Thornton Township tables budget items — again
The board decided to table appropriations ordinances for the general fund and general assistance fund as some members aim to gain greater financial clarity.
Thornton Township once again tabled several budget items last week as it works to get clarity on township finances.
The board has been operating without budgets for over eight months but is considering items.
The appropriations ordinances for the general fund, general assistance fund, and road and bridge fund are available on the township’s website for those who wish to review them. According to the documents, they cover the period of Mar. 4, 2024 through Feb. 28, 2025.
With only three trustees present at its regular meeting on Feb. 11 — Chris Gonzalez, Carmen Carlisle, and Stephanie Wiedeman — the board made sure to approve expenses for the road and bridge fund, general and general assistance fund, excluding a few items.
The board also rejected a $2.2 million tax abatement, notably championed by Henyard, for taxpayers. The three trustees previously cast approving votes for a tax levy — without a budget — in a region where bills are surging.
Trustees once again tabled bonuses for township employees. Special services expenditures and senior luncheons were also rejected. It’s not because of deservingness, trustee Stephanie Wiedeman said.
“It’s not that I don’t think the employees and the seniors don’t deserve it, because they do,” Wiedeman said. “I just think that right now, we have to prioritize what’s important.”
It was the second meeting without Supervisor Tiffany Henyard and board ally Darlene Gray Everett since a brawl erupted in the basement.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 24 at 6:00 PM.
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