The Illinois State Comptroller Office has taken action against the Village of Dolton due to alleged failures in submitting financial records, leading to the suspension of funds. This decision is part of an ongoing controversy surrounding Mayor Tiffany Henyard, who has faced accusations of misdeeds, excessive spending, and corruption.
State Comptroller Susana Mendoza has halted 'offset' funds to Dolton, citing the village's delinquency in filing annual reports, including financial statements and audits, over the past two years. These offset monies are collected from state payments withheld from individuals who owe fines to municipalities.
Mendoza expressed concern over Dolton's lack of compliance with state law, emphasizing that her office will take necessary measures to protect the interests of the village's citizens. The comptroller's office has repeatedly notified Dolton about its overdue reports.
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's preliminary findings revealed a significant decline in Dolton's general fund balance, along with questionable expenditures made by Mayor Henyard using the village credit card.
If Dolton continues to neglect filing reports, the state comptroller may impose fines and initiate forced audits. The village's failure to address these issues could result in substantial financial penalties and loss of offset funds.
Additionally, Dolton's village clerk reported interference in handling Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, raising concerns about transparency and compliance with legal procedures.
The situation in Dolton has attracted FBI attention, with ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct and other issues. Mayor Henyard's leadership and actions have sparked controversy and criticism, with residents and officials expressing dissatisfaction with the governance of the village.
As the situation unfolds, the residents of Dolton await further developments and potential resolutions to the challenges facing their community.
