Committee probes riverboat fund allocations after CASA reports denied request; officials cite soft‑landing reserves

Kane County board members raised questions July 23 about riverboat grant awards after CASA representatives reported that a recent funding request had been denied. Board member Mr. Surges said CASA told him it had been denied and that the group historically received roughly $50,000 to $90,000 annually from riverboat funds. He asked staff who oversees the riverboat application process; staff identified Mark Van Kirkhoff in the development office as the contact and said the riverboat program is now administered under that office. Riverboat committee members told the finance committee the riverboat fund was intended to include a "soft landing" reserve so recipients would have at least a transition year if funding was reduced. Committee members reported the riverboat fund balance at roughly $10 million to $11 million, with about $5 million budgeted for the current year and another $5–6 million available to provide a soft landing. Later in the meeting Van Kirkhoff (per staff follow-up) confirmed that CASA did not receive riverboat funds for the 2025 cycle. Committee members said they would follow up with the riverboat committee chair to review award decisions and ensure consistent communication to applicants. Ending: Members asked staff to provide clarity to CASA and other applicants on the riverboat award process and availability of reserves; several members urged the committee to consider transition funding where appropriate.