Jacob Harris

The meeting included discussions on various financial issues, including a request for early funding from the Veterans Assistance Commission, renewal proposals for the Illinois County Risk Management Trust (ICRMT) policies, and county levies. The FY26 Fayette County Budget was discussed and will be displayed for 15 days before becoming official. The committee also discussed accepting sealed bids on Washington School Property and budgeting for jail improvements to meet Illinois Department of Corrections Standards.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Department heads submitted written reports covering the Coroner's activities, Treasurer's financial status, Sheriff's activities, and EMA updates. The Clerk & Recorder recognized the winners of the 'I Voted' Sticker Contest across four categories. The Public Building Commission Chairperson reported on ongoing discussions concerning the Courthouse roof claims. The Administrator reported on onboarding a new auditor and planned attendance at the IACCR Conference. Key actions included the approval of Ordinance 2026-01-13-A regarding public transportation, approval of the Downstate Major Case Squad Intergovernmental Criminal Justice Service Assistance Agreement, approval of Ordinance 2026-01-13-B accepting a bid for the Washington School Building, appointment of a Commissioner to the West Loudon Drainage District, acceptance of a resignation and appointment of a new Member At-Large to the Public Building Commission, and acceptance of low bids for Motor Fuel Tax materials. The Board also reviewed and approved claims from Committee #2 (Claims, Purchasing & Printing), Fayette County EMA Claims, and Highway Department claims, including County Bridge, County Highway, and Federal Aid Match expenditures. The Board also approved the County Board Members Pay. A board member invited attendees to an upcoming Lincoln Celebration event.

The meeting included public comments regarding animal fatalities at a local facility and the homelessness issues within Fayette County. Department head reports were submitted for the Treasurer, Sheriff, and EMA Coordinator. Key actions involved appointing members to the Ambulance Oversight Committee (AOC) and appointing a representative to the South Central Illinois Regional Planning & Development Commission (SCIRPDC). The Board approved the liquor license renewal for MBE OB's Place and ratified the annual commitment letter recognizing the Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth (TBIS). Various claims and bills were reviewed and approved, including general county claims, EMA claims, and Highway Department claims covering bridge, county highway, and engineering expenses. The Administrator provided an update on an ongoing audit and a forthcoming ordinance update for the Special Use Committee.

The meeting included discussions and possible approvals for several financial items. These included the renewal of Bellwether as the contract administrator, the Fayette County Audit from Koch & Associates LLC, the FY26 Budget, the FY26 Appropriation Ordinance, the FY26 Tax year 2025 Levy Ordinance, and insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding a Sheriff Surplus Vehicle going up for bid. A board member inquired about the utilization of TEXTMYGOV on the Fayette County website, and another board member reported a fraudulent text message incident.

The Fayette County Board meeting included discussions on various topics such as the renewal of Bellwether as the contract administrator, the Fayette County Audit from Koch & Associates LLC, the FY26 Budget, the FY26 Appropriation Ordinance, and the FY26 Tax year 2025 Levy Ordinance. Also discussed was the insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and a Sherrif Surplus Vehicle going up for bid. The board also discussed establishing an Ambulance Oversight Committee, closing the Courthouse for the County Christmas Party, a polling location change for South Hurricane, appropriating funds for road maintenance, Sheriff's Merit Board By-laws, amending Switchgrass Plains solar permit letter Annex A, re-appointments to the Union Cemetery Association, and authorizing the cancellation of Certificates of Purchase.