Thornton Township electors accept some — but not all — financial reports at annual town hall

At Thornton Township’s annual town hall on April 8, residents expressed frustration and confusion over the township’s financial reports, presented by Lauren Pflugradt of John Kasparek Company.

Electors accepted the general assistance and road and bridge fund reports. However, they rejected the general fund findings. That is significant specifically because it’s the fund the supervisor has great ability to oversee. All findings were presented unaudited. 

Pflugradt presented the findings in lieu of finance director Robert Hunt, absent due to illness. Questions arose regarding the purpose of these reports, which reflect the financial state of the general, general assistance, and road and bridge funds.

“We were informed there was no one here to answer questions, so why are you asking for questions or discussion? If I’m allowed to ask, my question is to Kasparek — are you willing to audit these reports?” Paul Robercz of Lansing asked.

Nelson-Jaworski responded that the reports were unaudited, as required by township code for the annual meeting. Residents were not being asked to approve the content, she said. “[…] You’re being asked to accept it — to put it on file. Then it will be kept on file with the township, and at audit time is when all these accounts do get audited, once a year,” she said.

General assistance fund report highlights

• Real estate tax revenue $9,651,086.85
• Other revenue: $707,941.80 
• General assistance fund totalling: $10,359,028.75
• Total amount of outstanding town indebtedness: $124,039.75
• Surplus of revenue over expenses for general assistance fund: $4,821,364,61

General fund report highlights

• Total real estate tax revenue: $8,453,568,74
• Investment income: $1,123,368,53
• Other income, refunds, and reimbursements: $544,550,31
• Ending fund balance: $5,585,419.92
• Outstanding indebtedness: $278,639.04

Road and bridge fund report highlights

• Real estate tax revenue: $729,197.71
• Replacement tax revenue: $25,608.59
• Investment income: $106,097.57
• Other income: $48,099.24
• Total indebtedness: $37,262.45