The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes/, Quill Correspondent
Kevin Sumpter shouldn't be allowed to oversee Oquawka's water and streets department, Illinois' attorney general has determined. At least as long as he's also a member of the village board. And he will stay at the supervisory post unless an Oquawka resident files a formal complaint.
The village signed a contract with Sumpter - the only candidate considered for the position - in August 2003. But state law forbids a board from offering a contract to a sitting board member. Additionally, according to state statute, the contracted salary cannot exceed $2,000 annually. Sumpter's 2003 contract provides him a $250 weekly salary.
Henderson County States Attorney Raymond Cavanaugh was asked to investigate the matter and found the action inappropriate. He, in turn, requested an opinion from the attorney general's office.
Cavanaugh received a response from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan in November indicating that she agreed with Cavanaugh's finding.
The village board subsequently accepted Sumpter's resignation as a board member and, after meeting in executive session, found Sumpter's job performance to be satisfactory.
The board also decided at the time to limit Sumpter's spending on village projects and to monitor the department's work on a monthly basis
But if any corrective action is taken, it will be up to the village board.
"The attorney general's opinion was that the hiring did constitute a conflict of interest," Cavanaugh said. "But if there's any action taken to seek to recoup any part of the pay, it will be up to the board and only after a resident taxpayer files a complaint."
Cavanaugh said he knows of no such action currently being taken.