The LaSalle County Committee on Appointments, Legislation and Rules voted to appoint David Sweeney as the county's finance director, approving a resolution that sets a three-year term through Nov. 30, 2028, an initial salary figure for the early portion of the term and standard county employee benefits.

The resolution read into the record states, "David Sweeney is hereby appointed as LaSalle County finance director for a 3 year term . . . until 11/30/2028," and specifies that the initial compensation for a defined period is set at $75,000, with annual compensation for subsequent years to be determined by the LaSalle County finance committee and the county's salary and labor committee. The resolution also says employment is at-will and FLSA-exempt and that the finance director will receive the benefits afforded to other county employees.

Committee members discussed logistics and oversight before the vote. Members proposed Dec. 1 as a likely start date to allow time to secure office space and equipment and to complete onboarding tasks with HR. The committee clarified that, under state law, an employee cannot report to a committee; the finance director therefore will report to the county chair (Don Jensen) and work with the finance committee. The committee noted the hire is intended to take on nonstatutory duties that currently fall to the elected county auditor and to improve budget processes, including monthly cash-flow statements, five-year budgeting and more consistent accrual accounting.

Committee discussion included candidate qualifications and transition planning. The committee reported that Sweeney holds a bachelor's degree, completed internships and most recently worked for former LaSalle County finance director Joyce Tucker, who provided a recommendation and offered short-term assistance to transfer legacy budget templates. The committee said the candidate, described as recently graduated, will require training and support during an initial transition period.

Committee members and the auditor discussed separation of duties and audit compliance as an objective of the hire. Auditor Stephanie (identified in the meeting) explained that many of her auditing duties are statutorily required and that a finance director could relieve workload tied to budgeting, reporting and departmental follow-ups, allowing the auditor to focus on statutory audit responsibilities.

The committee moved to approve the resolution; Miss Bernal moved, Mister Small seconded. In a roll-call vote the members present voted unanimously to approve the appointment. The committee then approved a motion to dispense with the previous meeting's minutes and adjourned.

Implementation details recorded in the meeting notes include the Dec. 1 proposed start date (subject to final onboarding readiness), the $75,000 initial compensation figure for the specified period in the resolution, and a plan for job-description review and counsel sign-off prior to or concurrent with the start of employment.