11-17-2009, 03:30 PM
I volunteered for Main Street from May until just recently. Sue and I met several times, and she indicated to me that there is no money left in the account. There was enough to pay her salary, and the salary of the other paid employee at the end of the last pay period (end of October), but there was not enough money to pay the payroll taxes due mid-November. Knowing that the taxes needed to be paid prior to her getting another paycheck, she voluntarily laid herself off at the end of the month. Members of the board promised several times in the last two months that steps would be taken to get enough money into the account to keep her employed, but no funds ever materialized. Sue lives in Waukegan, owns a house, and has a mortgage. Unfortunately, mortgages don't get paid with promises. She needs a salary.
It is unfortunate that such a situation had to occur. Unfortunately, some members of the board - including its illustrious president - seem to be unwilling/unable to get involved in any fundraising efforts, preferring to rely on city funds for support. There is at least one board member who is not a paid member of Main Street. Without a board that is fully committed to the effort, Main Street is not going to prosper.
It is unfortunate that such a situation had to occur. Unfortunately, some members of the board - including its illustrious president - seem to be unwilling/unable to get involved in any fundraising efforts, preferring to rely on city funds for support. There is at least one board member who is not a paid member of Main Street. Without a board that is fully committed to the effort, Main Street is not going to prosper.