With a shortfall of $40.2 million, amounting to $4,500 per taxpayer, Wilmette earned a “C” grade from Truth in Accounting, according to the group’s analysis of suburban finances.
The village has $44.7 million in assets and $84.9 million in unpaid bills, the report states.
Wilmette earned a “C” because its taxpayer burden – which refers to how much it would cost per taxpayer to pay off the village’s debt – is below $5,000.
"Wilmette's financial problems stem from unfunded retirement obligations in the form of pension benefits," the analysis concludes. "The village has promised to pay out $57.6 million in pensions, but hasn't set aside enough money to fully fund them."
Truth in Accounting, based in Chicago, analyzes government finances from all U.S. states and produces reports aimed at empowering citizens with accurate data and encouraging government transparency.
Alerts Sign-up