DIXON, Ill. (AP) — Lowering taxes, cutting sewer rates and fixing the city swimming pool were among Dixon residents’ suggestions for how the northern Illinois city should spend a $40 million legal settlement.
The city will receive the money as part of an out-of-court settlement involving former Comptroller Rita Crundwell. She stole almost $54 million from the city over two decades to fund a lavish lifestyle and horse-breeding operation.
Sauk Valley Media reports that more than 200 people attended a town hall meeting on Thursday night, where officials focused on the city’s progress since federal authorities arrested Crundwell in April 2012.
The city recently settled with a bank and auditor accused of not doing enough to expose Crundwell’s scheme.
Crundwell was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
