From edgarcountywatchdogs.com:
We ended our last article on the Tri-State Fire Protection District with this statement: "Stay tuned for some pretty amazing exposure yet to come!" (Click here for previous article)
I think "amazing" is an understatement. Mr. Orrico has once again shown that if something looks and smells like a rat, it probably is. It turns out he's not only violating multiple laws, but he's no longer legally qualified to be a trustee of the fire district.
To serve as a trustee in a fire protection district, you must be an "inhabitant" of that district. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, an inhabitant is defined as "one who resides actually and permanently in a given place, and has his domicile there."
So why shouldn't Mr. Orrico be a trustee of the Tri-State FPD? Because he lives in Joliet, Illinois. On April 21, 2015, he purchased a home in Joliet, and his name is clearly listed on the deed. (Click here for copy of the Deed)
Property tax records show that his primary residence is at that Joliet address. He received the $6,000 homeowners exemption on his tax bill, which is only available if the property is your primary residence. (Click here for copy of property tax records with exemption highlighted)
The property he owns within the fire district—where he previously told DuPage County voter registration officials he lived—may raise additional questions depending on timing. The mailbox at that address doesn’t even have his name. While the DuPage County recorder still lists him as the owner, he didn’t claim a homeowners exemption on that property. (Click here for DuPage County tax records)
Why would someone want to be a fire district trustee, especially when the job isn’t particularly popular? Well, maybe it started with a contract for three ambulances through his company. Or perhaps his close relationship with the chief has benefited both parties. Regardless, one thing is clear: Mr. Orrico ceased to be a legal trustee of the Tri-State FPD as of April 21, 2015, and any actions he took after that date should be closely examined for potential legal issues.
The Fire Protection District Act makes this very clear: (70 ILCS 705/5) "Whenever a member of the elected board of trustees of a fire protection district ceases to be an inhabitant of the district, his or her office shall become immediately vacant."
Not only does the Fire Protection District Act state this, but so does the Election Code. (10 ILCS 5/25-2) "Sec. 25-2. Events on which an elective office becomes vacant. Every elective office shall become vacant on the happening of any of the following events before the expiration of the term of such office: (1) The death of the incumbent. (2) His or her resignation. (3) His or her becoming a person under legal disability. (4) His or her ceasing to be an inhabitant of the State; or if the office is local, his or her ceasing to be an inhabitant of the district."
It's crystal clear: Mr. Orrico is no longer a valid trustee of the Tri-State FPD, which means a vacancy exists. If he claims otherwise, he'll have to explain to Will County authorities why he fraudulently claimed a homeowners exemption.
We strongly recommend that his access to the facility be revoked immediately, and his keys be taken back to prevent any future misconduct.
And once again, stay tuned for more incredible exposure that may lead to the removal of yet another official.
Thanks, Scott
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