(The Center Square) – An Illinois taxpayer watchdog is calling for a formal investigation into the Rochester Public Library, alleging staff and board members used public resources to campaign for a 169% property tax increase.

Americans for Prosperity–Illinois filed a 35-count ethics complaint and is now urging Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to hold officials accountable.

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“Through our [Freedom of Information Act] investigation, we found that the library used public funds to conduct a survey about the tax referendum and promised respondents their answers would remain confidential. But they turned that information over to the board president and the campaign committee, a clear violation of state law,” said Costin. “It’s deeply troubling to see personal data used to fuel a political campaign aimed at raising taxes on Illinois residents.” 

On Nov. 5, 2024, the Rochester Public Library District asked residents in Sangamon and Christian counties to approve a 0.42% property tax rate increase intended to raise about $8 million for construction and $261,000 annually for operations. The library said the increased tax revenue would cost the average homeowner an extra $37 per month.

Library Director Janet McAllister defended the board, saying in a statement sent to The Center Square, “The Rochester Public Library District’s policies and ordinances comply with state law. It would be premature to comment further until the Board has had more time to consider the Commission’s report.”

Costin explained the Rochester Ethics Commission admitted wrongdoing but claimed ignorance, while a flawed ethics ordinance left the commission unable to act.

“They pleaded ignorance, and their ordinance didn’t even define prohibited political activity. Now, state law requires them to have an ordinance that is no less restrictive than state law,” Costin said. “That effectively gave them a loophole to break the law without consequences, and if that stands, it sets a dangerous precedent for every local government in Illinois.”

But Costin says the damage is done and unless state leaders act, other local governments may follow Rochester’s example.

“This is a systemic problem, and the attorney general hasn’t prioritized cracking down on it,” Costin said. “We’ve seen similar issues across the state, and that’s just what we know about, there’s probably much more. As the state’s top legal authority, it’s incumbent on Kwame Raoul and his staff to ensure the law is being followed.”

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Costin pointed to a video still available on the Rochester Public Library’s official Facebook page as clear evidence of the misuse of public resources for political purposes.

“You can still find it on their Facebook page,” Costin said. “There’s a video of the Board President Sarah Deen urging people to vote ‘yes,’ recruiting campaign volunteers, and even sharing her own and the executive director’s email addresses to coordinate the effort. That’s a direct violation of Illinois ethics law.”