Committee approves grant-funded workforce positions after debate over monitoring and renewal

The Kane County Finance & Budget Committee on Jan. 28 approved two resolutions establishing grant-funded positions in the Workforce Development Department funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

The first resolution authorized a training specialist position with a salary range of $38,716 to $53,074. A second resolution authorized a senior staff accountant position with a salary range of $53,927 to $80,891. Committee members clarified that these positions are funded by WIOA grants and not the general fund.

Members raised concerns about how the county will track the total number of grant-funded positions, monitor grant renewal dates and avoid inadvertently continuing positions if grant funding lapses. "How long is the grant for? And if we're creating the position that's anticipated to go beyond the grant, are we creating that position as an employment contract that has a definitive timeline tied to the grant?" asked Mr. Surges. staff and the chair said these grants are generally three years and positions are commonly renewed in three-year cycles; if a grant is not renewed the workforce board and finance committee would need to address whether to fund the role from other sources.

Committee members asked staff to compile a cross-department listing of grant positions and expiration dates so the committee can monitor upcoming renewals. Staff agreed to provide that list and to add total dollar impacts to future resolutions where feasible.

Both resolutions passed on roll calls during the meeting.