A Winnebago County Circuit Court Ruling in favor of the Village of Pecatonica was issued on September 6, 2011. The Court’s ruling found that a contract between WMI and the Village of Pecatonica was void since it violated State Law. The contract was entered into by the former Village President, Robert Whetsel, on January 7, 2004 and was void because its duration extended beyond the term of the Village President. Current Village President Shawn Connors filed the lawsuit in order to have the contract declared invalid and prevent WMI from attempting to collect a penalty of $100,000 against the Village of Pecatonica for refusing the continue using the services of WMI.

Payments pursuant to the invalid contract were continued through the terms of Village President Whetsel and subsequent Village President Dan Mathews. Current Village President Shawn Connors and the Village Board researched the ability of such a contract to be binding upon Village and determined it to be invalid. As such, since March of 2010, Village President Shawn Connors has felt compelled to pursue having the contract deemed invalid and to cease utilization of the services of WMI. If the contract were not challenged, WMI would continue seeking annual increases of 3-6% over the term of the agreement, an increase well in excess of market conditions.

As President, I am happy with the outcome and decision of the Court. This ruling is a victory for the taxpayers of Pecatonica and allows this Board to make reasonable decisions in the best interest of its citizens without being bound by a poor agreement signed by a previous administration. As a Village Board, we will continue to do what is best for the Village of Pecatonica and the citizens that live here. I welcome anyone to contact me with any questions regarding this matter.

Shawn Connors
Village President