Illinois Town Loses State Funds Over Mayor's Spending

The Illinois State Comptroller, Susana Mendoza, has halted fund payments to the village of Dolton after Mayor Tiffany Henyard failed to submit required financial reports. Mendoza announced the suspension of 'offset' fund payments, which could amount to $135,000, and threatened a fine of $78,600 if the reports are not provided. This action comes as Henyard faces mounting criticism regarding her management of the town's finances and alleged extravagant spending. Mayor Henyard, who has been dubbed the 'super mayor,' has been under scrutiny for her financial decisions, including a reported $40,000 spent on Amazon in a single day. Mendoza accused Henyard of willfully neglecting her obligation to file annual financial reports, which are essential for the distribution of state income tax refunds to municipalities. Last year, Dolton received $120,000 from these funds, highlighting the potential impact of the current financial standoff. A recent investigation led by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot revealed a staggering $3.6 million budget deficit in Dolton, attributed to Henyard's administration. The probe uncovered questionable expenditures, including $7,700 spent at various retailers in a single day, although Lightfoot did not directly link these transactions to Henyard due to a lack of purchase receipts from her officials. In response to the financial turmoil, Dolton's trustees have restricted credit card usage to board-approved purchases only, aiming to regain control over the village's finances. Despite earning a substantial salary of $300,000, Henyard's spending on luxury items, first-class travel, and personal services has raised further concerns among residents and officials alike.