East Central Reporter

Kyley Willison, a former trustee of the Oakland Fire Protection District, used public funds to pay personal electric bills, according to records reviewed by Edgar County Watchdogs. Willison, who has been convicted for his actions, made 37 payments to Ameren using the district’s credit card between March 2020 and August 2022.

The payments totaled $7,394.23. The records do not clarify why multiple payments were made on some days. However, it is suspected that these charges covered not only Willison’s home electric bill but also those for a golf course and possibly his real estate office.

Edgar County Watchdogs highlighted the issue in their ongoing coverage of public spending concerns related to everyday living expenses. They noted that while many residents are struggling with rising energy costs, Willison was able to avoid such pressures by shifting the burden onto taxpayers.

The organization plans to release further information regarding insurance billing practices in a future article.