Former grant coordinator lambasts county leaders

DA takes issue with some of the statements made

A former Kendall County grant coordinator is taking some commissioners and other officials to task after her position was eliminated earlier this year, prompting a rebuke from the district attorney.

The fireworks flew during Tuesday’s Kendall County Commissioners Court session in which former county worker Christina Bergmann, a former County Commissioner out of Precinct 1, addressed commissioners Chad Carpenter, Jennifer McCall and Andra Wisian over the steps that led to her being let go.

According to Bergmann, county officials undermined her work as a grant coordinator, questioned her qualifications and failed to provide formal documentation about concerns regarding her employment.

“There is not a single document in my personnel file from a county employee or an elected official regarding my job performance,” Bergmann said.

She originally reported to County Judge Shane Stolarczyk. However, in November 2024, commissioners changed the reporting structure, requiring her to report directly to the court.

Bergmann said she faced repeated accusations that she was unqualified for the position but never received a performance improvement plan or direct communication regarding her job performance.

District Attorney Nicole Bishop responded to Bergmann’s statements during the meeting, disputing several of her claims.

“I do take issue with several things said,” Bishop said.

The district attorney said she ultimately removed Bergmann from her office’s grant applications because of concerns about her performance.

“I had a lot of faith she was going to do a great job,” Bishop said.

However, Bishop acknowledged Bergmann had not received a formal performance improvement plan and that concerns about her work had not been addressed through a formal accountability process, but clarified that was not her responsibility to do so.

“I was not her direct supervisor,” Bishop said.

Bishop disputed Bergmann’s characterization of her treatment, saying she believed the actions taken during the latter’s employment were intended to improve her performance rather than constitute bullying.

Bishop also said a report related to the matter would be made public.

In other business, Kendall County officials confirmed the search for a permanent Emergency Medical Services director remains underway.

Commissioners agreed Oct. 13 to continue services under former EMS Director Ken Styskal’s contract through October while the county reviews applications for the position.

Brian Webb is currently serving as acting EMS director.