The Calumet City Council has significantly reduced the credit limit for Mayor Thaddeus Jones, slashing it from $50,000 to $5,000 after a review of his recent spending. This decision, made during a council meeting on November 4, 2023, followed scrutiny over a bill list associated with a trip to Washington, D.C., raising concerns about fiscal oversight.
Details of the Spending Controversy
In September, records indicated that Mayor Jones charged over $44,000 to his municipal credit card, primarily during the Congressional Black Caucus conference. Following an internal review, council members identified and removed 25 specific charges from the October bill list. These charges included expenses for dining, private tours, and payments to various vendors. Notably, the list featured two checks from Hooters, a $2,700 tab at STK in Washington, and several transactions with KSM Logistics, along with multiple purchases from Amazon and PayPal.
The council had initially approved the travel arrangements for Jones and his staff, but as details of the expenditure emerged, it sparked a contentious debate regarding the appropriateness of the spending. Minutes from prior meetings indicated discussions about capped travel allowances, suggesting that these approvals would not lead to unchecked expenses.
Financial Oversight and Future Regulations
During the finance committee meeting, members considered the possibility of cancelling the mayor’s credit card entirely and demanding reimbursement for the questioned charges. Reports indicate that Jones provided a $25,000 check to the city’s treasurer intended to cover part of the expenses that were later disallowed. Despite the committee’s divided opinion on cancelling the card, the full council opted to impose a new limit to enhance financial controls.
In light of these events, council leaders have announced plans to establish clearer guidelines for credit card usage by city officials. Proposals include specific vendor restrictions, pre-approval thresholds for expenses, and regular audits of spending. These measures aim to ensure more stringent oversight in the upcoming budget cycle, as residents and local watchdogs closely monitor the situation.
Jones, who also holds a seat in the Illinois House, faces additional scrutiny from a federal investigation linked to a 2022 grand jury subpoena involving the Illinois State Board of Elections. This inquiry has heightened concerns regarding his financial practices and campaign spending, further fueling calls for increased oversight from the council.
As Calumet City moves forward, the adjustments to the mayor’s credit limit serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about fiscal responsibility and transparency in local governance.
