Amy M. Friedel

The Board meeting included several significant discussions and actions. A visitor addressed the board regarding an ongoing property tax allocation case involving the Winneberg subdivision, expressing a desire to settle the matter. Old business featured the Grand Jury selection process for 2026, and the Sheriff submitted his retirement letter, requesting the appointment of an acting sheriff and coroner for January. The board approved the sale of the Farm Bureau building for $45,000, with funds designated for the general fund, and approved the corresponding lease transfer agreement for the U of I Extension Office. They also approved the resolution setting the meeting dates for 2026. Discussions covered liability costs for the Ferry Boat Committee and generator options for the Richter building. The board awarded the snow and lawn care contract to Hagen's Lawn Care for the 2026 season. Updates were provided on the Flood Mitigation application status. Under New Business, there was discussion regarding a new Green Energy Law and potential tax abatement issues. The board addressed telephone system needs for staff members. The Supervisor of Assessments (SOA) consultant provided an update on entering new property data and Board of Review preparations. Several financial resolutions were passed, including maintenance costs for the Unit Road District and county general maintenance for 2026, and the appropriation resolution for the highway engineer's salary. Fuel quotes for the month were approved. Finally, the county acknowledged the lack of a dog at large ordinance, which will be drafted.

The Board meeting addressed several matters including the sale of a building to the Farm Bureau for $45,000, which includes the transfer of the U of I contract, pending finalization by legal counsel. The Board approved the payment for the appraisal related to this sale. A motion was amended to send a letter to the rural water district requiring upfront payment for recordings due to software limitations. Discussions surrounding the Truth in Taxation aggravated levy for TR07 resulted in setting the levy increase at 62.5% ($535,780 total), noting this represented approximately a 1.8% increase for taxpayers. The Board approved the vacation of Drag Out Hollow Road, contingent upon statutory research. The appointment of a new Statement of Account (SOA) was tabled due to budgetary concerns regarding salaries. The Board approved the holiday schedule and subsequently approved the aggravated levies for FY26. The upcoming retirement of the Sheriff was noted, requiring a vacancy notice to be placed in the paper.

The Board of County Commissioners addressed traffic and parking issues, elevator repairs, and the Farm Bureau and U of I Extension Office collaboration. They discussed the Truth in Taxation hearing, emergency appropriations, and the formation of a committee for ferry boat transactions. The board also considered vacating Drag Out Hollow Road and correcting the Sheriff's Service Line budget. Sheriff Heffington announced his retirement, and the board approved tax deeds. They discussed Calhoun Rural Water's concerns and approved the current procedure to stay in place. The board finalized plans for a holiday luncheon and an open house/bicentennial celebration. Fuel quotes and pasture leases were approved. Finally, the commissioners were informed about TextMyGov for weather alerts.

The Board discussed several topics including elevator repairs, an increase in cleaning fees for the Richter building, an appraisal for the Farm Bureau and U of I Ext Office, and zoning ordinances. They also discussed truth in taxation ordinances for the county and road unit, and a union contract with the Sheriff's office. The board approved resolutions for tax deeds and end-of-year transfers. They considered alternative funding options, the holiday luncheon, and the Bicentennial Celebration. Kyle Godar presented fuel quotes and an IHSP grant for the reconstruction of a bridge. The vacation of Drag Out Hollow Rd was tabled. The S/A Report covered the Opiod Fund.

The board discussed issues with the elevator base and contacted Tom Droege to begin work again. An update on the website was given, and the board was informed that the site must be ADA compliant. The board discussed the buyout lot auction and concerns about pasture leases. The board approved Kyle Godar as the authorized executor for the county's salt contract with IDOT. The board discussed modifying the nuisance ordinance regarding dogs running at large. The board reviewed flood lot appraisals and voted against purchasing the lots in Brandings Subdivision. The board approved the salary for the SOA and Circuit Clerk for 12/1/2024-2026 to be $43,916 and then 12/1/2026-2028 to be $46,111. The board also discussed the circuit clerk's office hiring another full-time employee. The ambulance board meeting was attended, and the need for a helipad in Winneberg was discussed. The UCCI Joint Meeting in Springfield and the E911 meeting in Jacksonville were also attended.