Erin Knackstedt

The committee reviewed information and overviews from various Standing Committees (Administration, Public Safety, Transportation, Health & Social Services, Finance, and Plan/Development) to be submitted at the County Board Meeting on January 22, 2026. Specific updates included one action item from the Health & Social Services Committee and two action items from the Administration Committee. The Finance Committee reported three action items. The committee also reviewed the December claims and discussed the draft county board agenda and activities. A brief discussion occurred regarding the change in leadership for the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce.

The Finance Committee reviewed reports from the Sheriff regarding public safety tax and jail totals, and from the Assessor concerning the Board of Review update and assessment schedule. The County Clerk/Recorder reported on activities including the Hillcrest time clock, elections, tax levy entry, and the online code of ordinances. The Treasurer provided updates on taxes, interest, CD rates, and investments. The Hillcrest financial report, showing different payer rates, was reviewed. The committee recommended that the County Board file the Treasurer's monthly Bank Balance and interest reports, and the County Clerk's monthly Department report. The committee also reviewed January 2026 Revenue and Expenditure Accumulated Transaction and Budget Performance reports. A motion was passed to recommend approval of monthly County Accounts totaling $2,753,352.65. Under new business, a resolution for treasurer and assessor salaries was approved following a discussion on past salary studies and position classifications.

The committee reviewed the County Engineer's report, which included updates on budget reviews and maintenance activities. The committee recommended awarding the Cambridge Bridge project to Curnyn Construction, the Galva Bridge project to Brandt Construction, and the Kewanee Bridge project to Curnyn Construction.

The meeting included an overview of facility updates from the Administrator concerning staffing, employee issues, and incidents. Another Administrator provided updates on job descriptions, staffing redundancy, union negotiations, and lagoon status. The committee reviewed the claims report for December, noting that the facility ended the year short by $537,620, and discussed the new financial report template. Old business briefly addressed a room rate increase strategy. Under new business, the committee approved extending courthouse stipends at the current pay rate until the end of March due to the abrupt resignation of the HR Associate, discussing associated workload, training needs, and state inspections.

The committee reviewed operational reports from the County Engineer regarding maintenance activities and a 1st quarter budget overview. The primary business involved the evaluation and recommendation of construction bids for three bridge replacement projects: the Cambridge Bridge, the Galva Bridge, and the Kewanee Bridge. Contract awards were recommended for each project based on the lowest bidder. The meeting also included scheduling for an upcoming committee session.