Molly C. Burton

The board approved a solar farm permit for the Birch Creek Solar project in Lee Township. Discussions were held regarding proposed park and ice rink designs for the Courthouse area, with plans to host a public forum. The board authorized the list of election judges for upcoming elections and approved a resolution to modify the County Clerk's office hours for the Primary Election. Additionally, a lease extension for the County Farm was noted, a line-item amendment for Animal Control was approved to cover expenses, and a tax deed was issued. The board also addressed concerns regarding a signed union contract and received updates on housing costs for a juvenile in the detention center and upcoming contract negotiations for the Highway Department.

The board approved appointments to the Western Illinois Economic Development Authority Board and the Brown County Public Housing Authority Board. Members adopted a new Conflict-of-Interest Policy and approved Highway and Township Motor Fuel bid tabs. Discussions were held regarding the disposal of obsolete office furniture, the status of the Birch Creek solar project, and upcoming park improvement plans. Additionally, the board addressed administrative matters including yearly dues for UCI, potential fee schedules for animal control, reviewed financial claims, and authorized an employment agreement between Brown County and Schuyler County for a Supervisor of Assessments.

The board discussed the appointment of a representative to the Brown County Fire Protection District and received a presentation on services from the Two Rivers Regional Council. Key actions included the approval of a highway engineering agreement, a review of information regarding a proposed solar project, and updates on public discussions concerning Gordley Memorial Park. The board also addressed potential uses for the County farm, discussed voting for ICRMT election nominees, and approved a resolution setting salaries for the County Clerk and Treasurer. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved various county claims against the budget.

The adjourned meeting addressed several items, including a lack of response from the Little Creek Drainage District representative, and the approval of an appointment for Steve Krupps to the Brown County Fire Protection District for a three-year term commencing April 1, 2024. A discussion regarding a postage meter was tabled until the next meeting. The Board approved a Budget Amendment for Public Health to adjust income and expense line items due to a budgeting delay. Approvals were also granted for the Federal Aid Match Resolution and a related Joint Agreement, both under Section #23-00079-00-PP. Furthermore, the Board approved the Certificate of Authority to Vote for the County Engineer to act on behalf of the Highway Department, and also approved the Certificate of Authority by Bylaws for the same department. A resolution was passed designating March 19th, 2024, as National Agriculture Day. Old business included deciding to postpone action on immigration resolutions until a local issue arises and noting the installation of new generators at the Courthouse and Highway Department. In committee reports, the Finance Committee chair announced budget process informational meetings for April. Following a closed session, the meeting was adjourned.

The adjourned meeting addressed several administrative and financial actions. Key approvals included a Tax Deed Resolution to deed a specific parcel to an individual, the adoption of an amended predictable fee schedule for the Recorder's Office, and several budget amendments for the Ambulance, General Fund, and Public Health Funds, involving adjustments to contractual services, income, expenses, and salaries. Numerous line-item transfers were approved across the Ambulance Fund, General Fund, and Public Health Fund to cover various expenses. Additionally, the board adopted the 2025 County Board meeting and Holiday calendar, approved the appointment of an auditor for the 2024 audit, approved a resolution for the State's Attorney Appellate Prosecutor, approved the 2025 Grand Jury list, and approved the 2025 budget, levy, and appropriations. Decisions regarding the Missouri/Ripley Consolidation next steps were discussed, and the adoption of a specific HSA plan for county employees and the 2025 County ICRMT insurance renewal were approved. The board tabled discussion on the 2024 Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan until the next meeting pending receipt of further documentation. Old business noted that a vote on courthouse concrete work bids will occur at the next meeting.