Dolton Trustees Receive Grim Financial Report from Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot: ‘We’ve Been Trying to Stop This’
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivered a harsh financial report to Dolton trustees, revealing a deficit of at least $3.6 million and over $6 million in checks owed to village vendors. She expressed concerns about rising spending and deficits, lack of compliance with state financial reporting laws, and the village’s dwindling finances.
During a special Village Board meeting, Lightfoot shared her preliminary findings, pointing out the significant decline in the village’s general fund from a surplus to deficits. Trustees, including Kiana Belcher and Tammy Brown, expressed disappointment and frustration over the situation, with Belcher emphasizing, “We’ve been trying to stop this.”
In light of the financial crisis, Dolton has already implemented layoffs and plans for a hiring freeze. Trustee Jason House, who is running for mayor in 2025, highlighted the urgent need for financial reform. Trustee Tammie Brown condemned the reckless spending of tax dollars, echoing the sentiment of many residents attending the meeting.
Lightfoot also raised concerns about the lack of financial reports beyond fiscal year 2021, the absence of audited statements, and incomplete filing of spending and income reports. She noted excessive spending in the Police Department, particularly on overtime pay, which has raised red flags among trustees.
The investigation into village finances is ongoing, with Lightfoot promising to delve deeper into spending practices, including travel expenses by village officials. Despite facing challenges in gathering information due to lack of cooperation from Mayor Tiffany Henyard’s administration, Lightfoot remains committed to uncovering the truth.
The hiring of Lightfoot as a special investigator has shed light on Dolton’s dire financial situation, with plans for corrective action on the horizon. Federal investigators are also involved in the probe, underscoring the gravity of the village’s financial crisis.
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