PEORIA, Ill. – Attorneys for Peoria County argue there is no merit to keeping the county’s auditor office open.
Arguments were made in appellate court on Wednesday. Auditor Jessica Thomas has argued that the language in the referendum to eliminate her office was unconstitutionally vague, and that no end date for the office was set.
25 News reports Peoria County argued that Thomas doesn’t have the standing to bring the suit forward as an elected official. Another argument is that the suit itself is costing taxpayers additional money through attorney’s fees for Thomas and the county.
The final argument from the attorneys states that voters have a reasonable expectation to have the office closed when they vote to do so.
Thomas’ attorneys will have a chance to respond to the brief. The 4th District Appellate Court will make the final decision at a to-be-determined date.
A local judge has already ruled temporarily that Thomas can continue to be paid, and the appellate court recently ruled against her effort to block counting of votes in the referendum.
