Coverage & Methodology

This research pilot covers selected public records. Each finding identifies its sources and any known limits. Historical archives, current conditions, and individual properties may require additional evidence.

What enters the inventory

Start with official indexes and record every eligible entry within each recorded agency, document family and time window. Follow consistent batches by fiscal year, meeting date or source series. Retain indexed, inaccessible, deferred and excluded entries in the coverage ledger with their reason. Preserve the issuing agency, document locator, period, retrieval method and access limits.

How findings are selected

Process records in documented batches before evaluating their conclusions. A finding needs an authoritative source, a reproducible locator, the applicable time and jurisdiction, and independent acceptance. Lead with usefulness to residents and source completeness. Feature council items in reverse decision-date order within the accepted set when disposition and dates are known. One accessible source can support a narrow finding while gaps remain visible.

How to read figures and decisions

Budget appropriations, audited actuals, transfers and fund balances have different meanings. Compare periods and funds only when their bases align.
Property tax varies by tax code, district boundaries, assessment and exemptions. Check the tax year and the applicable district combination.
District 90 and District 203 are reported separately. Compare school metrics only when definitions, denominators and reporting years match.
Meeting notices and agendas identify proposals. Enacted instruments, approved minutes or equivalent official evidence establish a documented decision. Project plans, awards and completion require distinct records.

Missing records and corrections

Unavailable records and unresolved outcomes are shown with the affected topic. Preserve evidence and its version in the ledger. Reopen verification when a source changes, a calculation is disputed or a better official record resolves uncertainty. Add dated corrections without erasing the original evidence trail.

Sources cited in this batch

My Property Taxes

City Spending

Our Schools

Council Decisions

City Projects

Civic 101

About this pilot

O'Fallon Explained is an independent Civic Guide research project. It is not operated by or affiliated with the City of O'Fallon. Information is drawn from official public records and independently reviewed.

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