At our first town hall meeting in September 2018, we made several announcements: We announced the formation of Rockton Strong as a non-profit 501(c)4 organization, and we discussed the legal fight against Northern Illinois Services Corp and Winnebago County. We announced that a legal fight against a well-funded opposition could cost as much as $50,000, and we set an initial fund-raising goal of $30,000. Using this as our backdrop, we want to bring everyone up to date on the legal fight and fundraising efforts.
LEGAL UPDATE
1. We sought and RECEIVED a judicial stay to STOP all construction of an asphalt plant. To date, there has been NO CONSTRUCTION and activity levels at the quarry are very low. The injunction remains in effect - it is likely there will be NO CONSTRUCTION IN 2019.
2. We have completed initial phases of discovery: We have answered interrogatories from both NISC and Winn. Co. In turn, WE HAVE ISSUED INTERROGATORIES to them. They must now answer our questions regarding the need, tax advantages, pollution dangers, and traffic concerns. This time, they're answering questions to a judge, NOT A GROUP OF POLITICIANS.
3. Our next court appearance is on June 12. We hope to get a trial date sometime later this summer or fall. Keep in mind, the longer this is in the courts, the longer they go without producing asphalt, and the more likely our victory.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
1. To date, donations have totaled $18,786, with the average donation being $149.09. We have invested over $12,000 thus far in legal costs. Over 93% of money spent has gone directly to legal costs. The remainder has been spent on organizational filing costs, permits, and insurance.
2. The Engagement Agreement with the Meason Law Firm requires us to keep a retainer on file. In other words, we "pay in advance," $5,000 at a time. We expect that we will have to supply an additional payment soon. We have the finances to cover this, but not much beyond that.
3. Our strategic plan is one that moves from seeking individual contributions as the legal costs lessen, to one that relies on community fundraisers as a means of financing our efforts.
4. As a part of our strategic plan, we launched our "RECHARGE 2019" campaign. The campaign focuses on contributors matching their 2018 donation, seeking out corporate support, and a successful "MACKTOWN MADNESS" fun run in September.
We are all humbled and are THANKFUL for the support we've received thus far. To help, PLEASE consider matching your 2018 contribution or making your first contribution in 2019.
To make a donation:
Online: http://bit.ly/2I1Zekz
Mail: Rockton Strong
PO Box 594
Rockton, IL 61072