August H. Griffin

The regular board meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The board approved claims against the county and county board member claims. Discussions regarding agenda items included a highway resolution (BLR09110) appropriating funds for the resurfacing of the Clinton Road section from the railroad tracks in Paris to the state line, which is scheduled for letting in June or July of 2029. An ordinance prohibiting the sale and delivery of craft products, specifically mentioning a drug stronger than marijuana originating from South America, was passed. The board also approved a resolution declining jurisdiction over the Paris Community Energy Initiative, ensuring decommissioning arrangements were obtained. Department head updates covered early voting statistics, site survey scheduling for the new 911 location with Central Square, and hiring updates for the Airport department. The Health Department reported on the commencement of new grant programs, including a Maternal Mentors Program. A clarification was made regarding a past Sycamore bill related to boiler disruptions. Other discussions involved current jail population levels, an increase in measles cases in surrounding areas, and committee reports addressing a complaint about a loose dog. Further discussions involved PECO entertaining a community solar project and potential hosting of the next PECO annual meeting. The meeting concluded with setting a special meeting for budget review with the treasurer, focusing on last year's budget, this year's budget, and past budget performance.

The meeting commenced with a review of end-of-year statistics for 2025 and the report for January 2026 for EMS operations, noting an increase of 500 dispatches from 2024 and response times slightly under the national benchmark. Discussions included forming a committee to review the EMS contract specifications prior to rebidding. Updates were provided on 911 system upgrades, specifically waiting on an FCC license for a new tower related to Simocast integration, and the planned move of 911 operations to the new jail, which is contingent upon 30 to 60 days' notice to the phone provider, AT&T. Public comment included a representative from PCA Solar discussing a resolution for a solar project requiring zoning jurisdiction confirmation from the City of Paris. Separately, a board member raised concerns regarding the 2018 resolution setting the fee for multi-township assessor services, suggesting an update to the $7 per parcel charge due to increased operational costs, and noting difficulties in communication with supervisors in the Elbridge and Sims townships regarding the upcoming 2026 reassessment.

The meeting included a pledge of allegiance and a roll call. Discussions involved public comment, which was deferred, followed by a presentation on two road projects requiring an agreement with Cummins Engineering to meet tight deadlines for July and January lettings. One resolution concerned approving Cummins Engineering to complete phase two design work for the top three miles (resolution 221-137) targeted for the July letting. The second resolution involved an agreement for the bottom three miles (section 25-1420) targeted for the January letting, which involves paving with an asphalt overlay. The finance committee portion included a review of fiscal year 2026 reports, noting that the current report lacked final demand checks and that historical financial reporting discrepancies related to the previous year's audit needed addressing. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the retiring treasurer's role, future budget reporting precision, and the potential transition plan for the incoming treasurer concerning accruals and auditing requirements.

The discussion covered operational statistics for October, including total 911 calls (227), response times remaining within contractual thresholds, and statistics on inter-facility transfers, treated/refused transports (44 patients refused treatment or transport), and hospital trips. There was a report on nine classes taught, involving 93 students across EMT and Emergency Medical Responder courses, and four PR related events. A significant portion of the meeting focused on modifying the future meeting schedule, based on public feedback from a hearing. The proposed change involves moving the first study session meeting to 5:00 p.m. at the courthouse, and shifting the second meeting (the highway meeting) time from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., with a subsequent study session at 9:30 a.m. The group also discussed implementing both public comment periods (beginning and end of the meeting) and finalizing committee assignments for the upcoming year, including changes to the Road Bridge, Animal Shelter, Safety, Airport, Office, and Regional Education Printer committees. Additionally, there was an update regarding a staff member's spouse battling ovarian cancer, and general discussion about the merger of Union and Regional Foundation and scheduling conflicts related to the January 12th meeting date.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and included acknowledgments regarding condolences for a deceased member, with flowers being sent by the county board. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the July 10th meeting and claims against the county. Public comments were solicited but none were offered. Discussions then focused on highway resolutions, specifically an amendment for road improvement projects (Brockton Road and Mulberry Road) involving appropriation of motor fuel tax, and an amendment for a bridge study and survey. Further resolutions involved the conveyance of tax parcels due to non-payment. A significant portion of the meeting involved deliberation over renewing health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for the upcoming year, focusing heavily on the cost implications and structuring of spousal and dependent coverage options, including employee contribution percentages, in light of increasing premium costs.