MOUNT CARROLL – The mayor has a new rule: City Council members no longer can speak directly with the city's auditing firm. They must go through the mayor himself or the city clerk.

At least two council members disagree with Mayor Carl Bates' rule. And the mayors of Dixon, Rock Falls and Sterling said this week they have no such ban.

At the council's Dec. 18 meeting, Bates announced his new rule. It comes in the face of an increasing number of questions about the city's finances from two aldermen, Doris Bork and Bob Sisler.