Peru Township talks consolidation - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL
I would like to see a job description for each twp. position that would be attached to the salary they receive.(if this is not already in place) An evaulation of the time spent on twp. business and an evaulation as to whether this could be accomplished by another entity within the city without problems at less cost.
This township issues has been joked about for many years and we all accepted the money paid to the inidivduals knowing full well that they were overpaid for the hours spent on the job.
The road commisioner duties are: ??? beside the snowplowing in the winter.
What about the cost to maintain the bldg. heat in the winter and cooling in the summer?
As to the bldg. If consolidation occurs do we sell the bldg and land or does it become an income source? Who does the bldg belong to and if sold who gets the money?
62 comments:
You heard the job description from Studer in the newspaper. They do little and make a lot of money. Clerk---minutes from the 1 hour meeting once a month $26,000 and medical benefits. 42,000 for the road supervisor and they have a employee, he doesn't have to work at all. Supervisor sits around for $42,000 and has the responsibility of handling those who requests financial aid? All day job? A few hours a week is about all you need. Beware that those jobs need political appointment.
Link to duties of Road Commissioner Handbook
http://idot.illinois.gov/assets/uploads/files/transportation-system/manuals-guides-%26-handbooks/t2/p018.pdf
Township official Eddie? I say no to consolidation and stand behind the TOI? Eddie, The TOI is the township officials organization that supports township officials, what do you think there about? I don't think its a group interested in cutting taxes for townships. Eddie? Did you really say that in the newspaper?
After reading a few of the quotes from the officials involved, the only solution is to abolish.
Slap me across the head and then hypnotize me so I can understand the words of Bernabei Monday. I have never heard a well paid politician want to have his money taken away from him/them before.
According to the news, the trustees are paid about the same as city alderman. That is about right. The problem is that they have the ability of cutting those outrageous wages of the road guy, clerk, supervisor. And they haven't. Why such dedication to those with the outrageous salaries? Clerk $100 a meeting, Supervisor $100 a meeting, Road guy--pay hourly at $15.00 a hour.
Whatever they pay the person answering the phone is too much. Have you ever seen anybody smile in that office? Yikes. I would be dancing to help people with the wages they pay. Close the doors and outsource the phone to India. At least they might say Hello!
Sounds like a stall game to avoid the referendum. Are we being dub with these consolidation talks? It sure looks like a lot of maybes with wages. On the ballot and then pick up the scraps.
We really need state wide reform to reduce these redundant and unnecessary governments.
Call a convention to change the state constitution!
One school DISTRICT per county
No townships at all
bye bye township
The only ones making sense are Bernabei and studer. Mitchell wants to keep the Township cause the township association does. I don't believe he actually said that. Was Rigby there and what did he say. I also verified the trustees get 500 a year for health reimbursement not 2500 and they make half the alderman. Those are the facts. If weberski and Mitchell think the pay is so high why did they cash there checks these past 3 years. If they thought to high why not donate some back. Weberski makes over 100 thousand dollars of taxpayer money this term Pretty easy to now say cut it. Donate 50 thousand of it to the pool fund Steve and show us that talk is not cheap.
The fastest growing industry in Illinois is Local Government. If we get rid of all these jobs, the economy will collapse. Government provides jobs and government keeps the economy humming along like a well oiled machine. Ha Ha...
Signed,
Michael Madigan,
Emperor in Chief
People's Republic of Illinois
3:10 you are spot on. What say you Steve and Eddie. Are big donations on the way?
Bernabei voted for the elected official increase four years ago. No explanation by the Big Cheese. Studer said he wants to keep Assesors salary the same. Shame on the Tribe reporter not stating all the Facts.
Do you people think Bernabei saw God and is trying to do what's right. The big Democrat crew voted for all the Salary increases four years ago. It's all Politcal. They lost big time in the last election. Bernabei didn't say anything in the last election at all.
Consolidate the City of Peru and The City of LaSalle. You think the Big Cheese would favor that. One Mayor and One Police Chief. I think not.
Hey you think the city would let Com Ed give Peru city residents a chance to have cheaper electric rate? That would be a Big Hell No. The mayor wants to save taxpayers money. Not. Can't wait for them to blow smoke in your face about this.
As was clearly explained at the Township meeting, per state law salaries are set at all townships during the final year of an elected term approximately 180 day before the end of the existing term. Salaries CANNOT be changed (increased or decreased) by elected officials for themselves while they are in office. Pretty simple and I get it. As was also explained at the meeting, the previous township board approved the salary ordinance for the current group (2013-2017) in December of 2012. The current township board is way ahead of that point for those of you can't seem to figure it out or just want to muddy up the waters a bit. I am a rural Peru township resident and I heard no plan from city officials in attendance how they intend to provide services outside the city to me and my neighbors. I don't think they know themselves as they seem to be in quite a rush with this proposal. Truth be told it was a pretty good meeting held by Peru Township officials.
The only services provided to "rural Peru Township" are from the road district. When this unnecessary entity is disbanded - the few miles of rural roads will be turned over to the county to maintain.
To 3:10 pm, What the flip are you talking about? You would have to be the CPA who did Steve Weberski's taxes to make such claims. Are you a CPA or just a run of the mill SOB with an ax to grind? Mr. Weberski has done more to correct the excesses of Peru Township governemnt than anybody before or anybody with the city of Peru right now. Were you at the Township meeting Monday? If you were why are you not commentinmg on this blog about what Steve had to say concerning the township officer's insurance benefit and the pension benefit. I was there and here is what I heard about that. Steve Weberski explained very clearly to all in attendance that he does not participate in the IMRF pension that he is eligible for as an elected official. He also explained that he has never accepted a penny of the health insurance benefit that is available to township officers. After the meeting I asked Steve if he could be put a dollar amount on the taxpayer paid benefits he has declined to accept from Peru Township. The insurance benefit he does not accept is $3,000 annually. The pension benefit is hard to calculate but he estimated about $1,500 to $2,500 annually. I've been around Peru all my life and observed local government a long time and I can't recall any elected official on any level with the honesty and integrity to refuse to accept that kind of money. Did you know he turns that money down each and every year? So 3:10 pm, if you are going to badmouth somebody you obviously have a political grudge against you should have the stones to tell the truth by telling the whole story instead of just pulling numbers out of your arss. You might want to get some anger management counseling also. I think you're obsessed. You should be thanking Steve Weberski instead of trying to lynch him.
I wonder who convinced the newspaper reporter not to include comments made by Mr. Weberski's about his refusing to accept township insurance and township pension. Hmmmmm!
950 it's all a Politics by the Democrats and Studer is controlled by them. Cheep rent for his business at the airport. The Big Cheese Chief runs the town. The mayor is just one of his puppets.
928 were you at the meeting? The county tried to give more roads away on that side of the river. N/T should have included that info in the paper. You really think they want the Peru Township Roads. Bernabei is the trouble maker here and did do his homework.
9:50 Its embarrassing to listen to someone validating a position that makes $26,000 a year for 20 minutes a month of work. And it's taxpayer money. I don't think a majority of them care about what's been going on at the township. A few will stand behind the township organizational group that promotes townships and a few will say taxpayers can't do this. And please don't tell us that talking about a 50% cut of salaries is the way to settle the taxpayer revolt.
1. The wages haven't been cut, only discussed. Save the parade.
2. A wage cut to positions like the clerk, supervisor, road commissioner, assessor still leave you with very high salaries for little work. Example--50% cut to the clerk still gives him $13,000 for 20 minutes a month. Let's round it off to 1 hour and you have a wage of $1083.00 per hour. Please stop the confessions.
2. position of road commissioner is being paid $42,000 a year and does very little work worthwhile. And he pays staff $40,000 a year for very little roads? I wonder if his wage per hour is near the clerk wages?
We hope that the press doesn't stop on this story and those key participants. I wonder if the story of how they got on the party ballot will be told, that may be the most interesting story.
looks like Boss Harl is finally getting his wish to shut down the airport. Or a least get somebody else to pay for it.
Correction. I made the comment @9:50 am this morning and I must make a correction. I ran into Steve this morning at Debo's and told him how I defended him on this blog. He thanked me and we talked about the township meeting and I realized I was mistaken in my comment about the amount of insurance money Steve refuses to take advantage of. Steve does not refuse to accept $3,000 in township insurance benefits annually. He actually refuses $6,000 of insurance benefits annually and has never signed on to the IMRF pension that he would be eligible for if chose to. Sorry about the mistake. I challenge any of you haters out there to provide a better example of a true "reformer" on any level of government than Steve Weberski. How about you Lois? You know the man, don't you?
11:20 AM, June 22, 2016 - they will gladly take the roads if they can take the entire Peru Township Road District tax levee and dump it in to their general road fund.
12:56 PM
Yes I know Steve and he is a very honest and trustworthy person imo.
The twp. has outlived its usefulness and should be done away with legally. Those trustees who began their term after the last group on the twp. were not re elected are not to blame for the salries they receive. Everything they were allowed to buy into or receive was just a part of the deal of being elected. If it was not this group, it would have been another group elected for superviser and trustees and the same benefits would have been theirs.
We need to look beyond personalities and look at the twp. like the entity that it is and how can we eliminate it and save the Peru taxpayers some money. Sell the bldg and conduct any necessary business from Peru City Hall.
If there are still indigents who ask for help, perhaps we could work with another twp such as La Salle. Previous N.T. reports have said La Salle twp does it right. Could there be a small tax remaining on our bills that would be available for La Salle to distribute if needed. We probably never needed separate townships one in each city. A La Salle Peru twp. for that aspect might be the answer. And don't complain about not wanting to join together with the adjacent city because I and many others are tired of it. Work together for the people and save money where you can.
Lois I think from talking to Doug Bernabei you and he are exactly on the same page.
12:56 He just wanted explanations on how the topic was brought up. And now the topic has been brought up he wants to cut the wages to 50%. Its too late and 50% is still over $1000 a hour for Steve.
Lois, is right on the topic. Save where you can and get rid of this tax bill. Sure there are personalities in every situation. And I am sure that a few are saying these are payback issues. Stick to the topic and get rid of the tax bill.
12:56 PM, Nice to see there is actually one elected official in the area with ethics and honesty not interested in gaming the system. Thank you to Steve Weberski for doing the right thing for Peru Township taxpayers.
9:07 AM, Are you the CPA doing Steve's taxes or the SOB with an ax to grind? Mr. Weberski must have put a good beating on you. Do you think you will ever be able to go on with your life harboring such hatred and envy for someone? What will you do if the forces for good and honesty defeat you again? Will your head explode like a cartoon character? Get some help before another beaten drives you over the edge.
Steve Weberski said at the township meeting that he thinks the clerk's wages should be cut 50% as a beginning but more from there and that would be up to the township trustees to decide how much more than 50%.
11:41 Harl used to be against the airport, but once he saw what an asset the airport is, he changed his stance. The question I have is why is Schweickert bringing up items to discuss at a council meeting? Liability has been with the airport as long as it has existed, and Schweickert was the city attorney at the time the airport was built, so why now does he think it shouldn't be owned by the city?
1:47 Its election time. The same reason the township is now an issue.
If the value of a few planes / buildings at the airport are the issue, why didn't anybody consider this when they put up the new building and signed an extended rental/lease? Who missed the boat on this one? Let me guess, more billing time to the city to "research?" I swear to God this is the most reactive city (business) I have ever seen in my life. How many times do they fix the same damn thing? Oh, I forgot. More engineering fees and legal fees.
Consolidate the City of Peru and LaSalle. One town, one mayor, and one Police Chief. Dump the micro manager police chief and the Peru Mayor. 70 million dollar budgets between the two cities. The Peru Township budget is less than 600k. Lois you know where the biggest taxpayer waste is at. The sewer sucker cost the Peru tax payers almost 500k. Steve M company could have sucked the pipes for 50 years.
I live on a road maintained by the township. They do a wonderful job removing snow keeping potholes patched. I highly doubt the city or county could perform said services as well.. And certainly not as promptly.
hmmm funny 431 i live
across the river and they are horrific waste of money and waste of
a
vote
Does anyone remember how well the county snow plowed Plank Road when they had it? I do! It was the last road to be plowed. I still can't believe Studer wants the tax accessors pay to stay the same. Chuckle please explain.
4:31 - To be honest, I'm tired of subsidizing you and your roads. The township is not necessary and it's costing me money needlessly.
You are worried your taxes might go up if the city and township consolidate? What about the rest of the citizens of Peru who would save tax dollars with the consolidation? You're being selfish.
The city crew does a fantastic job of keeping roads clear of snow, and if they had to do township roads, they would do a fantastic job there too. Hopefully the county would have to take care of your roads, because our guys have enough to do.
That little town across the river needs to step up and start paying their share of taxes to a city. They should incorporate or be annexed by Oglesby. Freeloaders!
7:36 PM, Great point. That little factoid reveals the true connection that exists between the political factions at the city and township. The assessor will be "protected" in return for loyalty to the power grabbers at 4th & Fulton. Studer and Bernabei are doing Harl's bidding and it is pretty disgusting to watch it play out. I'm telling you folk, there is some sort of development or situation coming and Harl wants to cut the township out of it. It's all about control people. That's why they kept their intentions secret and that's why they are trying to "fast-track" the deal right now. The township board would be wise to ignore the heavy-handed tactics of the city and wait until the real reason for the takeover effort is revealed. Something smells around Peru again.
916 has everyone forgot the missing dump truck situation. That's why we needed a 10 million dollar City Garage. Equipment control. Our city Management team is th best in the IL Valley.
I am assuming that was a bit of satire on your part, correct?
bye township finally cut the waste
1:51 walk a mile in those people's shoes and we will see how much you would smile!!!!
They want the Township out so they can raise the municipal property taxes without increasing the overall tax bill. Remember, after they complete the multi-million dollar Monster Truck Garage we have to break ground on the new combined Police, Fire, and Ambulance station up in the Area 51 Complex.
Lois I'm just a little delusional because I'm on the Harl and Bernabei Drug that they are passing out. Yep satire.
305 Area 51 Complex is the old Washinton School Grounds.
4:51 Are you serious? Are you insinuating that a new Police, Fire station is being talked about in the old Washington School grounds?
633 YES, HELL YES...........
I have confirmed with extremely good sources that the posts about area 51 or new police fire ambulance complex are complete made up. This is the rumor starting of someone just trying to start trouble. Have the guts to get up at a public meeting and ask if it is true. Wait if you did that then the truth would be out. cant have that now can you?
I also know for fact there is no truth to the claims about new complex. Totally agree with 926 this is nothing but someone out for trouble. Lois cant you screen these false claims better before posting to many falsehoods get spread I mean how does false information help our town.
10:14 AM
I am well aware that some of our officials read this blog and read the comments and if they wanted to squelch the rumors they could easily do that and even sign their name as proof. They will not because they like it to appear that the blog posts rumors all the time. Unfortunate. Also know that sure this is a dream idea for the chiefs of the PD and FD if the financing was available, has been talked about within the city confines for years.
Rumors about this city are aided and abetted by the officials of this city.
really Lois you know this is a dream idea of the chiefs how do you know that have you ever once asked them if not why don't you
maybe they want the township building
12:18 PM
I don't make up stories, that comes from actually conversations with those involved. Not recently but in years past. If they don't want a new bldg. up north, it is a recent change of mind.
The Chiefs most definitely want a new place more centrally located. The current location used to be the center of Peru, but not any more. I think it's a good idea, but not right now. There is no room to park the police cars, although I like that the police take the cars home and park them. I'm sure it makes the neighborhoods feel safer. But I also think it makes the police officers targets because bad people can figure out where they live. The PW building needs to be paid for first, then then new police/fire complex could be built.
Lois - I have been following the blog since 2008-2009. Many of the "crazy" stories end up being somewhat true at some point. I have seen it over and over again. Something hits the blog and the city starts squirming and back peddling. Some of the stuff is way out there, but many times it's not. Keep it up. Keeps everyone on their toes.
The PW building will never be paid for. Creative financing will see to it that the bonds are "refinanced" forever. Don't forget that one of Timmy's priorities was to get funding for a new super cop shop. That was covered in the news. Big Boss also has been trying to get the FED's to give up the Army Reserve Center so he can turn that into a cop shop. That was also covered in the news. So the Super Cop Complex is not rumor - it will happen. The question is when and for how much. We'll see if Andy Skoogs manages to print out a big cardboard check after the income tax increase and retirement income tax is passed.
I've been hearing some chatter about a new fire truck. A big one this time.
Where will we put it 10:22? Our garage is already filled with fire trucks and fire vehicles. Didn't we just get a new one not too long ago? That has to be a rumor - doesn't it?
5:35
What are you smoking you must be related to the nut jobs that think what is said here is has any bearing on what is really happening in the city. Everything people comment on is in the paper first and they make ASSUMPTIONS about everything else. You know what happens when people make assumptions don;t you?
Post a Comment