Viki Beabout

The meeting addressed several key items. The Board confirmed the appointment of Brian Ingram to County Board District #2. Fiscal policies and procurement procedures for Coles County Public Transportation were approved. Several resolutions were passed to amend the FY2026 budget, including adjustments for Probation, Court Services, Circuit Clerk Association Dues, and the Assessment Office salary. Additionally, the Board approved the FOP Labor Council Agreement, a Contract Agreement with Solar on Earth, a resolution for Motor Fuel Tax maintenance, a resolution appropriating funds for the County Engineer's salary, an agreement with Upchurch Group for bridge structure replacement, and a resolution to submit an advisory referendum regarding the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. Finally, the holiday calendar for 2025 was amended, and outstanding bills were approved for payment.

The Coles County Board convened to discuss and approve the Coles County FY2026 Budget.

The meeting agenda included a vote on the lateral hire of Nathan Haas as Patrol Deputy, following a request from Sheriff Kent Martin. The discussion covered C/O, Promotional, and Patrol Deputy Testing, as well as the 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule. The commission reviewed Nathan Haas's qualifications, including his prior service with Eastern Illinois University PD and the IL Department of Corrections, and considered his background check results.

The Coles County Board held a regular meeting where they received a presentation by Coles Together. They also discussed and approved the appointment to the Airport Authority, appointments to the Coles County Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee. They also discussed and approved amending the predictable fee schedule for the County Recorder's Office to recodify fees, an amended resolution for increasing land record fees, and several resolutions to use ARPA funds for various purposes, including the EIU Campus Food Pantry, General Fund offices for equipment, the Coles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Medical Facility, and any shortfall in the Sheriff's Department medical facility. Additionally, they requested consent to the reappointment of the incumbent County Engineer and subsequently re-appointed the County Engineer, appropriating funds for the payment of the County Engineer's salary. Finally, they approved the payment of Coles County bills.

The Coles County Board re-convened to approve the County FY2025 Budget.