Menard County Board of Commissioners met Nov. 12

Menard County is named for Pierre Menard, who was the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois | http://www.courthouses.co/

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Dec 10, 2024

Menard County Board of Commissioners met Nov. 12

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

The Menard County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Menard County Highway Department, 15620 Chautauqua Road, Petersburg, Illinois. Commissioners Bob Lott, Ed Whitcomb, Rich Brauer, and Troy Cummings were physically present. A quorum was present. County Clerk Martha “Marty” Gum, County Coordinator Dara Worthington, State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll, Treasurer Molly Bettis, and Sheriff Mark Oller were also present. Commissioner Jeff Fore was absent.

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

Commissioner Cummings moved to approve the Regular and Executive Minutes from October 31, 2024, Board Meeting, with changes. Commissioner Whitcomb seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Scheduled/Unscheduled Guests

Menard County Board of Health Member Dave Bagot was in attendance and advised the Board of the Board of Health meeting the previous week as it relates to the Kincaid Family Trust. Dave Bagot also discussed with the Board the FY24 Funding Sources.

Highway Department Report/Requests for Board Action

Highway Engineer Dowd was in attendance and updated the Board on the current projects, including the maintenance updates needed, happening within the Department. He also provided an overview of new policies established with the department relating to roadside memorials, mailboxes, etc. Engineer Dowd also advised that the new tandem truck has come in and that the old Highway office has been demolished.

Sheriff’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Sheriff Oller was in attendance and briefed the Board on the current jail census at four total inmates. Oller also reported on: security cameras at the entrance of the jail are back up; the jail roof and canopy work are complete; the speed detail held recently on Rt 97; the FOP contract; a meeting with the Village of Greenview and the Lake

Petersburg Association to discuss Flock cameras.

County Treasurer’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Treasurer Molly Bettis was in attendance and updated the Board about the Tax Sale that took place on November 8, 2024. Bettis provided an update on the FY22 audit and advised that Clifton Larson Allen, LLP will be on site for the FY23 audit.

County Clerk’s Report/Requests for Board Action

County Clerk Gum was in attendance and provided the Board with an update on the General Election. Gum also advised the Board that her office began filing for the April 2025 Consolidated Election as of November 12, 2024.

State’s Attorney Report/Requests for Board Action

State’s Attorney Grosboll was in attendance and advised the Board of the new screens that can be seen in the Court rooms and the training they have attended regarding the new technology. Grosboll advised the Board that his office will be getting new carpeting in the upcoming week. He also advised that he will be attending the State’s Attorney conference in December.

County Coordinator’s Report/Requests for Board Action

County Coordinator Dara Worthington was in attendance and discussed items such as: architechtural estimates for Courthouse work; GATA update; swearing-in for new elected officials; DCEO grant update; update on courthouse stone exterior; Boardroom update; FY25 Salary sign-off; Public Building Study Group update; and the County Christmas Party.

Worthington requested that Executive Session Minutes from May 28, 2019 and November 29, 2022 remain closed and that Executive Session Minutes from April 25, 2024 be opened. Commissioner Cummings moved to approve the request. Commissioner Whitcomb seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Individual Board Members - Report/Requests for Board Action

Commissioner Cummings advised the Board that Jason Cutright will be completing the Sunny Acres Nursing Home sign next week.

Chairman Lott advised that Commissioner Fore’s last meeting will be held on November 26, 2024 at 9:00 am.