Sangamon Sun

Menard County Board of Commissioners met Feb. 27

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

The Menard County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Menard County Courthouse, 102 S. Seventh Street, Petersburg, Illinois. Commissioners Bob Lott, Troy Cummings, Ed Whitcomb, and Rich Brauer were physically present. A quorum was present. County Clerk Martha “Marty” Gum, Treasurer Molly Bettis, County Coordinator Dara Worthington, Sheriff Mark Oller, and State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll were also present. Commissioner Jeff Fore was absent.

Chairperson Bob Lott called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the Regular Minutes and Executive Session Minutes from February 27, 2024. Commissioner Whitcomb seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Joe Crowe – Menard County Zoning Officer

Zoning Officer Crowe was in attendance and presented the Board with an update on his department’s current projects. Crowe advised that the Indian Creek hearings are currently at a standstill. He also advised that he is working with the Village of Tallula regarding a mobile home ordinance that they put into place and the Old Salem Chautauqua Association regarding how to address dilapidated buildings. Crowe and Assessor Kelton are working with the Change Finder software and Crowe will be sending out notices to approximately 70 property owners who made changes to their property without permits with enforcement to begin thereafter.

Highway Department’s Report/Request for Board Action

Highway Engineer Dowd was in attendance and presented the Board with an update on his department’s current projects.

Dowd also requested approval of bids from 2024 Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Letting held on February 22, 2024. Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the Letting.

Commissioner Brauer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Kolbe Huss – EMS/EMA Chief

Chief Huss was in attendance and updated the Board on his department’s current activities.

Sheriff’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Sheriff Oller was in attendance and updated the Board on the current jail census at a total of 11 inmates. He reported his department received $25,000 in funds left over from COVID that they will use for jail supplies. An update was provided on the status of in-car and body camera equipment.

Treasurer’s Department Report/Requests for Board Action

Treasurer Bettis was in attendance and advised the Board on the need to amend the FY24 budget. Bettis updated those in attendance on the FY22 audit and other office activities.

County Clerk’s Report/Requests for Board Action

County Clerk Gum was in attendance and advised the Board that her office had assisted 83 early voters. Gum provided an informational handout on the primaries.

State’s Attorney Report/Requests for Board Action

State’s Attorney Grosboll was in attendance and provided an update on his office activities concerning the courts and information regarding updates to courtroom technology.

County Coordinator’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Coordinator Worthington was in attendance and presented the Health Department bills for payment approval. Commissioner Cummings moved to approve the request.

Commissioner Whitcomb seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Coordinator Worthington discussed items such as: Emily Schirding’s resignation from the Sunny Acres Nursing Home Advisory Board, ARPA expenses tracking, IGAs for Animal Control, the workers’ compensation audit resulting in an additional premium of $25,125.00 owed, progress on the ongoing FY22 audit, capital assets, proposed capital projects, UCCI meeting information, and the Menard County Board of Health FY23 Annual Report.

Individual Board Members – Report/Requests for Board Action

Commissioner Whitcomb reported that brush would be cut on the county farm. Commissioner Cummings reported on the Advisory Board meeting and requested an amendment to the Heritage contract relating to maintenance and capital improvements. 

Cummings provided an update on the census for both the nursing home and independent living facility.

Other Scheduled Topics

Discussion and Approval of Revision to 2024 Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule. It was the consensus of the commissioners to have a trial change to the meeting schedule for the months of March and April and then revisit the issue upon completion of that trial. The commissioners proposed meeting on the second Tuesday of March and April at 6:00 PM and the last Thursday of March and April at 9:00 AM.

These changes for the months of March and April will be published in the newspaper and county website.

Resolution 10-24 – Appointment of John Dixon to the Greenview Community Fire Protection District for a Three-Year Term Expiring the First Monday in March 2027.

Commissioner Whitcomb made a motion to approve the appointment while Commissioner Brauer seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Discussion – Setting Salaries of Elected Officials (Circuit Clerk & Supervisor of Assessments) for FY25, FY26, FY27 & FY28

It was the consensus of the commissioners to revisit this topic later while keeping in mind that salaries must be set 180 days before the elected officials take office.

Having no further discussion, Commissioner Brauer made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 PM. Commissioner Whitcomb seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

https://menardcountyil.org/files/6117/1033/9467/02_27_24_Board_Minutes.pdf