Sangamon Sun

Hancock County Board met Aug. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting was called to order by chairman Mark Menn at 7:15 p.m. The invocation was given by Lee Ann Lambert. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the county clerk.

Those present included: Mark Menn, Chairman

Holly A. Wilde-Tillman, County Clerk

Joe Boyles        Harry Douglas

Michelle Merritt    Josh Turner

Mark Harrison    Mark Hanson

Wayne Bollin        Steve Finney

Steve Lucie        Ryan Weeks

Lee Ann Lambert    Dennis Castlebury

Alex Blythe and Tom Rodgers were absent.  Visitors included Stacy Nimmo, Kamryn Schrepfer with Gray-Hunter-Stenn, Bobi James, Justin Greeley, Shannon Kissinger, Ray Fligge, Julie Weber, and several members from the community.

Ms. Merritt moved to approve the July minutes and executive minutes from Highway, Road, and Bridge. Ms. Lambert seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”.  Motion carried. 

Ms. Nimmo from Western Illinois Regional Council addressed the board.  They are a community action agency who helps residents of Hancock County with heat and electricity bill assistance, economic development, community development, a recycling program, and home repairs. Mr. Menn thanked her for coming and informing the board of their services and welcomed her to the community.  

Ms. Schrepfer gave a brief overview of the audit. Mr. Menn thanked Gray-Hunter-Stenn for all their hard work.

Public comment was opened up. Mr. Fligge and Ms. Weber of Hamilton told of their dog issue that has been discussed in the Health and Miscellaneous committee. This is an ongoing battle. Senators, representatives, the sheriff, county board, and states attorney have been contacted about this issue. Mr. Menn stated that the board is doing everything they can legally.

Ms. Kissinger came forward and introduced herself to the board. She has been in Kris Pilkington’s office for a little over 10 years as chief deputy. She formally announced her candidacy for treasurer for next year’s race. Mr. Menn wished her best of luck.

Committee reports were gone over. Mr. Boyles made a motion to approve the minutes, Ms. Merritt seconded. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Ms. Merritt to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Castlebury seconded. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried. This included:

Resolution Approving the Appointment of a Board Member for the Mid-America Intermodal Authority Port District – Blake Roderick for a 5-year term.

Declare Dump Truck #T-30 of the Highway Department as Surplus.

Approval of the Audit.

Resolution Opposing the Safe Gun Storage Act and Affirming the Rights of Law-Abiding Gun Owners.

Approval of Hancock County Housing Grant Program

Mr. Douglas moved to approve the road use agreement for Zebrawood Solar, LLC, NCR 1120E. Mr. Turner seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Ms. Lambert to add a $10,000 nonrefundable fee plus $1,000,000/mile bond to solar road use agreements. Seconded by Mr. Boyles. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Mr. Finney made a motion to approve outside counsel for the road usage agreement. This was seconded by Mr. Lucie. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Mr. Finney motioned to approve the amendment to the solar energy facility siting ordinance adding the addition of an escrow of $1,000,000 for projects under 10 megawatts and $1,5000,000 for projects 10 megawatts or greater. Ms. Merritt seconded. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Motion to approve the resolution establishing a salary of the circuit clerk for $65,936 was made by Mr. Castlebury, seconded by Mr. Boyles. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Motion to allow the county board chairman to appoint the 4 chairs for a special committee was made by Mr. Bollin, Ms. Merritt seconded. All members present voted aye.

Mr. Finney made a motion to approve the appointment of Tom Dale as Building Permit inspector. Mr. Turner seconded the motion. This is paid for out of the solar building permit fees and not tax payers. All members present voted aye.

There was no old or new business to discuss. Ms. Merritt made a motion to recess, Mr. Finney seconded. All members present voted aye. Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

https://hancockcounty-il.gov/finance-minutes-sept-2025/