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Finance committee warns of $3M general‑fund deficit and ambulance billing backlog

Adams County Board · April 16, 2026

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Summary

Finance committee reported the county general fund in a deficit exceeding $3,000,000, an ambulance billing backlog of roughly $914,000 and an estimated $260,000 monthly burn rate; committee recommended department transfers, use of special‑use funds and pursuit of grants while noting possible legal action at the Illinois Court of Claims.

The Adams County finance committee told the county board that the general fund is running a deficit that "exceed[s] $3,000,000," and highlighted a large ambulance billing backlog that the committee described as putting the ambulance department about three to four months behind in billing.

Cooley, reporting for the finance committee, said the ambulance department’s billing lag produces an approximate $260,000 monthly burn rate and estimated a backlog of about $914,000 as of the most recent report. He said the committee is urging departments to transfer available special‑use funds, pursue grants and seek other non‑general‑fund sources to avoid asking voters for a referendum to raise the general tax rate.

Cooley also said the county is preparing for the possibility of legal action against the state if billing and Medicaid processing problems are not resolved: "we have a very clear case of a state failure and are preparing, to file a suit in Illinois court of claims, should that be necessary," he said. State's Attorney Todd Eiler cautioned the board that litigation would likely be lengthy, expensive and carry an uncertain outcome.

The committee advised immediate administrative steps: (1) prompt inter‑departmental transfers where possible, (2) maximize use of special‑use funds for eligible expenses, and (3) aggressively pursue grant funding. Treasurer Corey (name as provided in committee discussion) offered to provide training and improved reporting tools to help board members understand monthly financial trends.

The finance committee scheduled a follow‑up meeting and asked county staff to provide more granular reporting on ambulance billing progress and proposed funding strategies.