Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns had strong words for Illinois politicians at the end of Monday’s City Council meeting about passing the state budget.

“Representatives, regardless of which side of the aisle they are, continue to fail us time and time again,” Burns said.

Burns thanked residents who made calls to their representatives, who are on break.

“Hopefully, when representatives are back home, they’ll hear from constituents,” Burns said.
Burns said despite the political party, “these men and women have a job to do, and they’re not doing that job.”

“While we don’t rely on the state of Illinois solely for money, we do rely on them for ... support,” Burns said. “We need to remind them to just do their job.”

Appointments

Donald Weis, Geneva’s director of finance, was appointed to the Fire Pension Board in Geneva by Burns. When asked by 3rd Ward Alderman Ray Pawlak if this could be a conflict of interest for Weis, Burns said it isn’t since it would not affect the city’s finances.

Burns also appointed Chris Curione to the Strategic Plan Advisory. Curione, who is unemployed, said he wants to do his part to keep Geneva enjoyable.

Tax penalty
Geneva resident John Devine questioned an item in the city’s bills that showed a penalty by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Stephanie Dawkins, assistant city administrator, said the penalty was not an error on the city’s part and will be rectified.

“We will be getting the money refunded,” Dawkins said.

The penalty, listed at $1,125.46 for the first quarter, occurred because transactions were higher than usual with the bank the city uses.

Devine continued to question the council on how it would be refunded. But Burns jumped in and said while Devine’s point is well intended, officials will pull the money from the bank and put it under Burns’ mattress if necessary.

Dawkins and Burns said it would be made known to the public when the money is refunded.