Analysis of the Mess Illinois Finds Itself – Fact 9

A continuation of the analysis of the current situation in Illinois by WirePoints: Fact 9 9. Downstate pension costs. By 2015, cities across the state were in deep pension crises of their own. Public safety pension promises (accrued liabilities) had grown 6.4 percent annually over … Continue reading

Cities and Villages Seek to Merge Local Police and Fire Pension Funds

From the Illinois News Network: As costs grow, cities push to consolidate hundreds of local public safety pension funds By Brett Rowland | Illinois News Network City leaders want to consolidate hundreds of local pension funds for police officers and … Continue reading

Algonquin-LITH Fire Protection District Chief Makes Daily Herald List of Chiefs Drawing Pension While Earning Salary Running Different Department

It is not uncommon for police officers and firefighters to get jobs after retirement. In my Village of Lakewood, experienced police officers have been hired that the village otherwise could not have afforded. When the Village Board concluded that the … Continue reading

Jack Franks Still Running for State Rep. – Part 34

Here we are on almost the longest day of the year and State Rep. Jack Franks is still on the ballot for his 10th election. Sunday, May 15th, Pete Gonigam reported, “Franks qualified that saying he’d give up the Rep. race … Continue reading

ALG-LITH FPD Seeks Part-Timers

From the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Department: Part-Time Firefighter/EMT-B The ALFPD is currently testing to establish a eligibility list for Part-time Firefighter/EMT-B. All testing must be completed by April 4, 2016. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AT TIME OF APPLICATION: At least … Continue reading

Rauner Rescues Police & Pension Fund Taxpayers

You may remember that Spring Grove voters rejected a referendum request to impose a tax to pay police pensions. Apparently municipalities in Spring Grove’s situation, but a LOT LARGER (30 full-time police and 50 full-time firefighters) lobbied their legislators and … Continue reading

Fox Riverbank Memorial to Honor 9-11 Firefighters & Two Local Volunteer Firemen Will Be Dedicated Tuesday in Algonquin

A press release from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District: On September 11, at 6:00 p.m., the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District will be dedicating their new Firefighters Memorial and honoring the memory of the two … Continue reading

Pam Althoff Quoted in Wall Street Journal on Pension Reform

Last Friday, State Senator Pam Althoff was quoted in a Wall Street Journal article about public pensions. (Non-subscribers can read the article here for seven days after publication.) Here’s the part about the McHenry County legislator: “In Illinois, Pamela Althoff, … Continue reading