Kane IT chief gets building department duties

GENEVA – The Kane County Board on March 8 unanimously approved a resolution putting its information technologies head in charge of building management while that department’s executive director is on paid administrative leave.

IT Executive Director Roger Fahnestock will take over for Christopher Allen in the building management department, according to the board agenda. It states that the building department requires management and staff supervision while Allen is on leave and that Fahnestock is qualified to manage the building department during his absence.

Officials did not state why Allen is on leave, and Allen did not respond to a voicemail message asking for comment.

After the vote, board member Clifford Surges, R-Gilberts, said, “Thank you, Mr. Fahnestock.”

“Thank you, Mr. Fahnestock – yes, absolutely,” board Chair Corinne Pieorg said. “Your guidance will be most helpful.”

Paid leave for Allen is extended from March 1 for up to 60 days, according to the agenda. Allen began leave from his position Jan. 31, Human Resources Director Jamie Lobrillo said in an email.

Allen’s annual salary is $120,359 while Fahnestock’s salary is $169,858, according to Lobrillo’s email.

Until an executive director of building management is restored, “Fahnestock shall receive a temporary assignment pay salary increase to $189,863 for the duration of this assignment as compensation for the additional job responsibilities during the interim period,” according to the agenda memo.

During public comments, Batavia resident Robert McQuillan spoke against giving Fahnestock additional responsibilities or pay.

“I find it outrageous that this board is asked to increase his salary for up to 60 days as interim executive director of building management,” McQuillan said. “Does this man deserve a salary increase when he spent more than $58,000 of taxpayers money on college tuition? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding no.”

McQuillan was referring to details revealed in an audit of the county’s credit cards that Fahnestock paid $58,211 for one of his employees to attend DeVry University over three years.

“I ask this board not to approve any salary increase for Roger Fahnestock,” McQuillan said. “If this department desperately needs a leader, find another employee to lead the department for 60 days.”