Menard County Board of Commissioners met May 29

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

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Jun 29, 2025

Menard County Board of Commissioners met May 29

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

The Menard County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the Menard County Courthouse, 102 South Seventh Street, Petersburg, Illinois.

Commissioners Bob Lott, Ed Whitcomb, Troy Cummings, Rich Brauer, and Dalton Whitley were present. A quorum was present. County Clerk Marty Gum, County Coordinator Dara Worthington, County Treasurer Molly Bettis, and States Attorney Gwen Thomas were also present. Chairperson Lott called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the Consent Agenda which consisted of the Regular Board Minutes and Executive Session Minutes from May 13, 2025 along with the April 2025 Monthly Department Expense Reports. Commissioner Whitley seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Scheduled/Unscheduled Guests

Mary Ballard was present to approach the commissioners regarding her Quick Take case which was set to be scheduled for a court date later in that day. Discussion ensued. Fair market value was discussed with State’s Attorney Thomas pointing out that the value of the property was to be set at the time of the Quick Take and not present day. Ms. Ballard and State’s Attorney Thomas left the meeting to further discuss a settlement figure in order that there be no reason to move forward with court.

County Zoning Officer/Requests for Board Action

Zoning Officer Joe Crowe was in attendance and provided an overview of the number of permits issued and inspections carried out to date. Crowe also gave an update on the status of the new zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan. A brief outline was provided on a proposed solar project of a commercial scale. Due to the location of the proposed project in conjunction to county-owned property, Menard County will have the opportunity to speak into it.

County Supervisor of Assessments/Requests for Board Action

Assessor Dawn Kelton was in attendance and provided information on the planning taking place for the Annex and the next quotes for the next fly over. Kelton complimented Joe Crowe on the reports he provides and disseminates.

County Engineer/Requests for Board Action

County Engineer Corey Dowd was in attendance and presented the following information: Approval of Low Bid for Section 19-05117-00-RR (White’s Crossing)

Commissioner Whitcomb made a motion to award the bid to low bidder Otto Baum and Commissioner Cummings seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Resolution 11-25 – Intergovernmental Agreement for Menard County Participating in IPWMAN (Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network)

Commissioner Whitley made a motion to enter into the agreement and Commissioner Brauer seconded. The motion carried unanimously. This shall be known as Resolution 11-25.

Engineer Dowd presented an overview of his department’s activities.

County EMS/EMA Chief Report/Requets for Board Action

Chief Kolbe Huss was in attendance and reported that his department has responded to approximately 700 calls for the current year. He requested input from the commissioners regarding selling the 3D-14 ambulance that recently went out of service. It was the consensus of the board to move forward with selling it. Huss indicated that he will be reaching out to all three school districts for training.

County Sheriff Report/Requests for Board Action

Sheriff Mark Oller was in attendance and provided an update on his department’s activities. It was noted that the jail census was at six inmates with four from Menard County and two from Cass County. Oller reported on the following: lock maintenance at the jail, courthouse dome painting, courthouse windows, and the annex doors and new garage door.

Chief Deputy Ben Hollis was in attendance and gave the commissioners an overview on the two different website companies that had provided presentations.

County Treasurer’s Report/Requests for Board Action

County Treasurer Molly Bettis was in attendance and provided an update on her department’s activities

County Clerk’s Report/Request for Board Action

County Clerk Marty Gum was in attendance and provided an update on her office activities. Clerk Gum specifically reported on her progress with the property tax cycle noting that she is waiting on information from overlapping counties. Clerk Gum shared information on the Sampson Trust fund. It was the consensus of the board that further exploration should occur regarding the possible termination of the trust.

States Attorney Report/Request for Board Action

States Attorney Gwen Thomas was in attendance and provided an update on her office activities. Among the items discussed, Thomas indicated that there is currently an opening for a part-time Victim Witness Advocate within her office.

County Coordinator’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Coordinator Dara Worthington was in attendance. Worthington reported that the June statement for public health services was ready for payment. Commissioner Brauer made a motion to approve payment and Commissioner Whitcomb seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Worthington asked that executive session minutes from the October 31, 2023 meeting and November 12, 2024, meeting be opened. Commissioner Whitley made a motion to approve this action and Commissioner Cummings seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Updates were shared on the following: IDPH violation, FY24 ICRMT Workers’ Compensation refund, Menard County Animal Control reports, the July 2025 Hope Trust Conference, Farm Bureau Day at the Menard County Fair, windows for the Courthouse Annex, and possible seasonal employment for a project.

Individual Board Members - Report/Requests for Board Action

Commissioner Troy Cummings on the Sunny Acres Nursing Home Advisory Board meeting.

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