No free lunch for Kane County employees

A memo of protest about a county board committee's decision to keep a $20,000 employee lunch on the books during a budget crisis landed on Kane County Human Resources Director Sheila McCraven's desk Friday.

"It has been brought to my attention that the county plans to proceed with the annual employee luncheon," wrote Kane County Treasurer David Rickert. "While this is a great way to recognize our employees and to boost employee morale, my staff and I feel that it would be an activity we are willing to forgo in order to help save jobs and taxpayer money. As such, I regret to inform you, that the Treasurer's Office and staff will not be participating with this activity this year."

Rickert's memo about the $20,000 lunch was late. McCraven reported that she expects the lunch will be canceled.

"It's a moot point," McCraven said. "There won't be a lunch."

County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay confirmed that she will put the issue to a vote before the full county board next week. Her recommendation will be to cancel the lunch in the interest of doing everything possible to address the need to trim $3.8 million from the budget.

"I don't think, given the current economic situation, that the board will have a problem with not having the luncheon this year."

McConnaughay said she'll ask chat with county employees about the end of the year holiday party. That party is funded by revenue from vending machines in employee break rooms. There is an employee committee that specifically decides how to spend that money. McConnaughay said she'll ask them consider using it for other county needs this year.