DuPage County finance committee weighs uses for $12.3 million surplus as federal grants pause looms

DuPage County Finance Committee members on Tuesday considered staff recommendations for distributing a projected $12,326,743 general‑fund surplus for fiscal year 2024, focusing discussion on capital repairs, stormwater work and how quickly to commit funds amid reports that some federal grant activity is on hold.

The committee’s finance staff presented a preliminary financial close showing stronger‑than‑expected revenue — notably sales and income taxes — and recommended putting $7 million toward a set of items previously proposed by the chair and an additional $5.3 million toward specific projects. Staff said the county’s consolidated general fund produced roughly $12.3 million in surplus after revenues and expenses were tallied.

Committee members said the surplus creates an opportunity to pay down imminent capital needs but warned against committing too much cash immediately while federal funding remains uncertain. Several members urged conservatism; others said some items are time sensitive and should be funded now. The committee used a consensus process to advance selected items and to withhold final spending authority on others until after the first quarter to allow time to monitor federal developments.

Staff showed proposed uses in two groups: the chair’s…