Dawn Kupfer

The Public Safety Committee meeting addressed several agenda items under New Business and Unfinished Business. Key discussions involved Resolution 2025/26-013 regarding the purchase of vehicles for the Woodford County Sheriff's Department. Furthermore, the committee addressed resolutions for contractor approvals (Wright Way Construction, BP Electric, Heart Technologies, and Knapp Flooring) for the remodel of office space at annex 4 to accommodate the VAC, costing $44,781.20, and authorizing the Woodford County EMA to purchase new furniture from Widmer Interiors for $31,793.80. The agenda also included provisions for Public Input, an Executive Session, and Adjournment.

This Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is an update to the 2004 Heart of Illinois Project Impact plan, prepared for the Tri-County area (Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties, and participating cities/villages). The plan outlines a strategy to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards such as floods, tornadoes, and winter storms. Key objectives include enhancing the safety of residents and businesses, increasing local floodplain management activities, institutionalizing hazard awareness and risk reduction principles into daily activities, and enhancing community-wide understanding of hazards. The overarching goal is to develop and maintain a disaster-resistant community less vulnerable to the economic and physical devastation associated with natural hazard events.

This document outlines the Woodford County Comprehensive Plan, serving as a guidance document with recommended policies for land use, transportation, and economic development. The plan addresses five key themes: balanced growth of agriculture and other development, economic development, proactive collaboration among agencies, transportation infrastructure and access, and environmental protection, with a focus on the Illinois River and Mackinaw River Valley. It aims to improve citizens' quality of life, provide beneficial services, and foster economic growth while balancing property rights and the common good, with a projected outlook extending to 2030.

The Finance Committee meeting addressed several key areas, including the approval of November 2025 claims and a review of the Treasurer's report, which highlighted positive trends in sales tax revenue and provided updates on fund balances and the Bennet grant. Discussions covered the importance of maintaining adequate reserves in the general fund and the impact of internet purchases on tax revenue. The committee also discussed the budget, emphasizing that only reductions could be made at this stage. Updates were provided on the Animal Control Building, with its expenses now falling under the Finance Committee.

The Woodford County Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. Appointments were made to various positions, including Kayla Under as Primary Plat Officer and several reappointments to the 911 ETSB Board and Health Care Committee. Intergovernmental agreements with Woodford County Soil and Water Conservation District, Peoria County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Tri-County Regional Planning Commission were approved. The board also approved the Legacy Acres Subdivision Plat Review and Approval, the Panther Grove 2 Wind Energy Decommission Plan, and resolutions related to County Engineer salary and road use agreements. The 2025-2026 Woodford County Budget and Funds, along with various tax levies, were approved. Additionally, there were reports from various committees, including Health Care, Road & Bridge, County Offices, Finance, Public Safety, and Conservation Planning and Zoning. An executive session was held, and a settlement agreement was approved.