March 4, 2025

Written by J.Hicks

LaSalle, Illinois - A thorough review of city audits, financial reports, and meeting minutes reveals significant discrepancies in Mayor Jeff Grove's February 2025 campaign letter. The mayor's claims of financial responsibility, pension funding, and infrastructure improvements fail under closer examination. Documents indicate inconsistencies in debt reduction, TIF allocations, pension liabilities, and transparency practices.

1. Misleading Debt and Bond Claims

Mayor Grove claims that the city reduced debt by over $21 million without issuing new bonds.

However, financial records show that this reduction was achieved by reallocating TIF funds, grant

funds, and federal COVID relief, not through revenue growth or responsible spending. City audits

confirm that substantial liabilities still exist.

• City Audit (2024): 'Transfers from municipal sources accounted for significant portions of debt

reductions, with grant funds being used to balance expenses.' (Source: 2024 TIF Records)

2. Pension Funding Crisis

The mayor claims that police and fire pensions are on a stable path, but records indicate otherwise.

The police pension remains only 45% funded, leaving a $15 million liability that the city will need to

cover in future budgets. Despite increased contributions, funding levels are still critically low.

• Audit Report (2024): 'Police pension funding at 45% remains significantly below recommended

levels, creating a long-term liability.' (Source: 2024 Audit)

3. TIF Fund Mismanagement and Lack of Transparency

TIF funds have been misallocated to cover general budget shortfalls rather than reinvested in

redevelopment projects. Transfers to municipal accounts were made in multiple years, raising

concerns about transparency. Public records indicate that several infrastructure projects remain

unfunded, despite TIF revenues exceeding $30 million since inception.

• TIF Report (2023): 'TIF funds transferred to general accounts, reducing their intended impact on

redevelopment.' (Source: 2023 TIF Records)

4. Water Infrastructure Neglect

While the mayor touts improved water monitoring, city records show that essential water system

upgrades have been repeatedly deferred. Residents have raised concerns about sediment, high

chlorine levels, and water safety issues. Budget meetings confirm delays in planned infrastructure

projects due to shifting funds elsewhere.

• Finance Committee Minutes (2023): 'Deferred maintenance in multiple water infrastructure projects

due to reallocation of funds.' (Source: 2023 Finance Minutes)

5. Misrepresentation of General Fund Surplus

The claimed $1 million general fund surplus was artificially created through accounting shifts,

delayed expenses, and staff reductions. Financial reports show that restricted TIF and grant funds

were redirected to cover operational costs, making the city's finances appear healthier than they

actually are.

• City Finance Minutes (2024): 'Budget adjustments include reallocating certain grant funds to offset

general fund deficits.' (Source: 2024 Finance Minutes,)

6. Lack of Transparency in City Operations

Despite the mayor's claim of transparency, numerous FOIA requests regarding financial allocations

and environmental concerns have been delayed or denied. Public meeting rules were repeatedly

changed to limit resident participation. The administration has demonstrated a clear pattern of

obstructing public oversight.

• Meeting Minutes (2023): 'Repeated amendments to public comment procedures restrict citizen

engagement.' (Source: 2023 Council Minutes

LaSalle Deserves Accountability, Not Political Spin

The people of LaSalle deserve transparency and responsible financial management. The mayor's

campaign letter omits critical issues, including pension liabilities, TIF misallocations, and deferred

infrastructure projects. Voters should demand full financial audits and unrestricted FOIA access.

For additional details and supporting documents, contact:

Jamie Hicks

Investigative Journalist - Hicks News

email : thejamiehicksshow.yahoo.com

Mayor Jeff Grove Campaign letter he sent to people he thinks will vote  for him. NOT ALL RESIDENTS RECIEVE THIS  from him. 

Unethical in my opinion.