West Central Reporter

Hancock County Board met May 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting was called to Order at 6:30 P.M. by Chairman Delbert Kreps.

An invocation was given by Mr. Kreps. The "Pledge of Allegiance" was led by the Clerk.

Those present were: 

Delbert Kreps, Chairman

Kerry Asbridge, County Clerk

Wayne Bollin, Steve Bolton, Dennis Castlebury, Pat Cramer, Patsy Davis, Gary Dittmer, Harry Douglas, Janet Fleming, Steve Finney, Mark Hanson, Mark Menn, Tom Rodgers, Tom Scheetz, Bryan Stevens

Mr. Scheetz annouced special rules allow county board members to participate and vote by telephone for this meeting.

Mr. Rogers opened comments on the Downstate Small Business Development Revitalization Program. He made several points:

1. Mayors and village presidents did not want the responsibility of doing it (the Downstate Small Business Development Revitalization Program) themselves, but wanted the Hancock County government to do it.

2. Hancock County would be responsible for collecting loans issued through the Downstate Small Business Development Revitalization Program. Hancock County could be responsible for repaying the State for uncollected loans in some cases.

3. Going out of business is considered fulfilling the loan funded by the Downstate Small Business Development Revitalization Program.

4. The Downstate Small Business Development Revitalization Program includes a few characteristics:

a. Businesses with between 1 and 50 employees are eligible.

b. 60 days of working capital for the business is the funding goal.

c. The maximum amount of the loan is $25,000.

5. He (Mr. Rogers) hopes between 10 and 12 businesses could receive loans

6. He (Mr. Rogers) said approximately 40 businesses were told "just come to the county and get a grant".

7. Belynda Allen, Hancock County Economic Development Executive Director, and Amy Graham, Carthage Community Developer, had not returned telephone calls to him.

Mr. Cramer said Mayor Nightingale of Carthage told him that Kyle Moore, mayor of Quincy, told him (Mr. Nightingale) that the City of Quincy staff would help.

It was also stated a woman from Fulton County would prepare applications for $1,000 each.

Mr. Rogers moved to approve a Resolution Participating in the Downstate Small Business Development Revitalization Program. Ms. Davis seconded the motion, and on roll call, all members present voted 'Yes".

Belynda Allen spoke over the telephone, and asked for immediate action on the grant and loans as applications are received. She said she is sheltering in place in Indiana, and staying out of the office.

Amy Graham said each business must do its application.

Mayor Nightingale thanked the Hancock County Board and saluted businesses. 

States Attorney Rachel Mast said approvals will take time. The rules of the Downstate Small Business Development Revitalization Program require applicants to provide financial information - all of it may be inspected by any member of the public or media - according to the Freedom of Information Act. Applications must be reviewed to ensure all information is completed, and that the businesses are eligible. Newspaper publication naming the applications, and time and place of a hearing on the applications is required. Only after the hearing may the county board act.

Mr. Menn asked that a Finance Committee member be on the Downstate Small Business Development Revitalization Program Committee. Mr. Rogers said members are welcome to attend committee meetings, and may participate in the public hearing by giving testimony,

Tom Scheetz said he hopes to use Geographic Information Fee money to help fund General Fund expenses.

Mr. Menn explained the Geographic Information Fee is a specific fee to fund geographic information, such as mapping. It cannot be spent on other purposes.

Tom Scheetz said he hopes to delay the due date, and eliminate late fees on property taxes. He presented the following ideas:

1. Suspend late fees and interest for 90 days.

2. Have due dates June 12 and September 12.

3. Ask the State of Illinois to borrow money and advance it to counties for all commercial property taxes due. Commercial property owners would have until October 1 or later to pay the county for the cash advance. Then the county could repay the State.

4.  Eliminate late fees until July 1.

5. Have a first tax installment due date of September 15 and a second tax installment due date of September 30.

Mr. Rogers moved to adjourn the hearing. Mr. Castlebury seconded the motion, and it carried. The meeting recessed at 7:30 P.M.

https://www.hancockcounty-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/County-Board-Minutes-May-1-2020.pdf