Second Candidate for County Auditor, Shannon Teresi, Certified Fraud Examiner, Surfaces

Candidates’ Opinions Differ On Abolishing the Auditor Monday was the last day interested persons could email their resume and cover letter to County Board Chairman Jack Franks for a chance at filling the Auditor position. CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner … Continue reading

Why do We Need a County Auditor?

From McHenry County Board candidate Ersel Schuster: Auditor’s Position in McHenry County Board Chairman’s Crosshairs Is it my imagination; or, have you also noticed the number of irresponsible, inappropriate actions of our county board since the first chairman was elected … Continue reading

Employee Christmas Present Fleece Jackets from County Clerk Mary McClellan That Former Auditor Pam Palmer Refused to Pay with Tax Dollars

In January of 2017, McHenry County Clerk Mary McClellan presented County Auditor Pam Palmer with bills for fleece jackets. Palmer refused to pay them. The bills, totaling $663.20 from Marengo’s Hyperstitch, Inc., are below: Here’s is Palmer’s explanation of what … Continue reading

McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer Announces Retirement

In the boxes of McHenry County Board members before last night’s meeting was a letter from County Auditor Pam Palmer announcing her retirement. You can read it below: She has selected January 5th to leave office. My understanding of the … Continue reading

Five Countywide Elected Officials in IMRF Pension Program, Four Not

Since the subject of Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pensions will be discussed at tomorrow night’s McHenry County Board meeting, I think folks might be interested in seeing which ones are currently participating in pension program.  They follow: Not on the … Continue reading

Jack Franks Seems to Be Saying that If He Can’t Have a Pension as County Board Chairman, No Countywide Officials Should Get One

Appearing apparently from the head of McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks is a resolution for next Wednesday’s Human Resources Committee that would end pensions for all countywide officials. Franks certainly wants citizens to think that he led, whether he … Continue reading

Campaign Finance Report Time

Campaign Disclosure Reports are not due to the State Board of Elections until midnight April 15th–Friday night. But, having just finished my quarterly torture, I started looking for reports from other local committees. Jack Franks, now running for only one … Continue reading

Biography of Cal Skinner, Sr. – Part 7 – Running for County Auditor, Precinct Committeeman, Calling the Meeting that Led to McHenry County College Copy

In honor of the anniversary of my father’s 100 birth year, I continue this series about his life: In 1963, my mother and I attended the Illinois Crime Commission’s summer hearings held in the old county board room at what … Continue reading

County Auditor on Unauthorized Shredding in the Sheriff’s Office

Two days ago, McHenry County Blog reported on the shredding of ten tons of paper by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department during the tail end of Keith Nygren’s term. More details are contained in the following internal following audit findings … Continue reading

Countywide Electives To Be Paid $104,750

The McHenry County Board will set salaries for all the countywide officials up for election this fall except the State’s Attorney. $104,750 is what the following will be paid each year of their term: County Auditor Circuit Clerk Coroner Recorder … Continue reading

Salary Freeze for Countywide Officials

The Human Services Committee has the setting of salaries on the agenda of its next meeting. The most important line on the memo accompanying the resolution follows: Impact on Budget (Revenue; Expenses, Fringe Benefits):  None That means the following will … Continue reading

Palmer Convinces Finance Committee To Keep Dental Audit Secret

Wednesday McHenry County Blog ran a piece entitled, “Should Misdeeds Uncovered by Internal Audits Be Made Public?” There has apparently been double billing for providing dental care to Veterans. Both the Veterans department and the County Health Department have been … Continue reading

Should Misdeeds Uncovered by Internal Audits Be Made Public?

McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer is again hesitant to share misdeeds of others with the public. The first time around it was an audit of the Nunda Township Senior Bus program. I had to ask Nunda Township for a copy … Continue reading

Nunda Township Loses Freedom of Information Appeal on Senior Bus Audit

At the request of Deputy County Administrator John Labjai (now retired), McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer performed an audit on Nunda Township’s senior bus program. It was financed with a grant administered by McHenry County.  Federal and state money was … Continue reading