Collinsville Township Trustee Chris Guy has made good on a promise he made to voters in 2013 by posting public expenditures online.
Guy pointed to the township's 2015 income and expenses, which can be viewed at TownshipCheckbook.com, which show that the township generated $3.6 million in revenue and spent $3.1 million.
With a population of 36,300 residents, the township includes Collinsville, Maryville, Glen Carbon and Pontoon Beach. It employs 38 people, including eight elected officials.
Given last year's $500,000 surplus, Guy said he believes the township board could cut taxes without forfeiting services.
“I have led the effort to oppose increasing the tax levy since I first took office and I am willing to work with my colleagues and support reducing the tax levy, as I feel the township takes too much from the taxpayers,” Guy said.
The website stands as fulfillment of one of Guy’s campaign promises to publish annual expenditures. He said he’s heard from friends, supporters and community members who are happy to gain access to the financial information “for public viewing and public scrutiny.”
Since it went online, trustees have heard concerns from Maryville residents about improving services.
“Maryville pays quite a bit to Collinsville Township, and they’d like to see some adequate services provided to them,” Guy said.
Knowing that the township had surplus funds at its disposal, the board directed about $300,000 toward its $700,000 pension liability about two or three months ago. Guy said he’s pursuing discussions over reducing property taxes so people can keep more of their money.
“When I ran, I said I would not support any increase in the property tax levy because I think we take too much from taxpayers,” Guy said. “I think the expenditures show that.”