Closed Meetings Block Budget Cuts in Elmhurst

Elmhurst’s finance committee, tasked with trimming the city budget, has spent most of its time in private sessions. Since late January, about two‑thirds of the committee’s hours have been closed to the public. In total, members met privately for roughly three and a half hours while only two hours were open to residents. State law limits closed sessions to specific personnel matters, yet the committee has cited employee issues and salary discussions as reasons for secrecy. Discussions about reducing spending, however, must be held openly so citizens can see how decisions are made.The committee’s chairwoman said she could not share details about the closed meetings, and her colleagues—James Nudera, Jacob Hill, and Dan Virgil—voted to keep the sessions secret. They plan another closed session at 6 p. m. on Monday in City Hall, leaving the public waiting for any budget changes. The lack of transparency has raised concerns among residents who expect to hear about how the city plans to address its financial shortfall. With no clear public record of spending cuts, questions remain about how the committee will meet its mandate.