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Manteno board adopts preliminary 2026–27 budget, moves $35,000 from capital fund and withholds forensic-audit payment
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Summary
Trustees approved a preliminary fiscal 2026–27 budget, abolished the capital-projects fund and agreed to pay the village’s bills while excluding a $21,840 forensic-audit invoice until the audit report is delivered.
The Village of Manteno board voted April 6 to place the preliminary fiscal 2026–27 budget on file, transfer roughly $35,000 from a winding-down capital projects fund back to the general fund and pay routine bills while withholding a pending forensic-audit invoice until auditors deliver their report.
The board approved Resolution 25-10 to receive and place the preliminary budget for the period May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, on file. Trustees later approved Resolution 25-11 to abolish the capital projects fund and transfer the remaining balance, which Chris, the village administrator, said is “about $35,000,” back to the general fund because major projects are complete.
Discussion of accounts payable centered on a $21,840 invoice from the firm conducting the village’s forensic audit. Trustee Joel urged withholding payment until the auditors submit final findings, saying the auditors have repeatedly delayed delivery and “they’ve already received substantial payment.” Several trustees agreed, debating that the firm had been paid earlier sums and should not receive the remainder until the village has the completed report.
After discussion the board voted to pay the advertised bills totaling $184,085.48 but exclude the $21,840 forensic-audit payment until the report is provided. The administrator said the auditors have identified more than 40 accounts during their review and expect to finish by the end of the month; trustees who pushed to withhold immediate payment said they were comfortable paying once the final report arrives.
The board’s action preserves routine vendor payments while using the audit’s pending completion as leverage to ensure timely delivery of findings. Mayor (unnamed) closed the business portion of the meeting and trustees made several final remarks about protecting community activities and monitoring spending.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 25-10 (preliminary budget) — approved by roll call; Resolution 25-11 (abolish capital projects fund) — approved; Payment of bills (total $184,085.48) — approved with exclusion of $21,840 forensic-audit invoice pending report.
