One of the contentious parts of last year’s budgeting process was the use of a half a million from proceeds of the RTA sales tax to buy squad cars.
The use of the same source to pay for radios to be used by the Sheriff and the Transpiration Department came under attack by McHenry County Board member Jim Kearns at last month’s Finance and Audit Committee meeting, as one can see from the minutes below. Unfortunately, they are created by AI, which cannot pin names of who said what.
Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Portable and Mobile Radios and Authorizing the Use of the
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Quarter Cent Sales Tax Fund for this Purpose and an
Emergency Appropriation to the FY26 RTA Budget (90)
Pulled for discussion by Chair Skala
The item was pulled for further discussion due to concerns regarding both the contractual process and funding approach. Chair Skala explained that several questions had been raised at Transportation regarding the contract terms and financial implications, and that additional discussion was warranted.
Members who had previously heard the item at Transportation and Law & Government acknowledged
that it had now been discussed multiple times.
Chair Skala commented that when the equipment was originally presented as a capital expenditure, questions were raised about the purchase year and expected lifespan of the radios.
It had initially been stated that the equipment was purchased in 2018 with a seven-to-ten-year lifespan, raising concerns about replacement timing. Ms. Wisz clarified that the radios were received in mid-2018 and paid for in early 2019, which further reduced the elapsed lifespan.
Mr. Kearns explained that he voted against the item in committee due to concerns with the funding process, not opposition to purchasing radios for the Sheriff’s Department. He cited concerns about using RTA funds, particularly given prior statements that the general fund balance was lower than anticipated during budget adoption.
Ms. Wisz clarified that while the general fund balance remained above the six-month policy threshold, there was no mechanism preventing continued decline, and increased use of fund balance would accelerate that trend. Ms. Wisz further explained that while capital funds were available, continued reliance on fund balance for operations limited the county’s ability to replenish capital funds in future years.
Mr. Kearns stated that his concern stemmed from repeated reliance on RTA funds following adoption of a modified five-year transportation plan that removed projects, including public safety projects, due to funding constraints. He noted that the bid amount for the radios had been known since June at approximately $3.75 million, yet budget discussions referenced a lower figure.
He expressed concern that transportation funds had already absorbed significant reductions, including $500,000 for squad cars, elimination of matching funds, and an additional unanticipated $1.8 million.
He warned that continued use of RTA funds for non-transportation purposes, while legally permissible, created a slippery slope that threatened long-term transportation funding, particularly given recent state actions affecting RTA governance.
He also raised procedural concerns regarding acceptance of radio deliveries prior to board approval, which required a supermajority vote.
Mr. Kearns further questioned why radios and related equipment were purchased all at once rather than through a phased replacement strategy, given their seven-to-ten-year lifespan, and expressed frustration over unexpected personnel costs that contributed to budget shortfalls without earlier notice.
He emphasized that transportation historically maintained a responsible budgeting process and often
absorbed fiscal impacts resulting from broader county decisions.
He questioned why transportation was responsible for 50 percent of the cost when it used approximately 17–18 percent of the radios, compared to over 70 percent used by the Sheriff’s Department. He stated his intent to remain a no vote unless the funding approach changed.
Ms. Salgado provided detailed information regarding radio counts, usage distribution, and radio types, noting that there were approximately 560 radios total, with roughly 103 assigned to Transportation, smaller allocations to other departments, and the majority assigned to the Sheriff’s Office.
Ms. Salgado explained that all radios were considered critical, with higher-end models used for public safety and field operations.
Ms. Wisz confirmed that the purchase was included in the capital request package discussed during the budget process, with the radios representing a substantial portion of total capital needs.
Ms. Salgado explained that the radios were delivered on December 29 following extended negotiations with Motorola under a State of Illinois contract that provided reduced pricing.
A letter of intent had been issued contingent upon budget approval to lock in pricing. Motorola offered incentives, including training support, to expedite delivery before year-end. The radios were currently stored onsite and required configuration before deployment.
Ms. Salgado noted that delaying replacement further would increase costs and risk emergency purchases due to failing equipment.
Discussion continued regarding the strength of the RTA fund balance, long-term sustainability, and the impact on the five-year transportation program.
Ms. Salgado explained that transportation annually revises its program based on funding availability and infrastructure conditions, and that removal of projects reflected fiscal realities rather than departmental mismanagement.
Members debated the broader implications of reallocating transportation funds and the county’s responsibility to balance infrastructure maintenance with public safety needs.
Several members reiterated support for the radios but not the proposed funding structure.
Alternatives were discussed, including splitting costs among RTA funds, capital funds, and reserves, or utilizing interfund loans.
Ms. Wisz noted that while such options were possible, they would increase pressure on future budgets and reserves.
Concerns were raised about leveraging depleted funds in upcoming budget negotiations and the broader fiscal implications of any chosen approach.
Members concluded that while the radios were a mandatory, life-safety investment, the funding method
remained contentious.
It was noted that approval would require a supermajority vote, and Ms. Wisz was asked to explore alternative funding scenarios and provide additional financial projections.
The discussion underscored the complexity of the county’s budget challenges and the need for long-term planning to avoid similar funding dilemmas in the future.
The Resolution will be placed under New and Unfinished Business of the January 20, 2026 County Board
agenda.
Mover: Smith
Seconder: Sager
To approve the authorization to purchase Motorola portable and mobile radios, related accessories and
service based on Quote 3131844 and an emergency appropriation to the FY2026 RTA Budget to fund
half of this expense.
Aye (3): Collins, Greeno, and Hendricks
Nay (3): Skala, Sager, and Smith
Absent (1): Campbell
Not Recommended (3 to 3)
