DuPage Finance Committee approves $1.545 million for member-initiative grants amid debate over reimbursement policy

The DuPage County Finance Committee on April 8 approved a budget transfer (25-0973) moving $1,545,085 from contingency to the county board's grant services to fund the member-initiative program, but several members pressed staff about whether the program's reimbursement-only rule blocks small nonprofits from participating.

The issue prompted repeated exchanges during the meeting because the program requires recipient organizations to pay expenses up front and submit receipts for reimbursement. "It's on a reimbursement basis," said Member Covert, DuPage County Board member, arguing that some small nonprofits lack the cash flow to front large purchases. Members sought alternatives including a possible hybrid approach that would allow direct vendor payments in limited cases.

Nick Kottmeyer, finance staff member, told the committee the reimbursement requirement is intended as a safeguard for taxpayer funds. "The member initiative program is a reimbursement based program based upon the criteria set by the board," Kottmeyer…