Asking for a closer look at ECC benefits

I read with interest the Daily Herald's recent article that Dr. Sam, the president of the college, was unanimously granted an increase in his monthly stipend to $1,000 a month. The article stated that Dr. Sam receives a car allowance for business and "personal" use. He already receives a generous salary of $175,000.

I hope the board of trustees understands that these stipends are taxable income to Dr. Sam, and that the college has the responsibility to include these stipends as taxable income. He can report the income and, using the appropriate IRS forms, deduct his "actual" deductible expenses according to the guidelines in the Internal Revenue Code.

Dr. Sam's contract does not overrule the Internal Revenue Code. Personal expenses are never deductible. I know, because I have been a CPA for more than 33 years, and I have a master of science in taxation from DePaul University.

It appears to me that the board of trustees is not only negligent and incompetent, but it has assumed the role of Santa Claus.

I will send a copy of the Daily Herald article along with this letter to the Chicago District Director of the IRS, as well as the governing audit bureau in California, asking them to audit the entire fringe benefit program at Elgin Community College.

Donald H. Lamb

Wheeling