McHenry County committee votes to delay ending of mileage reimbursement

The McHenry County Administrative Services Committee voted Wednesday to delay the effective start date of a resolution seeking to eliminate mileage reimbursements for county board members to attend regularly scheduled meetings.

But in light of recent allegations against McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks, one committee member suggested that matters such as these should be put on hold and the county board instead should focus on state-mandated matters for now.

The committee once again discussed the possibility of eliminating mileage and health insurance benefits for county board members. Board members Michael Vijuk and Paula Yensen, who helped spearhead the corresponding resolutions, were in attendance to argue in support of the initiatives, which are estimated to save about $317,000 annually.

"You, the members of this committee, are now on the front line of the key questions related to reimbursements for board members," Vijuk said. "What members are eligible for and some receive in the compensation, is it for the betterment of the county residents, businesses and visitors or is it additional income for board members?"

Committee Chairwoman Michele Aavang said what she took away from a special committee of the whole meeting to discuss the two resolutions was that most board members would like to see these items as part of a full package compensation discussion.

If the health insurance resolution were approved, these benefits for county board members would be eliminated starting Dec. 1, 2022. Under the Illinois Constitution, elected officials' compensation cannot be decreased during their term.

The mileage resolution, as written, would take effect immediately if approved. But after a brief discussion, the committee voted to delay the start date of this resolution to 2022 as well.

Currently, a total of 10 board members do not sign up for insurance coverage, and eight do not request mileage reimbursement.

Also taking effect in 2022 would be the county board's reduction from 24 members to 18. Because of this, Franks suggested calling a special ad hoc committee meeting to discuss what effects this would have on benefit costs for county board members.

Board member Carolyn Schofield said that, in the immediate future, she feels it will be challenging for the county board to conduct regular business being led by Franks - who is the subject of an Illinois State Police investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and stalking - particularly when controversial topics Franks brought forward are being discussed.

"Much of the work we do is based on public perception, and I do not feel that it is appropriate to speak about creating a model ethics ordinance when questionable ethics are among us," Schofield said. "I will be recommending we address moving forward only with what is mandated by the state at this time."

Regarding health insurance for board members, Schofield said that since it wouldn't take effect for two years, there's no need to discuss the elimination of health insurance when it extends into a broader conversation about full compensation packages.

"I would encourage Chairman Franks to take a leave of absence to allow him time to tend to his personal affairs and allow the board to continue with county business in an effective manner," she said. "Again, I must have faith in our judicial system to resolve this situation. If there are victims out there, then I hope that justice will be served."

Franks declined to comment Wednesday.