Sangamon Sun

Hancock County Health and Miscellaneous Committee met June 3

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The meeting was called to order by committee chair Harry Douglas at 6:30 p.m. Members in attendance included Michelle Merritt, Steve Finney, Steve Lucie, Mark Harrison, Joe Boyles, and Mark Menn. Josh Turner was absent. Visitors included Jeff Totten, Aaron Feagain, and Bobi James. 

Mr. Totten gave the ESDA and flood plain reports.  He had training on standard reunification for schools. He will be attending the court security meeting on June 3 and he will be meeting with the Hancock County Fair Board and writing up incident plans for the event. Mr. Totten left at 6:35.

Mr. Feagain presented the EMS report. They had 145 calls, 130 were billable, 96 total transports, $154,290.80 was billable. He went over his budget specs for the year so far. He will be over in the telephone budget but the staff needed to upgrade emails to the new Microsoft 365 plan. The Warsaw First Responders have offered their building in Warsaw to EMS. They would not have to pay rent, just utilities. Mr. Feagain did some studies regarding the call volume between Hamilton and Warsaw. There were 450 in Hamilton compared to 209 in Warsaw. Warsaw also stated they have an ambulance for sale. He spoke with Kody Horn about it. An employee has been terminated. They were a no-call no-show. He has interviewed 4 wonderful candidates. The new building is 90% done. They hope to be moved in next weekend. The Veterans’ Affairs will be moved on Thursday or Friday. Mr. Feagain asked the committee what their thoughts are regarding the support animals at the EMS. The committee stated no, they do not feel this is a good idea. Mrs. Merritt made a motion to maintain the current EMS protocol, Mr. Boyles seconded. All members present voted aye.  

Mr. Douglas stated Jessica Croy from the Health Department will let him know if there is anything pressing for the board, otherwise, he will bring any information he learns from the quarterly Board of Health meeting.  

Animal control was discussed. There was a bill from the vet that will be paid and then the States’ Attorney will be asked to file a small claim against the owner of the dog. There is a new dog catcher in Carthage. Motion to pay the bill and then send the bill to the Basco dog owner was made by Mr. Boyles. Mr. Lucie seconded. All members present voted aye.

There was discussion regarding the county being an undocumented sanctuary county. Ms. James advised she is in communication with the Department of Homeland Security on two cases, and provides updates when necessary.

The claims were gone over. Motion to pay the bills was made by Mr. Finney, seconded by Mr. Harrison. All members present voted aye.

Ms. Merritt made a motion to recess until July 7 at 6:30. This was seconded by Mr. Finney. Meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

https://hancockcounty-il.gov/health-minutes-june-2025/