The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s monthly financial reports are in the black for the first time this year. Peoria Public Radio’s Alex Rusciano reports the news comes after months of financial uncertainty:
The Commission was struggling with the fallout from its longtime executive director, late state grant reimbursements and unpaid invoices it owed for an economic development consultant contract. Tri-County chair Larry Whitaker says the planning group settled the invoice and is constantly looking for ways to cut costs:
“When we were looking at all of our payables of where we’re spending our money we were down to looking to things like water and coffee and things at that level,” Whitaker says.
“But on the top side, we're starting to look for new office accommodations that will allow us to save some money there. We’re just looking at everything.”
Whitaker says the Commission is currently looking at three less expensive office spaces as possible locations later this year. He says the planning group also hopes to have a new executive director hired by the end of the year. Current interim director Dale Risinger’s contract expires December 31st.