Village of Bensenville Scores 98% on Transparency Audit- From independent Illinois Policy Institute

BENSENVILLE, IL The Village of Bensenville received a 98% score on their transparency audit conducted by the Illinois Policy Institute. This makes Bensenville the fifth highest ranked government entity out of the more than 300 audits conducted in Illinois.

The Illinois Policy Institute's Local Transparency Project grades local governments on how much public data is readily available on public websites, basing scores on the availability of vital community information, such as public meeting schedules, financial statements, government employee salaries and tax rates, etc.

The Illinois Policy Institute has developed a 10-Point Transparency Checklist to provide a “best practices” framework for legislators and citizens to use in order to improve local government transparency and accountability. “This issue was brought forward by the Village Board when the Institute published results of municipal audits in the metro area,” stated Village Manager Mike Cassady. “With their direction and support we ran with the ball and established our Citizens Transparency Center”, Cassady said. This easy to find tab on the Village website (www.bensenville.il.us) makes all categories from the 10-point checklist just one click away.

“I am proud of the way we do things in Bensenville and this 98% score on our transparency audit shows that what we are doing is in the best interest of the Village. We believe it is important for our residents to know the truth about our operations. Transparent and open government is exactly what the great people and businesses of Bensenville deserve.” said Village President Frank Soto “It is our objective to continue to go above and beyond the Institute's checklist to publish key information for our residents and businesses.”

“Proactive online transparency helps local governments prevent corruption and fosters accountability to the taxpayers, and Bensenville has established itself as a state-wide leader for online transparency.” said Brian Costin, director of government reform at the Illinois Policy Institute. “We applaud the efforts of Bensenville's staff and elected officials in setting an example for other local government in Illinois to follow.”