DOLTON, Ill. — Political battles in the Village of Dolton are nothing new.
Mayor Tiffany Henyard and a group of trustees who oppose her have repeatedly clashed over allegations of lavish spending and a lack of transparency.
Increasingly, its residents and vendors that are paying a price.
WGN Investigates has learned that Dolton owes more than $427,000 to a company that repaved village streets in 2002. That firm is not alone.
Last month, WGN reported how a bank threatened to repossess more than a dozen village vehicles – including police cars – because lease payments were missed.
After our reporting, the village sent a check.
But it still owes more than $400,000 to a tree-trimming company that worked for the village last year.
“We know finances aren’t good, but we’re still left in the dark,” said Trustee Jason House at last month’s board meeting. House is among a group of four trustees that oppose Henyard.
Even as vendors go unpaid, money hasn’t stopped flowing to fund pricey meals and high-end travel for Henyard and her allies, WGN Investigates has reported.
Records show she and her entourage have billed taxpayers for tens of thousands of dollars for numerous trips, including one to Las Vegas.
WGN Investigates recently asked the village for records showing how many vendors are owed at least $50,000 in past-due payments.
Officials have yet to respond.
But we did learn John’s Pro-Tree Service is among the companies waiting to get paid. At Henyard’s request, the tree-trimming company did work in the village last year.
John Baio, the company’s owner, said he’s now owed more than $400,000.
“They never gave a reason why,” said Baio. “Just we’re not going to pay you. “
Trustees opposed to Henyard said the tree trimming operation is a prime example of Dolton’s political dysfunction. They said Henyard made her own deal for the work and didn’t consult trustees.
There was no contract and the total owed John’s Pro-Tree far exceeds the budgeted amount. That is why House said they haven’t paid.
A Dolton spokeswoman didn’t respond to a request for comment.
