Hampshire to segregate unexpected $72,000 grant for squad-car equipment

Village staff told the Hampshire Village Board on April 17 that the village received an unexpected advance grant of $72,000 intended for squad-car equipment.

"We received $72,000 in change," a staff speaker said while briefing the board on the grant. The presenter said they had expected a reimbursement grant but instead received an advance payment, triggering a requirement under the grant agreement to segregate the funds in a separate checking account.

The board discussed administrative steps. Staff said they will open a dedicated bank account for the grant, and noted that any interest earned on the account must be used for the grant purpose. The chair indicated that staff have the authority to open the account as part of their daily responsibilities and that the chair would sign any necessary documents as required.

Staff committed to bring details back at the next meeting about the new account and how the funds will be expended and tracked under the grant agreement.