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Accountability, transparency and cost savings are key goals
April 15, 2010 (Elmhurst, IL) – A measure passed today by the Illinois Senate will consolidate the DuPage Water Commission under county government next year, according to State Senator Dan Cronin (R-21), the sponsor of SB 580. The Senate voted 39-5-7 to approve the legislation.
“It’s ironic that this bill is approved on Tax Day, since the main goal is to save tax dollars and bring more accountability to DuPage County residents,” Cronin said following the vote. “At a time when voters everywhere are frustrated with unnecessary government, higher taxes and more borrowing, this bill represents a step in the right direction for weary taxpayers.”
The bill would create a new committee under the purview of DuPage County government that would include equal representation from the county government and municipalities. An annual audit would be completed and made public. All funds related to the water system would be separated from other county revenue. The measure also seeks to eventually reduce and eliminate the • cent sales tax levy used to fund water operations.
“The report released last month about the fiscal and management mess at the Water Commission supported my belief that reform was necessary,” Cronin said. “Taxpayers in DuPage County deserve accountability. They deserve capable oversight of tax dollars. This bill is a meaningful effort to make local government more efficient, most cost effective and more transparent.”
The measure now moves to the Illinois House and is sponsored by State Representative Randy Ramey. |
This is an especially challenging time for all of us as elected officials and good stewards of open, efficient government. In this recession, people are increasingly frustrated about more public spending, higher taxes and rising debt. As you know, our constituents in DuPage County expect a higher level of accountability and cost effectiveness from government and we all work hard to fulfill those expectations.
I believe we may have an opportunity to modernize one local government entity that, in my opinion, is outdated and in need of reform. The DuPage Water Commission is now dealing with several issues related to unaccounted funds, higher water rates and increasing debt obligations. While I appreciate that the appointees on the Water Commission are volunteers and take time away from their personal and professional schedules to serve on this body, I am increasingly convinced that the structure of the commission is too far removed from voters and not sufficiently accountable.
The Doings outlined many of the problems facing the Water Commission. A $10 million increase in this year's budget over last year, $19 million in unaccounted for reserve funds, a 20% hike in water rates and millions of dollars in new borrowing are my primary concerns. Additionally, I believe that significant reform could yield greater efficiencies and cost savings if placed under the purview of county government.
At this time, I have reached out to Water Commission members to seek their ideas, proposals and suggestions as to how to improve this entity and make it more responsive to the taxpayers we serve. I'm open to any measure that would achieve the goal of more direct communication and accountability to voters while maximizing best use of every public dollar spent.
Thank you for your attention and consideration of this important issue.
Sincerely,
Dan Cronin |
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As you know, the DuPage Water Commission is in need of reform. Previously, I outlined several major financial problems created by the Water Commission over the last several months. I've proposed a bill in the Illinois Senate (SB 580) that would consolidate the Water Commission under the purview of county government. It would create a new body that would include elected officials from the County Board and municipal government. Funds would only be used for expenses related to the water system.
It seems like there is more bad news from the Water Commission on a weekly basis. Last month, we learned that the forensic audit has already cost taxpayers a whopping $365,000 and counting. Law firms are billing the commission $500 per hour with no cap on the total contract amount. The commission this week also considered borrowing another $40 million, on top of the $30 million they borrowed a few months ago.
Our effort to reform the commission has won editorial support in March from both the Daily Herald and the Chicago Tribune. Click here for a fact sheet that specifically outlines the issues with the Water Commission.
I'm asking for your help to support this legislation. I kindly ask that you take a moment to call your state senator and representative to voice your support of SB 580 and HB 5552.
Reforming the Water Commission by making it more responsive to voters and accountable to taxpayers is a priority. The status quo is simply unacceptable. DuPage County taxpayers deserve better and I'm hopeful you can help us move this reform bill forward in the legislature.
Thank you again for all your support.
Sincerely,
Dan Cronin |
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