Debolt offers five decades of CPA experience as Shelby County Treasurer
He seeks to defeat incumbent Firnhaber in March 17 GOP primary
If elected as Shelby County Treasurer, Don Debolt says he plants to operate the office as he has his own business over his 50-year career as a Certified Public Accountant.
“I pride myself on being respectful, accessible and cooperative,” said Debolt, who is challenging incumbent Erica Firnhaber in the March 17 Republican primary. “My office will be happy to assist employees, board members and citizens alike with any questions or issues they might have.”
Debolt has a long list of goals if he’s elected to the job for a four-year term.
“I plan to work with the County Board, department heads and auditors, to provide timely financial information,” he said. “I will attend County Board, Finance Committee and Budget meetings to provide the necessary information and any assistance that I can.
“I believe all county operations should work in partnership with each other for the benefit of the residents of our county. Accurate and timely financial information is essential and will assist the County Board and various county departments to serve the residents effectively.”
Debolt says he plans to address eight major issues:
1. Provide the County Board with timely and accurate information while working with the County Board in the operation of the county.
2. Invest the county funds to maximize earnings while maintaining security and liquidity.
3. Operate the office in a professional manner which includes working with county employees and taxpayers.
4. End the revolving door of auditors and get the annual audits completed in a timely manner.
5. Provide Springfield with information required which will protect the county eligibility for state grant monies.
6. No electronic funds transfer payments which circumvents control of having two signatures on checks.
7. Proper handling of FOIA requests and documentation.
8. Determine accurate liabilities for accumulated vacation and comp time.
Debolt is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University He worked for a public accounting firm for 13 years before opening his own accounting practice in Stewardson. He has audited villages, townships, farm bureaus and co-operatives.
He served on the Stewardson-Strasburg School Board for fourteen years, Stewardson Village Trustees for four years and Stewardson Village Treasurer for four years. He also previously ran for state Senate.
Debolt, his wife and their sons and their wives opened Culver’s locations in Effingham and Mt. Vernon. Debolt and his wife have since sold their interests in the operations now that the businesses are established.
Firnhaber has had critics during her time as county treasurer, including those who say she underinvests county funds by keeping large amounts of funds in low-interest checking and savings accounts at local banks rather than the 4%-5% interest earning Illinois Funds.
Debolt says he will work to maximize interest earned while maintaining the safety and liquidity of county funds.
“My only motivation for seeking the office of Shelby County Treasurer is to serve the community,” Debolt said. “I intend to build a solid foundation that will endure long term.”