Moweaqua Residents Raise Concerns Over Police Chief's Comp Time

Village board tables policy changes amid questions over police chief's overtime pay

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Residents in the Village of Moweaqua, Illinois have raised concerns over how the police chief has been using comp time and overtime, with some alleging the chief has misused taxpayer funds. The village board tabled an agenda item that would change policies around comp time and overtime, saying they need more time to review the proposed changes before voting.

Why it matters

This story highlights ongoing tensions between local government and residents over the use of public funds, particularly when it comes to compensation for public officials like the police chief. The allegations of misuse of comp time and overtime raise questions about transparency and accountability in how taxpayer money is being spent.

The details

Residents presented documents showing that Moweaqua Police Chief Christopher Hale has accumulated over 984 hours of comp time, amounting to more than $23,000 in payouts. Voters argued the hours logged by the chief do not add up, with a discrepancy of 359 hours. The village board said they need to work with the auditor to review the payroll and make necessary changes to correct the issue.

  • The board tabled the agenda item on comp time and overtime policies during a meeting on Tuesday, February 12, 2026.
  • A meeting with the village auditor to review the payroll is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on February 18, 2026, but public comment will not be allowed.

The players

Shawn Conlin

The mayor of Moweaqua, Illinois.

Christopher Hale

The police chief of Moweaqua, Illinois, who is accused of misusing comp time and overtime.

Angela Locke

The chairman of the Moweaqua village board.

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What they’re saying

“This problem did not happen overnight, and the goal was for the board to work with our auditor and make the necessary changes to correct this.”

— Shawn Conlin, Mayor (capitolcitynow.com)

“If you're going to change it, it's time to change it and make it right.”

— Angela Locke, Board Chairman (capitolcitynow.com)

What’s next

The village board will meet with the auditor on February 18, 2026 to review the payroll and determine the next steps in addressing the concerns over the police chief's comp time and overtime.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in how local governments manage public funds, especially when it comes to compensation for public officials. The allegations against the police chief raise questions about the need for stronger oversight and policies around comp time and overtime to ensure taxpayer money is being used responsibly.