Kane nears end of troubled CFO search

Kane County has been without a finance director for more than six months, attributable to something just short of sabotage, according to County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen.

Lauzen was close to hiring a new chief financial officer about a month ago, but his first choice bailed out of the hiring process just before the employment contract came before the county board for a vote. During a closed-door meeting Wednesday, Lauzen told members of the county board’s Finance Committee he’s taking steps to ensure that doesn’t happen again.

In an interview following the meeting, Lauzen said his first candidate withdrew after being talked out of the job by parties he would not name.

“Some folks said some things to her that didn’t need to be said and were not to the benefit of the taxpayers and citizens of Kane County,” Lauzen said.

“I guess I let too many people know about where I was going with the position. I don’t know how to put it. I won’t call it sabotage, but I will be more practical this time and keep it closer to the vest. I don’t want to offend anyone, but I’ve got to get that job (filled).”

Lauzen said he was meeting with a solid candidate Wednesday who has both a CPA and MBA background. He hopes to make the hiring before the county board must decide whether or not to proceed with a bond refinancing that officials hope will net taxpayers $2.5 million in interest savings.