Thousands of dollars in charges made on Calumet City’s municipal credit card that aldermen say could not be fully explained by Mayor Thaddeus Jones led aldermen Tuesday to recommend policy changes, including taking away Jones’ access to the card.
“We certainly want to ensure fiscal responsibility,” said 5th Ward Ald. Dejaun Gardner, who is also the Finance Committee chair. “I think everybody on this council would appreciate that going forward.” City policy requires charges to the municipal credit card of more than $2,500 to receive approval from Gardner, city treasurer Gerald Tarka confirmed. Charges over $5,000 require the City Council’s approval.
“The second credit card was requested by the mayor for the chief of staff,” Tarka said. “It was canceled and then a credit card was requested for the mayor.”Tuesday’s meeting ended without any policy changes being made. Instead, aldermen discussed with the treasurer and city attorney what changes should be recommended to City Council for a vote.