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Board approves bills payable after debate; trustees attempt to pull checks over documentation and HR reporting
Summary
Board approved bills payable after debate and failed motions to hold multiple checks. Trustees sought documentation on a long-standing tax reimbursement (Thomas Pal) and raised concerns about HR consultant reporting and high accounting service costs.
The Village of University Park board approved the bills payable during its June 24 meeting after extended debate and failed motions to withhold several checks pending additional documentation.
One trustee moved to pull check number 113572 (listed to Thomas Pal) and several other checks until staff could produce documentation or contracts supporting a long-running University Park tax reimbursement; the motion lacked a second and did not carry. Trustees said the reimbursements have been processed “for years” but that the village lacked a contract or clear agreement justifying the payments.
Board members also questioned the size and timing of accounting/vendor bills that, over two months, totaled roughly $92,000 in one exchange. Staff and trustees agreed the village needs more in-house accounting capacity; the FY26 draft budget includes a staff accountant and an upgraded finance director position. Staff cited prior audit liabilities and an IRS matter that, they said, contributed to higher professional-services costs in recent months.
Separately, trustees pressed for an update from the HR consultant, Leslie (hired as a consulting HR specialist). One trustee said she had not received the monthly report and asked that payment be withheld until the consultant provided the requested documentation and recommendations for filling long-open positions. Other trustees defended Leslie’s efforts, noting hires the consultant helped place and the difficult hiring market.
On event-related spending, trustees debated a $1,500 sound/stage payment for a recent car show and questioned whether such vendor costs should be pre-approved by the board. Staff said event line items exist in the budget, but trustees pressed for earlier board sign-off on vendor arrangements to avoid after‑the‑fact approvals.
Clerk roll call motions were taken and the bills payable were approved as amended; several attempted holds or pulls failed for lack of second or vote. Staff agreed to provide additional documentation on the Thomas Pal reimbursement, HR reports, and vendor payment schedules.
