La Grange Officials Unsure How $5.2M In Flood Work Was Spent

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange officials were uncertain Monday about how the village spent $5.2 million on a flood project.

They speculated on possible reasons, but asked the village's auditor for more information.

The issue came up during Monday's Village Board meeting when resident John Pluto referred to a number in the village's annual audit.

The audit states that the $5.2 million went toward "Construction in Progress" for the 50th Street storm sewer, which is expected to prevent flooding in south La Grange.

But as Pluto noted, no construction has started. However, the village has done engineering and just ended years-long litigation with a nearby quarry to make the project possible.

Village President Mark Kuchler asked Kathleen Morley, who recently started as La Grange's contracted finance director, about how the village spent the money.

She said the expenditures were for "preliminary costs" for the project, but said the auditor may be able to elaborate.

Later, Kuchler said he was unsure where the $5.2 million number comes from. But he said it may, in part, include bond payments for the project dating back to 2015.

He asked the auditor, Kellen O'Malley of the Sikich firm, who was presenting the audit.

O'Malley said he didn't have the specific invoices on hand, but he said he would find more information.

During later public comments, resident Jonathan Robinson said Kuchler was harassing the auditor for the information when the village staff should have the answer.

"That $5 million is our number. We gave them that number. Where in the world is our village manager to explain this?" Robinson said. "Why can't he answer that question? Do you know how embarrassing it is to pick on the outside auditor when you have staff and someone sitting next to you who should have that information?"

Village Manager Jack Knight stayed silent.

As Robinson walked away from the podium, Kuchler said, "I'm sure you were successful in getting your soundbites in the Patch."

Robinson returned, saying he would like an apology for the comment.

Kuchler replied, "Are you suggesting that you said I attacked the auditor for anything other than to get a soundbite in the Patch?"

Robinson said he wanted the board's behavior to change. Trustees should ask the administration questions, he said, rather than accepting everything it says.

Kuchler said no one attacked the auditor, adding he simply asked a question.

"You twisted it into something that wasn't there, and I believe you did it because you enjoy getting reactions in the Patch," Kuchler said.

Kuchler said he would apologize if Robinson felt attacked.

Robinson has announced plans to run for the Village Board in April.

Kuchler and Knight couldn't be reached for immediate comment Tuesday.