Stark County

The board discussed and subsequently approved a resolution authorizing the construction of a new county administrative building, which is necessary to support the application for federal grant funding.

The board reviewed committee reports, including police committee items, economic development updates, and the formation of a Wind Farm Road Preservation Subcommittee. Status updates were provided for the highway building architectural plans, and financial reports addressed payroll overages and clerical budget needs. The sheriff’s report highlighted a proposed ten-year body camera contract. Action items included approving an agreement with Hutchison Engineering, authorizing a loan for highway building renovations, increasing a financial contribution to the Stark County for Continuous Improvement organization, and joining the North Central Illinois Council of Governments.

Key discussions included the police committee reviewing a revised budget plan and squad cars. The Health Board noted rising influenza cases. The Road & Bridge Committee suggested forming a sub-committee to address the planned wind farm. Updates were provided on the design of the new highway administrative offices building. The board agreed to pay the cost of pressure washing the new building from the general fund rather than the highway fund. An update on the Goldrush Apple Energy wind farm indicated progression to stage one due to high landowner participation. Stark County for Continuous Improvement presented findings on housing needs and requested financial commitment. The board discussed engaging Hutchinson Engineering to manage road impacts from the solar farm, with an agreement scheduled for the February agenda. Finance reports indicated several budgets (Sheriff's Office, animal control, Probation) were over budget due to calculation errors or incorrect entry. The Sheriff reported ordering new squad cars and an issue with the location of new flock cameras. New business included the appointment of Charles Demetron to the ETSB board, tabling the reappointment of Pat Maher to the ETSB board for input from the new Sheriff, and approving a motor fuel tax resolution. In old business, the board agreed to construct the new administrative building from wood instead of steel as a cost-saving measure.

The Special Meeting addressed two primary resolutions. The first resolution authorized the County Highway Department to transition from an annual year structure to a fiscal year structure. The second resolution approved the appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax funds totaling $500,000.

The meeting began with an approval of an amended agenda to move new business before committee reports. Committee reports included a suggestion for an outside review of the Sheriff's Office following the appointment of an interim Sheriff, and an update that the new snowplow arrived and final plans for the administrative building are anticipated in January. The Soil & Water department requested assistance with a survey regarding natural resources. The Highway Engineer reported on the snowplow arrival, the completion of pressure washing on the new building, challenges with the trench drain quote, and the need for a special meeting to pass a delayed MFT resolution. The Finance report indicated the general fund expenses ended fiscal year 24/25 under budget, although the Sheriff's Office and Animal Control were over budget, and the final tax disbursement for 2024 was issued. The Sheriff's report noted the purchase of two new squad cars to be equipped using impound fees and plans to hire a new dispatcher to manage overtime. New business included the approval of the 2026 meeting dates calendar and the resolution appointing Charles Demetreon as interim sheriff.