Collinsville residents who have lived here for 10 years may not realize the negative effect the city has created on our pocketbooks. Action taken on June 8, 1992, was a notable event.

Probably all 7,000 local governments in Illinois have had similar occurrences. Apathy has resulted from us living in the most economically bankrupt state in the nation. We should start doing our part by taking more interest in Collinsville finances.

The initial start could be concerning the date of the fiscal year. The fiscal year was changed from ending on April 30 to Dec. 31. Research shows that for 2010, Belleville, Edwardsville, Fairmont City, Fairview Heights and O'Fallon all had fiscal years ending April 30.

June 8, 1992, city minutes show that Mayor Dalton was present along with Councilmen Schaeffer, Jedda, Kusmierczak and Gillespie. The auditor discussed a report for eight months ending Dec. 31, 1991. The previous audit was for the fiscal year ending April 30 like our neighbors. I believe we taxpayers paid twice for that four months, which would have provided a substantial windfall to the city at our collective expense.

The fiscal year for Collinsville just ended on Dec. 31. Changing back to April 30 could get our four months returned if enough residents indicate a desire to decrease their real estate taxes.

Get acquainted by watching the meetings online and then attend the meetings for at least 20 minutes. Each and every resident can make a difference.

Bob DesPain

CollinsvilleShift back to old fiscal year