Kane debates hiring finance director before election
By Matt Brennan For The Beacon-News August 9, 2012 5:42PM
Updated: September 11, 2012 6:10AM
The Kane County Board is set to vote on hiring a temporary finance director, but how the permanent position will be filled remains unclear.
The board will decide next week whether to approve the hiring of the firm of Werner, Rogers, Doran and Ruzon LLC of Joliet to assist with filling in the gap. Finance committee chairman Jim Mitchell, R-North Aurora, suggested to the executive committee on Wednesday that the county begin the process of screening for the next finance director.
“We’re not asking for a decision from this administration. We’re just trying to do some of the leg work,” Mitchell said.
The interim director will help with revenue projections and levies, Mitchell said. Accountants employed in the finance department will be assisting with the upcoming 2013 budget process. The position was left open by the recent resignation of Cheryl Patelli.
There is some disagreement among board members as to whether the process of screening for the job opening should begin before the November elections, when the board will get a new chairman and several new members.
Finance committee member John Hoscheit, R-St. Charles, pointed out that it could be a good for the incoming administration if this moved along quickly.
“Filling that position does take time,” he said. “My experience in dealing with replacements is that it’s a several-month process that you have to go through.”
Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay said she will not appoint a new director before she leaves office because it wold not be fair to the incoming chairman.
Executive committee member Cathy Hurlbut, R-Elgin, called it a waste of time to begin the process of replacing the finance director position. She pointed out that the position was filled just after McConnaughay took office. The position will work closely with the chairman, and the new chairman will know what they are looking for.
McConnaughay also pointed out that the board needs to determine what type of structure it wants to work under, and that may impact the need for the finance director position. She encouraged the board to discuss whether members want a stronger chairman, or an administrator position to provide assistance.
