a campaign web site. The service as described by other officials is still very little? Your less than 6 miles of road ways won't take full time paid commissioner or a 30 hour a week employee. Your elected officials pay that takes up nearly all of the budget is tragic. The township has taxes that should be going to those that need aid, homeless shelter, have been utilized for elected wages. You can tell us that how it was done in the past! Well, you have had years of no changing that pattern. How can you compare your overinflated elected official wages with other townships? You have less than 6 miles of roads, you don't even qualify as a township let alone compare other township wages.
9:17 a.m., you don't know Peru politics if you have to ask why Harl would have a vendetta with Steve Weberski.
I disagree with the "poor resumes of the elected officials". A low and unnecessary blow.
Some trustees are working on reducing costs, however, I don't believe Eddie Mitchell is one of them.
If you check the April Township minutes, you will see that the Supervisor and Clerk don't have access to each other's records. Shouldn't both positions have access to all township records?
I know there must be some motivation for the city to bring up consolidation with the township, but figuring out that motivation won't be easy. Can it be only that the city wants the township budget money for their own coffers?
154 I have made a commitment to lower all elected officials salaries. That also includes the Trustees Salaries. This issue has been discussed and has been on previous Monthly Agendas, TOI has just released its newest wage survey to help us discuss how much we need to cut Salaries. We also requested LaSalle Township to send us there current elected officials wages. There Road commissioner makes 26000.00 per year compared to our Road commissioner 47000.00 per year salary. We have a huge salary problem that needs fixed. I suggest you contact TOI if you believe we don't have enough road to be a township. Eddie Mitchell Peru Township Trustee
I read the April township minutes. They state that Studer asked Hocking for wage information in February and by April he still did not get the information he requested. Why? Why did it take that long to get information to a trustee who requested it? Hocking needs to go.
Eddie, the reason the township has enough miles to exist is because Pulaski Street has a small amount that puts it over the required amount. Pulaski Street is in Peru City limits and should not be a township road. Remove that stretch of road, and the township road district wouldn't meet the requirement. Eddie, I would like to see you make the effort to get Pulaski Street to be part of the city and not the township. If you are really trying to save tax dollars, start there. Salaries can only be lowered by voting on the salaries for the upcoming 4 years. Who voted to increase wages last time? Please post.
Eddie, the city discussed the township consolidation in the committee of a whole meeting, not during closed session. I agree with your comment about the alderman at large. Why did the city not want to consolidate aldermen, but they want to consolidate the township. There has got to be some motivation.
Eddie, you late and behind time. Validating your lack of commitment to lower wages is a few years old. Your asking for a survey is a few years old. And your comparisons to other townships salaries and how many miles of roads is like a confession of how much you have wasted tax payer dollars. We believe that a few of the trustees want to make the change, but is tough to believe you are making any commitment to change Peru tax bills. Health insurance, please tell us you said no. Clerk wages of $28,000? Supervisor wages over $40,000? Road Commissioner $40,000? Eddie, keep the faith. You may be to late in holding up your head in that sinking ship.
I happen to hear that the trustee wages are not that high when you compare them to the clerk, supervisor, road czar and assessor. Why such commitment to those getting all that free graft? Look them in the eye and say no more.
The County does not want to take over the roads across the river that are in the Road District but not in the City of Peru. If the road district is disbanded, those roads go to the County. Anything inside the city limits goes to the City. But... the entire tax levee is lost. That is a good thing - but those roads will still need to be maintained.
Really, Eddie? Your argument is cut the aldermen but keep the township? I'm sorry I voted for you. I don't always agree with everything the city does but at least the city provides services that I need. It was sure nice to have those cops today at Baker Lake. The township does nothing, needs to be closed.
5/6–130. Township road district; mileage; abolition; township board of trustees § 6–130. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act to the contrary, no township road district may continue in existence if the roads forming a part of the district do not exceed a total of 4 miles in length. For purposes of this Section, the roads forming a part of a township road district include those roads maintained by the district, regardless of whether or not those roads are owned by the township. On the first Tuesday in April of 1975, or of any subsequent year next succeeding the reduction of a township road system to a total mileage of 4 miles or less, each such township road district shall, by operation of law, be abolished. The roads comprising that district at that time shall thereafter be administered by the township board of trustees by contracting with the county, a municipality or a private contractor. The township board of trustees shall assume all taxing authority of a township road district abolished under this Section. Laws 1959, p. 203, § 6–130, added by P.A. 77–1766, § 1, eff. July 1, 1972. Amended by P.A. 82–611, § 1, eff. Sept. 24, 1981; P.A. 82–783, Art. X, § 23, eff. July 13, 1982; P.A. 83– 605, § 1, eff. Sept. 19, 1983; P.A. 92–800, § 5, eff. Aug. 16, 2002; P.A. 94–884, § 5, eff. June 20, 2006. Formerly Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch. 121, ¶ 6–130.
10:46 Thanks for the post. Eddie, your rants mention 6 miles of road. The actual law states 4 miles or less and your township road district is abolished. I would believe that your roads are close to 5. What if you placed Pulaski and West Shooting Park in control of the city. That would bring your totals to under 4 and abolish your right to tax. Simple solution to saving Peru taxpayers? Most of us believe that your motivation is to get a few friends in on township payroll and keep a few more. Should Township road commissioner make anything close to $47,000 a year? How about $5000. Should a supervisor make anything close to $5,000 let alone $45,000? Should a clerk make $26,000 and medical benefits for 2 hours a month? How about $100.00 a month and nO BENEFITS! And you as a trustee $150.00 a meeting if you cut down the other wages. If not? We go to the polls and get someone else in that will. By the news reports you have 2 trustees on board Studer and Bernabie. They need one more vote. Will you stand with your political allies or the taxpayers of Peru?
A township road district can exist with only 4 miles of road to take care of? That is corrupt - only put in place to pay taxpayer monies to government employees who are not needed.
6:27, everything the township spends money on is something you really need. You just don't get it. I mean, what would you do without that new fence at the township building?
Don't forget when Rigby was on the county board he bought $500,000 software that never worked one day. Now he's found another taxpayer scam at Peru township.
9:35, pretty sure the software and labor time involved all those years was MUCH MORE than half a million. Much more! That was a total mistake handled by bad management.
Your attempt to lower the number of Alderman was a good step. My estimation of the savings would be about $10,000 a year. With a city budget of over 50 million you would have saved about .0002 percent.
The last 3 year you have done nothing to lower those salaries of the township elected. The township brings in about $400,000 in taxes. Eddie, the wages and benefits of those elected is nearing $200,000. Quick math is that the wages of those elected makes up a near majority of the budget. You can switch parties, you can cut the hours of the hired employees, but you just can't get around to cutting those elected loyalist. You brag about the savings in the reduction of alderman referendum. And your one of two votes needed to rid the city of this tax scam. Who's in control? You or some non voting member of the team township?
9:35 PM, June 16, 2016 - the software worked fine. It was the inept government employees that could not get on the same page and tell the contractor what they wanted it to do without changing their mind every other week.
If we abolish the township and the township road district tomorrow it will never impact our taxes. The City of Peru and the County of LaSalle will raise the tax to compensate for the added work.
The level of ignorance of some of these people is astonishing Lois. I know even the most intellectually challenged in Peru need an outlet but there should be a saturation point for "stupid". People like 6:36 am and 12:08 pm who are waging an obvious vendetta against the people who have "beat them down" politically. They are obsessed by hatred for those defeated them. I can easily separate the hate-speak from the truth because I am familiar with the people involved. I think most people can see the motivations and intentions of "the players" doing battle in these political feuds. I'm going to ask some of them to provide details. What a wild idea huh people? Ask the people instead of making it up as you go. What a concept.
902 you clearly don't no the IL Law that dictates when Township Elected officials Salaries can be changed. Your not alone on this subject. We must pass this Elected ordinance by November 2016. The ordinance does not go into affect to after the April 2017 election. Those wages will stay into affect for Four years to the newly Elected Officials. I was the first Trustee to bring the Ordinance up at the April meeting. I will try to upload the April Meeting minutes. It was Discussed at the May Meeting. I will try to post those Minutes as well. It is on the June Meeting Agenda. I have made a campaign commitment to lower the salaries. With the TOI wage surgery and direct talks with other townships I believe there should be a 40 to 50% wage cut at every position. I also Believe the should be no Health Care reimbursement for all positions. I hope to see manty Township residents at our June meeting. I have no problem stating the facts. I have no problem stating my position. You are correct 200k payout is outrageous! I'm the only Trustee who has came out publicly on this Blog and is willing to express how I feel. Eddie Mitchell Township Trustee.
Eddie, your still on the wrong team. A wage cut of 40-50% still is not enough. Should a township supervisor make $25,000 and a clerk $13,000, that would be a 50% wage cut. The payout is more than outrageous, it's criminal. You can post minutes from the April meeting, I guess the heat was on? But, you have had years of doing nothing with those promises. And being the only trustee to step up? According to the newspaper you have 2 trustees on record to eliminate this travesty. Your the deciding vote. Talks with other townships and wage surveys? Did you find another township that has the amount of roadways (less than 6)? That would be comparable. Quit holding on to this political public aid for these officials.
12:04 PM, Eddie couldn't do anything to cut wages until now. What don't you understand. The wages were voted on by the prior board. The current trustees could not cut salaries, that's the way it works. The current board can only set wages for the upcoming election and those set wages will last for the next 4 years. Let the cutting begin! Bernabei voted for the increase last time, this time he says he is voting for a decrease and would be in favor of elimination. What's up with that?
Yes, you won the political wars and are now a township official. Didn't you run on the promise to cut this wasteful government. Does that make you better? We didn't make any promises to get elected. Nobody would have known about those big elected wages and wasteful spending if you and a few others wouldn't have stated that in your campaign promises. What upsets all isn't your appetite for government free cash, its your lack of following up on the cuts----start with yourself.
If the City of Peru is looking at the possibilities of consolidating with the Township it is for one reason and one reason only. They want those tax dollars. Any consolidation attempts will be for one purpose only, to transfer that money to the City of Peru and continue to collect it.
Keep in mind that the City of Peru has big plans. They are finishing up the monster parking facility and warehouse for PWC trucks. Next comes the North Side Fire Station and Police Station. They need to feed the beast as they say. Oh.. don't forget, another election coming up for Boss Harl.
Bottom line. Don't expect ANY tax savings by consolidation Peru Township. The money will just be funneled in another direction.
Eddie have you cashed all your checks? Have you donated at least 40 or 50 percent back???? Has any one? I doubt it. If you think it was to high why not donate it back. I read some minutes also and it looks like you have voted yes to every single tax increase and budget since in office. is that true or not. it looks like you made plenty of the motions.
Peru's secretive approach to this issue is proof enough for me that Harl has his usual underhanded, dishonest, and self-serving motivations working for this political move to take control of Peru Township tax dollars. Note that I said "take control of tax dollars" because that is where I believe the true motivation comes from. The fact that Harl kept this takeover scheme secret until revealing it last week shows once again he is maneuvering behind the scenes practicing his usual dishonest "method of operation". Harl is up to no good as per usual. Personally, I think there is some big-shot type deal or development in the works that will require collaberation and agreement between the city and the township and Harl wants to take control of the township before anybody realizes his true motivations. He does not control Peru Township but he sure wants to.
Your worried that the money will go towards something else? Anything would be better than paying nearly all of the tax for salaries of those township officials.
I got a takeover scheme for the ages. Get rid of all those salaries and the big trucks and the new garage and the few miles of road. Give those to the county and save the taxpayers millions! Or shift them to the City of Peru and save millions! And with the trustees being good stewards of tax dollars by awarding themselves big wages as Town ship leaders we should shift them over to take care of the city of Peru budget as mayor, alderman, clerk, and public works chief. Can't wait for the referendum.
How about this. Make the free loaders that live in the subdivision across the river - you know the ones that don't pay municipal tax - get off their duff and either incorporate their own city or merge with Oglesby. Then City of Peru residents won't be stuck paying the "Road District" tax that only benefits them!
63 comments:
Yesssssss
The Peru money counters have cut the library taxes and now are looking to cut the township off the tax bill. I am beginning to like Harl, Potthoff, Radtke. They may not be popular but they have become very effective in saving Peru's taxpayer.
If it is legal, yes. The subdivision across the river also needs to become part of a municipality. Either Oglesby or Peru - but they need to be incorporated. It makes more sense from a police and fire point of view for them to become part of the City of Oglesby.
Very interesting that all of a sudden the city wants to consolidate with the township. When Pulaski Street was worse than a washboard, Harl said take it up with the township. Now he wants to consolidate? It is to get back at Steve Weberski? Does he still have a vendetta against Weberski? Are township employees part of a 150? So if the city and township consolidate, Peru employees will take over the road upkeep. Peru employees are 150 union members. Is this Harl's way of getting more work to the union?
Anonymous said...
sounds like at the city meeting last night the township clerk and trustee from across the river a little nervous about their jobs. I understand Bernabei and Studer all for consolidation of township with big savings for us the taxpayer. Strange the new republicans want more government. bernabei and studer have are backs so thanks
lord knows the township aint takn care of the roads time to come together and save money! big money
I absolutely believe Studer wants to reduce expenses from the township. He stated so when he was running for the position. As for the other one, i don't believe a word he says. I believe it is a political positioning move for him at this point. I believe he needs something to please the public and justify another high salary and great public pension that he wants. Why the sudden need now? never heard a word from him before until the public started to push the issue. Nothing more than political and for personal gain again?? Don't get me wrong, if costs go down overall, I am for it. don't think we need a major study and the attorneys to "look into it" though. The state is working on this issue and structure change already. why duplicate the effort? The duties in the township office are so minimal that it wouldn't take much to hand it over to the city. city does most of it anyway. As for revenge to weberski? could be. wouldn't doubt it. Have seen that happen before. So, if the current trustee said that salaries couldn't be changed for this group, why were they not changed on day one when they went into office for the next group? Don't buy his story and excuses. 5 miles of road don't need revenue of a half million dollars. According to warehouse.illinoiscomptroller.com, there were 12 employees in 2015. For what???? Are you kidding me? Not sure where the trustee got his information. oh, and the financials are unaudited. How convenient. lol. Mostly admin salaries and employee salaries. unacceptable for 5 miles of road. read those reports on the states website. it will make you sick to your stomach to know that your hard earned money filled their pocketbooks and retirement plans these past few years. Was somewhat confused as to why one of them got paid in the under $25k category and again in the $25k to 50$k category. 2 salaries? More Pension money????!!!! Holy cow! This craziness has to end. if the current group of trustees that manage OUR money don't vote a salary reduction and benefit elimination within the next month or so, none of them will get my vote again. It was all lip service to get your vote. Please don't fall for it again.
This was my first post on the subject
In the past three years there has been an effort to reduced each fiscal budget. A website was created to have Transparency.
We have cut the hours of the secretary almost in half compared to the previous regime and currently the road commissioner has one employee who works 32 hours per week. The previous Democratic Road Commissioner had a full time employee and a part time employee for his less than 6 miles of road.
It is true that elected officials are greatly over paid for what they do compared to other Townships. However this was Passed unanimously by the previous Democratic regime. I have made a commitment to reduce the elected official salaries. The vote is done every four years prior to the next election. This topic is being discussed and is on This months agenda.
Pulaski street North of Shooting Park was completely redone by the Peru Township Road Commissioner and many Culverts were replaced South of the River last year as well.
To say very little service are provided is totally incorrect.
Eddie Mitchell
Peru Township Trustee
IL Township Government is not what's flawed it's the past and present people who run it. This is true for all government bodies State and Federal.
Past elected Peru Township officials are to blame for most of Peru Townships graft (one of the Highest Paid elected Township Salaries in the State) and yes the current salaries was passed by Trustee, City of Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei Four years ago. Township Taxpayers deserve him too explain why he voted yes to increase Peru Township salaries. What is his motive now. Is it to save face with his political career? I will post a copy of all those past Township officials who voted to increase the elected official salaries.
What's next we abolish All School Districts, the City of Peru, Lasalle Township, all IL Townships, the State of IL, and The Federal Government.
If elected officials can not control waste and over spending at the smallest form of government in IL then all other higher government bodies are doomed to fail because of greed or Go Bankrupt like the State of IL.
Eddie Mitchell
Peru Township Trustee
If anyone wants more info on the subject please contact me or attend our Monday June 20th meeting. Public and News Media is welcome to attend. Transparency in government is a must. I was told the City of Peru had been in closed door discussion on this Topic. If it is true, I guess closed door sessions are a norm in Peru politics. I believe there is a motive by the mayor, Chuck Studer and Chief Bernabei. All are tied in the inner circle of Perus Politics. Will the News Tribe print the facts and will Rod be one sided on this issue? Do we forget the Alderman at Large referendum? It would have made Peru government smaller and reduced the City's budget.
Eddie Mitchell
Peru Township Trustee
for the money he spends mr mitchell...very little has been done
he promised no employees then he hires one. from my foia, the spending had doubled. and i noticed mr mitchell did not come out right away and say it has to be consolidated. it has to the wasteful spending has to stop and stop now!
1:54
Why would Harl have a vendetta with Steve Weberski? Let's estimate that at the most, Steve serves 2 hours a month. Pay is $26,000 a year and medical benefits.
Do you agree that the position of township clerk should pay $26,000 a year and have medical benefits?
8:23 Eddie. It has taken you how many years to finally bring the topic of overpaid official salaries to the agenda? Why has it been quiet prior to the City of Peru pressing the issue? The website has nothing on it but the poor resumes of the elected officials. It looks like a campaign web site. The service as described by other officials is still very little? Your less than 6 miles of road ways won't take full time paid commissioner or a 30 hour a week employee. Your elected officials pay that takes up nearly all of the budget is tragic. The township has taxes that should be going to those that need aid, homeless shelter, have been utilized for elected wages. You can tell us that how it was done in the past! Well, you have had years of no changing that pattern.
How can you compare your overinflated elected official wages with other townships? You have less than 6 miles of roads, you don't even qualify as a township let alone compare other township wages.
9:17 a.m., you don't know Peru politics if you have to ask why Harl would have a vendetta with Steve Weberski.
I disagree with the "poor resumes of the elected officials". A low and unnecessary blow.
Some trustees are working on reducing costs, however, I don't believe Eddie Mitchell is one of them.
If you check the April Township minutes, you will see that the Supervisor and Clerk don't have access to each other's records. Shouldn't both positions have access to all township records?
I know there must be some motivation for the city to bring up consolidation with the township, but figuring out that motivation won't be easy. Can it be only that the city wants the township budget money for their own coffers?
i think mitch is worried about losing a source of income we need to cut the township out!
154 I have made a commitment to lower all elected officials salaries. That also includes the Trustees Salaries. This issue has been discussed and has been on previous Monthly Agendas, TOI has just released its newest wage survey to help us discuss how much we need to cut Salaries. We also requested LaSalle Township to send us there current elected officials wages. There Road commissioner makes 26000.00 per year compared to our Road commissioner 47000.00 per year salary. We have a huge salary problem that needs fixed. I suggest you contact TOI if you believe we don't have enough road to be a township.
Eddie Mitchell
Peru Township Trustee
1:54 PM, June 14, 2016 - And again... people refuse to understand the that Road District and the Township and separate entities.
if the township goes so does the roads
I read the April township minutes. They state that Studer asked Hocking for wage information in February and by April he still did not get the information he requested. Why? Why did it take that long to get information to a trustee who requested it? Hocking needs to go.
Eddie, the reason the township has enough miles to exist is because Pulaski Street has a small amount that puts it over the required amount. Pulaski Street is in Peru City limits and should not be a township road. Remove that stretch of road, and the township road district wouldn't meet the requirement. Eddie, I would like to see you make the effort to get Pulaski Street to be part of the city and not the township. If you are really trying to save tax dollars, start there. Salaries can only be lowered by voting on the salaries for the upcoming 4 years. Who voted to increase wages last time? Please post.
Eddie, the city discussed the township consolidation in the committee of a whole meeting, not during closed session. I agree with your comment about the alderman at large. Why did the city not want to consolidate aldermen, but they want to consolidate the township. There has got to be some motivation.
Eddie, you late and behind time. Validating your lack of commitment to lower wages is a few years old. Your asking for a survey is a few years old. And your comparisons to other townships salaries and how many miles of roads is like a confession of how much you have wasted tax payer dollars. We believe that a few of the trustees want to make the change, but is tough to believe you are making any commitment to change Peru tax bills. Health insurance, please tell us you said no. Clerk wages of $28,000? Supervisor wages over $40,000? Road Commissioner $40,000?
Eddie, keep the faith. You may be to late in holding up your head in that sinking ship.
I happen to hear that the trustee wages are not that high when you compare them to the clerk, supervisor, road czar and assessor. Why such commitment to those getting all that free graft? Look them in the eye and say no more.
The County does not want to take over the roads across the river that are in the Road District but not in the City of Peru. If the road district is disbanded, those roads go to the County. Anything inside the city limits goes to the City. But... the entire tax levee is lost. That is a good thing - but those roads will still need to be maintained.
have we asked the county
i think the times article a few days ago proved what kind of commish we have and how much money he is costing us
Really, Eddie? Your argument is cut the aldermen but keep the township? I'm sorry I voted for you. I don't always agree with everything the city does but at least the city provides services that I need. It was sure nice to have those cops today at Baker Lake. The township does nothing, needs to be closed.
Ok so now rhat the city is talking eddie and the boys are panicking sorry 3 year to late
did the townahip even lower the flag at half staff? usually they never do
5/6–130. Township road district; mileage;
abolition; township board of trustees
§ 6–130. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act
to the contrary, no township road district may continue in
existence if the roads forming a part of the district do not
exceed a total of 4 miles in length. For purposes of this
Section, the roads forming a part of a township road district
include those roads maintained by the district, regardless of
whether or not those roads are owned by the township. On
the first Tuesday in April of 1975, or of any subsequent year
next succeeding the reduction of a township road system to a
total mileage of 4 miles or less, each such township road
district shall, by operation of law, be abolished. The roads
comprising that district at that time shall thereafter be
administered by the township board of trustees by contracting
with the county, a municipality or a private contractor.
The township board of trustees shall assume all taxing
authority of a township road district abolished under this
Section.
Laws 1959, p. 203, § 6–130, added by P.A. 77–1766, § 1, eff.
July 1, 1972. Amended by P.A. 82–611, § 1, eff. Sept. 24,
1981; P.A. 82–783, Art. X, § 23, eff. July 13, 1982; P.A. 83–
605, § 1, eff. Sept. 19, 1983; P.A. 92–800, § 5, eff. Aug. 16,
2002; P.A. 94–884, § 5, eff. June 20, 2006.
Formerly Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch. 121, ¶ 6–130.
10:46 Thanks for the post. Eddie, your rants mention 6 miles of road. The actual law states 4 miles or less and your township road district is abolished. I would believe that your roads are close to 5. What if you placed Pulaski and West Shooting Park in control of the city. That would bring your totals to under 4 and abolish your right to tax.
Simple solution to saving Peru taxpayers? Most of us believe that your motivation is to get a few friends in on township payroll and keep a few more. Should Township road commissioner make anything close to $47,000 a year? How about $5000. Should a supervisor make anything close to $5,000 let alone $45,000? Should a clerk make $26,000 and medical benefits for 2 hours a month? How about $100.00 a month and nO BENEFITS! And you as a trustee $150.00 a meeting if you cut down the other wages. If not? We go to the polls and get someone else in that will.
By the news reports you have 2 trustees on board Studer and Bernabie. They need one more vote. Will you stand with your political allies or the taxpayers of Peru?
How did the township acquire the 1 block of road north of shooting park?
This is exciting times in Peru. After the bean counters are done with the township. Let them loose on the school districts.
A township road district can exist with only 4 miles of road to take care of? That is corrupt - only put in place to pay taxpayer monies to government employees who are not needed.
bye bye township and road department
6:27, everything the township spends money on is something you really need. You just don't get it. I mean, what would you do without that new fence at the township building?
lol 627
Don't forget when Rigby was on the county board he bought $500,000 software that never worked one day. Now he's found another taxpayer scam at Peru township.
9:35, pretty sure the software and labor time involved all those years was MUCH MORE than half a million. Much more! That was a total mistake handled by bad management.
so true 935
heard this is the slate of republican next 4 year. EM for sup SW for clerk MH for roads ar tn cn sm for board and ask DOB to switch parties
EM was ask to run for Peru Mayor spot.
Can someone tell me how much Studers company pays for rent per month at the airport?
810 the city of Peru probably pays him to be at the airport. That's how government works in Peru City Politics. LOL. No bid politics!
Eddie,
Your attempt to lower the number of Alderman was a good step. My estimation of the savings would be about $10,000 a year. With a city budget of over 50 million you would have saved about .0002 percent.
The last 3 year you have done nothing to lower those salaries of the township elected. The township brings in about $400,000 in taxes. Eddie, the wages and benefits of those elected is nearing $200,000.
Quick math is that the wages of those elected makes up a near majority of the budget. You can switch parties, you can cut the hours of the hired employees, but you just can't get around to cutting those elected loyalist. You brag about the savings in the reduction of alderman referendum. And your one of two votes needed to rid the city of this tax scam. Who's in control? You or some non voting member of the team township?
9:35 PM, June 16, 2016 - the software worked fine. It was the inept government employees that could not get on the same page and tell the contractor what they wanted it to do without changing their mind every other week.
If we abolish the township and the township road district tomorrow it will never impact our taxes. The City of Peru and the County of LaSalle will raise the tax to compensate for the added work.
The level of ignorance of some of these people is astonishing Lois. I know even the most intellectually challenged in Peru need an outlet but there should be a saturation point for "stupid". People like 6:36 am and 12:08 pm who are waging an obvious vendetta against the people who have "beat them down" politically. They are obsessed by hatred for those defeated them. I can easily separate the hate-speak from the truth because I am familiar with the people involved. I think most people can see the motivations and intentions of "the players" doing battle in these political feuds. I'm going to ask some of them to provide details. What a wild idea huh people? Ask the people instead of making it up as you go. What a concept.
Your beating a dead horse 959 lol. Get over it
902 you clearly don't no the IL Law that dictates when Township Elected officials Salaries can be changed. Your not alone on this subject. We must pass this Elected ordinance by November 2016. The ordinance does not go into affect to after the April 2017 election. Those wages will stay into affect for Four years to the newly Elected Officials. I was the first Trustee to bring the Ordinance up at the April meeting. I will try to upload the April Meeting minutes. It was Discussed at the May Meeting. I will try to post those Minutes as well. It is on the June Meeting Agenda. I have made a campaign commitment to lower the salaries. With the TOI wage surgery and direct talks with other townships I believe there should be a 40 to 50% wage cut at every position. I also Believe the should be no Health Care reimbursement for all positions. I hope to see manty Township residents at our June meeting. I have no problem stating the facts. I have no problem stating my position. You are correct 200k payout is outrageous! I'm the only Trustee who has came out publicly on this Blog and is willing to express how I feel.
Eddie Mitchell
Township Trustee.
Eddie, your still on the wrong team. A wage cut of 40-50% still is not enough. Should a township supervisor make $25,000 and a clerk $13,000, that would be a 50% wage cut. The payout is more than outrageous, it's criminal.
You can post minutes from the April meeting, I guess the heat was on? But, you have had years of doing nothing with those promises. And being the only trustee to step up? According to the newspaper you have 2 trustees on record to eliminate this travesty. Your the deciding vote. Talks with other townships and wage surveys? Did you find another township that has the amount of roadways (less than 6)?
That would be comparable. Quit holding on to this political public aid for these officials.
12:04 PM, Eddie couldn't do anything to cut wages until now. What don't you understand. The wages were voted on by the prior board. The current trustees could not cut salaries, that's the way it works. The current board can only set wages for the upcoming election and those set wages will last for the next 4 years. Let the cutting begin! Bernabei voted for the increase last time, this time he says he is voting for a decrease and would be in favor of elimination. What's up with that?
did anywau see the ottawa article on the township? very embarrasing for peru
Yes, you won the political wars and are now a township official. Didn't you run on the promise to cut this wasteful government. Does that make you better? We didn't make any promises to get elected. Nobody would have known about those big elected wages and wasteful spending if you and a few others wouldn't have stated that in your campaign promises. What upsets all isn't your appetite for government free cash, its your lack of following up on the cuts----start with yourself.
Amen 255!!!!!!!!!!
If the City of Peru is looking at the possibilities of consolidating with the Township it is for one reason and one reason only. They want those tax dollars. Any consolidation attempts will be for one purpose only, to transfer that money to the City of Peru and continue to collect it.
Keep in mind that the City of Peru has big plans. They are finishing up the monster parking facility and warehouse for PWC trucks. Next comes the North Side Fire Station and Police Station. They need to feed the beast as they say. Oh.. don't forget, another election coming up for Boss Harl.
Bottom line. Don't expect ANY tax savings by consolidation Peru Township. The money will just be funneled in another direction.
Eddie have you cashed all your checks? Have you donated at least 40 or 50 percent back???? Has any one? I doubt it. If you think it was to high why not donate it back. I read some minutes also and it looks like you have voted yes to every single tax increase and budget since in office. is that true or not. it looks like you made plenty of the motions.
so true 521
sooo wrong 431
Peru's secretive approach to this issue is proof enough for me that Harl has his usual underhanded, dishonest, and self-serving motivations working for this political move to take control of Peru Township tax dollars. Note that I said "take control of tax dollars" because that is where I believe the true motivation comes from. The fact that Harl kept this takeover scheme secret until revealing it last week shows once again he is maneuvering behind the scenes practicing his usual dishonest "method of operation". Harl is up to no good as per usual. Personally, I think there is some big-shot type deal or development in the works that will require collaberation and agreement between the city and the township and Harl wants to take control of the township before anybody realizes his true motivations. He does not control Peru Township but he sure wants to.
Make sure you attend today's township meeting at 4:30. It will be eye opening! We will see who the board spenders are and who the board savers are.
anywayyyyy it needs to go
4:31
Your worried that the money will go towards something else? Anything would be better than paying nearly all of the tax for salaries of those township officials.
amen 431
I got a takeover scheme for the ages. Get rid of all those salaries and the big trucks and the new garage and the few miles of road. Give those to the county and save the taxpayers millions! Or shift them to the City of Peru and save millions! And with the trustees being good stewards of tax dollars by awarding themselves big wages as Town ship leaders we should shift them over to take care of the city of Peru budget as mayor, alderman, clerk, and public works chief. Can't wait for the referendum.
How about this. Make the free loaders that live in the subdivision across the river - you know the ones that don't pay municipal tax - get off their duff and either incorporate their own city or merge with Oglesby. Then City of Peru residents won't be stuck paying the "Road District" tax that only benefits them!
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