Finance committee rejects DuPage County clerk’s $268,159 emergency appropriation after heated debate

DuPage County’s finance committee voted down an emergency additional appropriation of $268,159 requested by the county clerk’s office on Wednesday, Nov. 12, after more than three hours of questions and criticism from board members.

The request, filed as FIR 0194-25, sought additional funding for two accounting units (the clerk’s office and the elections division). Deputy County Clerk Adam Johnson told the committee, “We certainly do not have available funds to cover the $260,000,” and said the office had identified unpaid bills and obligations that produced the request.

Finance Director Jeff Martinovich told board members that, when the clerk’s two accounting units are combined, the office faced a projected shortfall of roughly $58,759 as of Nov. 30: a $159,392 surplus in the clerk’s office offset by a $218,151 deficit in the elections division. Martinovich said outstanding invoices in the election division totaled $237,952.50 as of Nov. 10 and that payroll projections left an estimated $150,000 available in salary accounts that could be transferred to pay some vendors.

Board members sharply criticized the clerk’s office for giving large, retroactive raises after the budget was approved. Member Evans characterized the situation in blunt terms: “This sounds like a ransom to me. You are holding our elections hostage,” and said the raises and poor communication undermined trust. Multiple members said they were unwilling to approve an appropriation without clearer budget transfers and documentation.

Several members urged administrative fixes rather than an immediate bailout. Member Kajewski and others pressed the clerk’s office to perform internal budget transfers so available payroll funds could be reallocated to cover outstanding invoices; finance staff explained that departments must initiate those transfers. Member Tornatore suggested stronger enforcement or litigation options if an elected office repeatedly refused oversight; Vice Chair Cahill said he will call for a formal censure of Clerk Jean Kaczmarek at a future meeting for what he described as repeated failures to cooperate.

At roll call the committee recorded two votes in favor and 15 opposed; the motion failed. Chair said the clerk’s office should return with a revised appropriation showing completed transfers and clearer line‑item accounting. The chair also noted that the committee has until early next year to act and that, in the interim, finance staff can advise on transfers that would allow vendors to be paid.

The committee’s action leaves unresolved which invoices will be paid before the fiscal year closes; finance staff said some vendors may need budget transfers from the clerk’s office or later action by the board to be released. The clerk herself did not appear at the meeting; Deputy Clerk Johnson represented the office.

The committee moved on to other items and scheduled follow-up as the clerk’s office works with finance to reconcile line items and present updated numbers.