County board: Russell may have to repay some expenses out of own pocket

Kane County Coroner Rob Russell may see his personal salary garnished to pay back charges he incurred on a county credit card, as county board Chairman Chris Lauzen suggested after saying Russell used the card to pay for expenses the board had not yet authorized.

Russell stands accused of circumventing the normal review process for his office's expenses by using the county credit card to make good on about $5,780 in unpaid bills. Those bills relate directly back to items, such as Silly Putty and reflectors, that Lauzen and the county board have criticized as unnecessary promotional expenses.

"It's preposterous to try to justify political campaign-season, self-promotion giveaway items at taxpayer expense," Lauzen said. All the items have Russell's name and office title on them.

Russell's been aware of that sentiment about the items for months. Auditor Terry Hunt even delayed final payment and flagged the expenses for additional review by the board. When the payment approval didn't seem to be forthcoming, and vendors began badgering Russell about the money they were owed, he plopped down the credit card to address the debt.

"I didn't think it was fair for these vendors, which are county businesses, to not be paid," Russell said. "The state's attorney's office said these vendors should be paid. I think using the credit card was an easier solution than having a court battle with them."

But the vendors receiving their money may result in Russell losing some of his own cash.

Lauzen read portions of a document describing the county's financial policies regarding credit cards to the board. It's a document all credit card holders must sign, including Russell. The document says the county can revoke credit cards at any time. And, "improper charges to a county credit card must be repaid to the county within the current statement cycle. If this is not done, repayment to the county will be by payroll deduction."

Russell said the "rational thinking people on the board" won't resort to going after his wallet.

"It's ridiculous," Russell said. "It's a dog and pony show."

The early verdict by board members Wednesday indicated Russell may need to do some redirecting.

Board members interviewed all said they believed Russell's use of the credit card was "circumventing" their review of his expenses.

"There is a process for these things," said Cristina Castro, chairman of the committee that directly oversees the coroner. "We shouldn't be using credit cards for these expenses. And if he can do it, then what's to stop others from doing it?"

Russell will likely point to his office's overall budget to support his case for running a tight ship. He has a pending request to transfer $27,000 earmarked for a vehicle purchase over to his operating budget. Russell said if the board approves that transfer, his office's operations will be under budget to finish the fiscal year.

His request was sent back to a lower committee Wednesday after Finance Committee members refused to take a vote on it.