Counties could get more financial oversight

SPRINGFIELD — Legislation intended to help prevent county financial problems like those in DuPage County recently is heading to Gov. Pat Quinn for final review.

The Illinois Senate Friday approved a plan to allow county boards to get virtually any financial information they want from the agencies they appoint.

The measure was at least partly in response to misspending at the DuPage Water Commission and DuPage Housing Authority.

At the DuPage Water Commission, for example, the panel that oversees the agency accidentally spent $69 million in reserves because of poor accounting practices.

DuPage County Board President Dan Cronin asked for legislation to give him more oversight of the commission and similar agencies.

The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Democrat, and Sen. Ron Sandack, a Downers Grove Republican. It was approved by a 56-1 vote.