LaSalle County finance committee reviews year-end fund status, audit findings and grant tracking

Bridal, chair of the LaSalle County Finance Committee, called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. in Room 250 and the committee reviewed year‑end fund status, audit findings for the county's self‑insurance trust, outstanding grant reimbursements and several routine payments.

The committee heard that the county is closing its 2024 books and preparing for auditors who are scheduled to be on site next week. Bridal said the American Rescue Plan allocations are essentially exhausted: "We spent all but 8¢. We have to send a check to the federal government for 8¢," and thanked the committee for its work on distributing about $21 million in ARP funds over the past four years.

Finance staff reported a year‑end budget status for the general fund showing total use/expenses at about 100.60% of budget for 2024, and said staff will finish accounts receivable work before turning records over to the auditors. Staff also said some grant reimbursements remain outstanding, specifically noting the probation office and the crime victim/witness coordinator as awaiting funds.

Committee members discussed LATCF funds that were allocated to a parks well. The committee was told the well has been drilled but county property has not yet received invoices. Members questioned a roughly $23,000 difference between the well's cost and the grant amount; staff said surplus ARP funds and park budgets are potential sources to cover any shortfall but final assignment of funds is pending confirmation from the parks committee and the county's Friday check run cutoff for 2024 payments.

On audit findings, staff described one substantive correction in the insurance trust accounting: bond holdings had been reported at cost rather than showing both cost and fair market value; the treasurer's vendor now provides cost and market values and the reporting has been adjusted in the county accounting system (CIC). The committee also noted a recurring audit comment about segregation of duties in the insurance trust. Staff said they will meet with auditors and with the trust's oversight members to determine whether additional procedures or outside assistance are needed to address the segregation issue.

The committee was told that a fence grant administered through the sheriff's office is complete and awaiting state reimbursement; the grant amount discussed was $100,000 and staff said it will be paid in 2025 when the state disburses the funds. Staff also reported there are 28 open grants currently being tracked and that grant reporting duties will be evaluated alongside the finance director job description.

Votes at a glance: the committee approved the prior meeting's minutes (motion by Tina; second by Craig), approved payment of routine bills (motion by Craig; second by Beth) and approved payment of two auditor invoices (motion by Tina; second by Gary). Each motion carried by voice vote as recorded in the meeting.

The meeting concluded after member questions about outstanding tax‑extension correspondence and the circuit clerk's trial balance; staff said they will follow up with the county clerk and attorneys about letters and will confirm outstanding circuit clerk items with the vendor handling that office's submissions. The committee adjourned after the votes and follow‑up assignments were noted.