Supervisor Derrick Cox Censured by Collinsville Township Board in 3-2 Vote

 

 

 

 

 

 By Devese “Dee” Ursery
[email protected]

COLLINSVILLE — Turmoil among Collinsville Township officials led to a special meeting Friday evening, where the Township Board voted 3-2 to censure Supervisor Derrick Cox over allegations related to public document access and Township finances.

More than 70 people attended the March 28 meeting, held three days before the general election. The timing prompted speculation among attendees that political motivations were behind the proceedings.

The meeting, called by Trustees Ashly Stewart and Clinton Ball, lasted about two hours, with officials sparring over Facebook posts and accusations rather than the single agenda item. Eleven residents spoke during public comment, though none directly addressed the censure. Most comments were in support of Cox.

Maryville resident Jeffery Menendez expressed frustration with the tone of the meeting.

“You guys could have addressed these things beforehand out of the public view and handled it the way that we voted you to handle things — professionally, respectfully, and with dignity and integrity — and I am not seeing those things from you today,” Menendez said. “You’re laughing at public comments and not even paying attention to what the community has been saying.”

After public comment, Cox deferred to Township Attorney William Boker III to address the timeline and legal context surrounding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests at the center of the dispute.

Before Boker’s review, Trustee Matthew Guenther asked him to outline FOIA requirements. Under Illinois law, public records must be disclosed upon written request within five business days, though certain personally identifiable information may be redacted. FOIA obligations apply to public agencies and are not dependent on the requester’s status, including whether they are trustees.

Boker then read several FOIA requests and emails provided by Guenther. He concluded that the requests did not explicitly use the word “receipt,” making the findings inconclusive.

The conflict stems from allegations against Cox regarding Township finances and two senior citizen trips. In response, Cox submitted all relevant documentation to Madison County Auditor CJ Schlosser, who found no wrongdoing in Cox’s handling of the funds.

After an hour and a half of debate, the board voted 3-2 to censure Cox — a formal expression of disapproval. Trustees Stewart, Ball, and Guenther voted in favor; Cox and Trustee Brad Sewell opposed.

Following the vote, Cox introduced a motion to publicly censure Guenther for allegedly sharing sensitive Township banking information on social media, including account balances and details. Cox said the disclosure put taxpayer funds at risk of fraud.

That motion failed, with only Cox and Sewell voting in favor.