In Karen McDonald’s Sunday Journal Star article about the status of “uni-gov” negotiations between the City and County, she had a lengthy quote from Peoria County Treasurer Tripp O’Connor:
“We live within our means. The (city) lives how they want to live. We’ve done everything right,” O’Connor said.
He called the uni-gov concept a “bailout to save one government” that lacks a solid financial structure.
O’Connor said he’s only in favor if both city and county governments “start from scratch and design and build a government that can operate effectively in modern times.”
“I am not in favor of combining a well run organization with a poorly run organization. I am in favor of having a single cost-effective government structure that could operate financially responsibly and serve the citizens of Peoria County.”
I used to feel this way about Peoria County, but not anymore. Not since they made the same mistake as the City in backing a $6.6 million loan for Firefly, for which they’re now liable. Not since they decided to pursue non-core services like museums to the tune of $40 million. Not since they decided to break their word to the taxpayers and agree to build the proposed Peoria Riverfront Museum before all the money had been raised and collected, putting taxpayers at increased risk. Not since they decided to rebuild Belwood Nursing Home at a time when tax revenue is declining.
No, Peoria County is embarking on the same path that the City of Peoria has been on for a long time. They’ve decided they’re going to “live how they want to live,” to use O’Connor’s words. The days of fiscal conservatism at the County are over.
Surprised you didn’t mention nepotistic relationships between the County Board and the Board of Review, hiring like-minded people from within, and a committment between related branches of government to keep property taxes high and legitimate property tax appeals denied.
Can’t wait to hear the ‘defenders of truth and justice’ speak up against this post.
“It is all about risk and reward, and cities are taking the risk for the chance of a big reward.”
– 150 Observer
Thought I would quote one of my peers. 150 Observer wrote this on another post. I believe this should alleviate all of C.J.’s fears!
The only problem with 150’s post; it is NOT the city [or the county] which is taking the risk… it is the TAXPAYERS!
This County Board brought us the best dang asphalt this side of Texas! oops. Never mind. We are being sued over that.
C.J., at least you acknowledge that the Museum is a COUNTY project, not the CITY, unlike the uninformed (or undeducated)
100’s of other posters last few months on PJS and WEEK who keep blaming the city’s financial woes on the museum.
Dennis in Peoria …. there are still city components to the museum, the land and TIF monies for an estimated $14M. However, if the city were to sell the land, then that might help the city’s financial woes …. instead of using it for a non property tax revenue generating venture for the museum portion.
undeducated?
Dennis, you had better check your…’facts’ again.
ok, so someone provide a link to a PJS, WEEK, or other local
media story that shows the Peoria City Council approved spending $14 million on building this museum. (Other than the construction work on raising Water Street)
New voice, sorry for that typo.
Those were some very smug and pompous remarks from O’Connor. Of course, I’m not sure how much stock you can put into remarks from a grown man named “Tripp.”
“I am not in favor of combining a well run organization with a poorly run organization.”
Who can disagree with that? He didn’t say The County was that well run organization…
A grown man named Tripp who inherited his job from his Dad and who will probably die in the position and then pass the job on to his wife, his son or some other family member.
I believe an election put Mr O’Connor into office, not a hereditary family event. You might have confused The county recorder of deeds with the treasurer.
however, the edocon company, mr. o’connor’s side-business, has financial problems.
http://buildtheblock.org/riverfront-funding-progress.html
Dennis,
The above link is the direct link to the “Build The Block” website. You will find a funding breakdown. That the city has invested ‘heavily’ in this project is more than apparent. When you consider property values, TIFs, time spent on the project, paperclips, notebooks, pens & ink, etc, the expenditure is well in the millions.
1.) Considering time spent, the county board has only just recently gotten involved in this project. Lets not forget the fact that when this project started, the PRM vowed that a county-wide tax would never be necessary! Local support and donations would more than provide adequate funding [yeah…sure].
2.) Every ‘institution’ involved in this…’project,’ belongs to the city, not the county; Lakeview Museum, Peoria Historical Society, African American Museum, Wheels O’ Time, CAT. The only exception is the IHSA.
What about this in not clear?
1. CJ is confused. The county board sought to seek the will of the electorate. The electorate decided to build the museum.
2. CJ is confused. The county board sought to seek the will of the electorate. The electorate decided to maintain Bel-Wood. A laymay’s definition of ‘maintain’ would be keep up. Let’s stick with that.
3. CJ is confused. Provide one public statement where the County promised to wait until all money was raised to begin building…
Finally, Tripp is correct. I have two words in regard to uni-gov. retirement benefits. Ask tha mayor. You kids…with all your words and no knowledge.
Cade — The county did a survey that showed a majority of respondents did not want the museum question to go to referendum, but they chose to send it to referendum anyway. Then they advocated for a “yes” vote in public forums. I attended several of the public forums and personally heard County representatives assure those in attendance that the County would not start building until all the money was raised. Karrie Alms and other attendees can also attest to it. Finally, maintaining Bel-Wood and rebuilding Bel-Wood are two different things.
Cade,
Care to retract your crappola?