Finance director job description debated; committee asks for legal review and edits

LaSalle County committee members spent substantial time June 10 discussing a draft job description for a proposed finance director position and asked staff to revise the language and seek legal review.

Chair Tina Bush circulated a draft and solicited edits. Areida Zinecki raised audit concerns tied to segregation of duties and asked that the insurance trust be included in the job description. Zinecki also suggested changing “required” qualifications to “desired” to broaden the applicant pool.

Tom Templeton asked whether appointing a finance director and assigning responsibilities could impermissibly remove duties statutorily given to elected officials. A county staff member said the draft was edited using language from Kankakee County’s job description and that prior legal review had removed wording that conflicted with statutory duties. Committee members agreed to send the revised draft to county legal counsel and to the attorney who advises the insurance trust for additional review.

Committee members debated language about the finance director’s ability to “monitor and enforce financial policies and procedures.” Several members said an appointed official cannot unilaterally compel elected officials; the committee agreed to remove the word “enforcing” and limit the role to monitoring and helping implement policies unless the board takes further formal action.

Members asked that the job include duties related to grant development, IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund), general liability insurance, and compliance with GATA reporting. Doug Traeger suggested the finance director assist with budgeting and negotiations so the county can present stronger grant applications. The draft will be revised by county staff to incorporate suggestions and returned for review at a future meeting; staff said they will request legal review before finalizing.