Iroquois County board debates 2026 budget presentation; approves posting for public review

County finance staff presented the proposed 2026 budget and the county board spent substantial time asking for clearer presentation of fund subtotals and the general-fund position.

Finance manager Joe Johnson told the board that some funds appearing as negative in aggregate (for example, IMRF) reflect internal accounting and levy decisions and do not change the county’s general-fund ending balance. Board members pressed for an additional page or display that shows the general fund 110 as a separate subtotal so the public can see the positive $1,481 estimated ending balance more clearly.

After discussion about timing and the 15‑day public-display requirement, the board approved a motion to place the budget on public display for the statutorily required period. The posting was described as subject to final adjustments and not final adoption; the budget will return for formal adoption following the public-display period and any further committee review.

Board members recommended clearer footnoting and a page that highlights the general fund separately from special funds (IMRF, public-safety, grant funds) to avoid misinterpretation of combined net-activity columns. Finance staff said they have provided updated numbers and will include clarifying pages for public review.

The board did not adopt the budget at this meeting; the action taken was to post the proposed 2026 budget for public inspection per the county’s process.