McHenry County pays another bill

McHenry County Board members say they are increasingly concerned and disheartened over the rising costs associated with the investigation of State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, particularly the appointment of a special prosecutor.

Board members this week approved a payment of $112,938, which it is under court order to pay, to Judge Henry Tonigan III and his associates for work completed between June and August 2010. The 18-1 vote brought the total cost of the investigation so far to more than $220,000.

Board Chairman Ken Koehler said although the majority of the board voted to approve the payment, each did so unwillingly.

“Unfortunately it was something that we had to do,” Koehler said Wednesday. “We didn't have a choice in the matter. It is disheartening to have to make payments for something as foolish as what we are dealing with here.”

County board members said they are concerned that they have not been provided with an itemized list of expenses and the investigation is ongoing.

“We don't know where the end is; the end is not at hand,” board member Nick Provenzano said. “It is all coming out of our general fund and cash reserves, but we don't have a line item for this. It is very concerning.”

Sandra Salgado, the lone board member to vote against the payment, asked why the board was required to vote on the item.

“When the board approves something, there's an indication of support and that's not the case in this,” Salgado said. “It is court ordered, but we don't know if we can really, honestly vote it up or down.”

Tonigan is investigating claims by former state's attorney employee Amy Dalby, who says that while working as Bianchi's personal secretary she performed numerous political tasks at his direction, including typing letters to campaign supporters, setting up a campaign fundraiser and tracking a donor list.