Edgar County Watchdogs (ECWd) is raising questions about the legality of fund balances and tax levies in Shelbyville Township after what the group called a lengthy investigation and review of public records.
According to ECWd, the group has raised the issues with local government and has reportedly spoke with the Shelbyville Township supervisor regarding the issues.
“According to the Shelbyville Township Supervisor, if they are doing something wrong he assures us they will fix it. We appreciate that position and hope it is the case," ECWd reported.
The report from ECWd notes guidelines set forth by the Illinois Supreme Court for taxation and fund accumulation in an opinion filed in 1969 in the Central Illinois Public Service Company v. Miller case.
“In the Miller case, the Supreme Court concluded that where the computed sum of funds available was 2.84 times the annual average expenditure and 3.24 times the amount expended in the last previous fiscal year, any further tax levy would result in an illegal excess accumulation," ECWd reported.
According to the watchdog group, the formula was applied to the township’s financial records. The group’s findings were posted to its website.
“The prior (tax) levy total of $511,234.53 and the beginning balance of funds for 2015-2016 fiscal year, $1,197,559.00, equals $1,708,793.53 million dollars," the ECWd report said. "Yes, that is $1.7 million dollars! Expenses for the 2015-2016 year totaled $443,702.55. With the funds on hand, the Township, theoretically, could eliminate their tax levy for approximately 3.85 years.”
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