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Elgin council spouses attend fundraisers on city's dime

Elgin continues to spend money on nonprofit fundraiser tickets for city council members' spouses and guests, part of an overall $13,245 expense that has stayed relatively flat the last three years.

The city from late May 2015 to this week bought tickets for a variety of fundraisers, including from YWCA Elgin, Ecker Center for Mental Health, Seniors Services Associates, Centro de Informacion, Youth Leadership Academy and more, according to information obtained by the Daily Herald.

The majority of the tickets go to council members, who can claim a "plus one." City staff members attend some events, typically when the city purchases tables for eight or 10 people.

It is arguably an expense that helps the community at large, and a small portion of the city's $120.7 million general fund.

Councilman Rich Dunne most frequently brought his spouse along in the past year. The Dunnes attended 12 events, including a "Pallet to Palate" food and wine tasting Monday night to benefit Food for Greater Elgin.

When the Daily Herald looked at the issue in late 2014 Dunne said he thought tickets were free as part of nonprofit grant agreements with the city. A few are, but the vast majority are not.

Dunne said Tuesday he and his wife continue to use city-bought tickets, but also write personal checks to the nonprofits. "We personally support these events through personal contribution," he said.

Councilman John Steffen reimbursed the city three out of four times when his wife and other guests used tickets in the last year.

Councilwomen Tish Powell and Carol Rauschenberger each brought a "plus one" on four occasions in the last year.

Documents show the city spent $18,400 from September 2013 to September 2014, including a $5,000 sponsorship for the World Leaders Forum at Judson University, and $18,245 from May 2015 to now when including the annual sponsorship, which used to come from the city manager's budget.

"The city council's support of the events is indicative of their commitment to those in need," City Manager Sean Stegall said.

The city always used to buy tickets for full tables, but now more often purchases individual tickets for council members who want to go, Stegall said.

Councilwoman Rose Martinez attended 13 fundraisers in the last year, the most among council members. Councilman Toby Shaw attended two events in the last year, and Councilmen John Prigge and Terry Gavin attended none.

It's important to support nonprofits, Martinez said. "We need to be out there as council people and talk to them, because how else are we going to know what the residents need?" she said.

Gavin, however, said such events are more about gathering socially than doing city-related work.

$18,400 spent on nonprofit tickets

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