The price for maintaining a smattering of roads in unincorporated suburban Cook County is sky-high, when compared to other nearby counties. Critics ask: “Why is this allowed?”
Investigation
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Money In The Bank: Piling Up A Mountain Of (Taxpayer) Moola
The majority of the 20 suburban Cook County townships hoard large amounts of cash that’s in excess of the “rainy day” fund that municipal finance experts recommend. Some townships have enough cash to cover a full year’s expenses without going to taxpayers.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Redundant Services & People, Tens of Millions in Salaries
It costs millions of dollars annually to staff and operate townships. The BGA inquiry found that the 20 suburban townships employed 562 full-time workers and 425 part-time employees, adding up to $27.6 million in total salaries. Are they all necessary?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Defending Turf
Township officials are surprised to find themselves under attack from critics and are returning fire. Government works best when its super close to the people, they argue.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
South Suburban Fire District Burned by Six-Figure Theft
Prosecutors called in to sort through missing-money case in Roberts Park.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Top Rahm Aide Set Herself Up For Sweet CTA Pension
A joint Crain’s/BGA probe has learned mayoral Chief of Staff Theresa Mintle is eligible for a $65,000 CTA pension based on just eight years’ service at the agency.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Home Agency Gave Interest-Free Loans to Director
Part II of an investigation with the Chicago Sun-Times looks at two interest-free home-improvement loans given to Kenneth Pannaralla, a director at a government-run home-equity assurance program.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Taxpayer Money Set Aside to Curb White Flight Helped Some Flee Chicago
Part I of an investigation with the Chicago Sun-Times looks at a 1988 law passed to keep people in their homes in Chicago that has often ended up paying for them to move.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Double Dipping in DuPage County
Several county board members draw dual public-sector salaries and stand to draw dual pensions.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
To Protect, Serve and Solicit for Local Politicians in Elmwood Park
According to documents obtained by the BGA and FOX Chicago News, 32 of 32 Elmwood Park auxiliary police officers appeared to have done political work for Mayor Peter Silvestri or other politicians.