Stephanie A. Helms

Key discussions included the implementation of a new Narcan program in partnership with local health and law enforcement agencies. The Sheriff's Department provided updates on current jail capacity and HVAC study reports. The Coroner reported on monthly death statistics and suggested a substantial salary increase given the workload. The committee reviewed and approved proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budgets for the Emergency Management Agency, County Coroner, and Sheriff's Department divisions (Corrections, Law Enforcement, Merit Commission, Courthouse Building, Public Safety, and Courthouse Security). New business involved approving supplemental budget requests for the EMA to acquire a multi-department UTV and for the Sheriff's Department to acquire four replacement vehicles and fund jail parking area completion, prioritizing these requests.

The board meeting agenda included the approval of the agenda, handling of claims totaling $2,872,688.38 across various departments, and several consent agenda items, such as the approval of surplus property sale and multiple County Bridge Aid resolutions. Key discussion topics involved a presentation from the Greater Freeport Partnership regarding summer events and workforce concerns. Unfinished business included deliberation on amending the Stephenson County Liquor Code regarding video surveillance, which was ultimately sent back to the Administration Committee, and approving a payment installment for new windows at Freeport Glass. Action items covered the approval of a bid for a Cost of Service/Fee Study, the bid for the Health Department roof replacement, and the approval of a 3-year IT Managed Services proposal. The Court Services section involved the approval of an ordinance establishing Civil Fees and Criminal and Traffic Assessments, including an amendment regarding fund distribution to the County Highway Department. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss minutes approval and pending litigation, followed by the release of portions of prior executive session minutes.

The agenda for the meeting included approving the agenda and claims, receiving reports from the Sheriff's Department, Emergency Management Agency, County Coroner, and two Strategic Planning Focus Groups. Old Business involved discussion on the status of License Plate Readers and review/approval of proposed FY25 budgets for Emergency Management, County Coroner, and Sheriff's department divisions. New Business included the approval of the Job Description for Deputy Emergency Management Director. The session concluded with an Executive Session regarding collective negotiating matters, followed by possible action to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and the Stephenson County Sheriff's Department.

The meeting agenda included the approval of claims totaling $12,428.30 and various reports from entities such as the Greater Freeport Partnership and the Zoning Department. Key new business involved two Special Use Requests for 2MW Solar Power Plants. The first request, for Sunvest Solar in Baileyville, failed to pass by a vote of 4-3 after concerns regarding visual impact were raised. The second request, for DG Illinois Solar, LCC in Harlem, was moved forward to the Zoning Board of Appeals with the condition that the battery storage facility be removed, passing by a voice vote of 5-2. Public comments focused heavily on the solar projects, addressing concerns about property values, visual aesthetics, and the lack of site changes based on resident objections.

Key discussion topics for this finance meeting include the review of claims, approval of claims, and the approval of the 2026 meeting schedule. Public comment is also scheduled for the agenda.