Upon further examination, Grundy County Board Chairman Ron Severson said the circuit clerk and sheriff's department also gave out end-of-the-year bonuses.

Last week, Severson reported to the Finance Committee that almost $25,000 was given in bonuses by the county clerk's, treasurer's and state's attorney's offices. In the two additional offices, there was an additional $6,100 given out.

Although these offices did nothing illegal, Severson said it has caused a morale issue among county employees who did not receive bonuses. He said the elected officials in charge of these offices should have brought their requests to the Finance Committee, and any extra money they used from their budgets for bonuses should have been returned to the county's General Fund instead since it is taxpayer money.