An online database is now available for taxpayers who want to find out how local governments are spending their money.
Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka launched an online portal called The Warehouse on Monday. She said the program makes the financial reports of 5,200 counties, municipalities and taxing districts available to state residents.
"There is no reason that residents should have to file Freedom of Information requests or sort through mountains of paper to see how their money is being spent," Topinka said. "That information should be at their fingertips, and that's what The Warehouse accomplishes."
Users can search records by report type, unit of government or community name. From there, they can view financial reports and audits, while also comparing their government to others throughout the state.
The Warehouse is online at warehouse.illinoiscomptroller.com.
