Kane finance panel: Stop overspending

Members of the Kane County Board Finance Committee came to a sharp consensus Thursday about departments overspending their budgets, saying it has to stop now.

"We're talking about over a million-dollar shortage at the end of the year if this isn't resolved," committee chairman Robert McConnaughay, R-Geneva, said.

Committee members discussed at length Thursday how some departments are being denied extra funding at other committee meetings, but still continue to spend the money. They then decided to schedule a joint meeting with the executive committee to try to resolve issues with the four departments that may go over their budgets this fiscal year. The meeting and the date have not been confirmed, although finance panel members expressed interest in Aug. 4, when the executive committee is next scheduled to meet.

The judiciary, circuit clerk, state's attorney and sheriff departments were highlighted Thursday as the departments with the most overspending concerns.

"This is taxpayers' money and it's our job to watch the budget," said board member Cathy Hurlbut, R-Elgin. "That means we need to do more than just sit in meetings and say 'no' to these departments who are overspending," she said. "We need enforcement measures set in place."

Hurlbut said a line must be drawn to prevent any more overspending and a firm plan set to remain on budget.

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