West Central Reporter

Accepting reports on both agencies' external audits was recently voted on by the boards of the Western Illinois Regional Council and the WIRC Community Action Agency.

There was an increase in WIRC's financial position by $24,412 in 2018. Assets surpassed liabilities in 2019 by $522,299. According to WIRC Accountant John Hemming, assets totaled $764,054 and liabilities equaled $199,997, the McDonough County Voice reported. 

Grants and fees totaled 91 percent of WIRC's income, and the agency totaled $6.2 million in revenue in 2019, and an increase in accounts receivable resulted in a "positive liquidity ratio," the McDonough County Voice reported. 

Hemming said that the WIRC is above auditing standards for net assets and described CAA audit as low risk, the McDonough County Voice reported. No problems or non-compliance were noted.

The CAA had assets in 2019 that totaled $1.5 million, which was an increase of $400,000 from the previous year. Hemming said that there was $622,468 in liabilities, the McDonough County Voice reported.

"For every dollar that came in, 95 cents was spent in serving the community," Hemming said.

Both Hemming and the WIRC board believes the hiring of Executive Director Tracy Camden was a good decision. 

Carthage Mayor Jim Nightingale, a member of the WIRC board, said, "I think we're in great hands," the McDonough County Voice reported.

The WIRC board approved a match of $65,000 to a $65,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration to go towards planning activities.

The WIRC is "a wonderful agency with a truly great team." She said, "We touch a lot of people's lives," Camden said, the McDonough County Voice reported.

Sarah Payne is the new finance director and the 2021 budget is being prepared.

Before WIRC, Camden worked in several management roles. Beginning in 2002, she managed fiscal accounts as an office manager before promoted to business manager in 2004. In 2008, she accepted the role as Fiscal Director for 10 years.

Camden received her Bachelor's at Western Illinois University in Business Management in 1997, a Master of Business Administration in 2001, and a Bachelor of Business in Accountancy in 2019.