West Central Reporter

McDonough County Board Finance Committee met Dec. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The monthly Finance Committee meeting was held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the McDonough County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, Law Library. Committee members present were Chair Travis Hiel, Vice Chair Larry Aurelio, Eric Chapman, Mike Cox, Ken Durkin, Craig Foster, and Joe Erlandson. Others in attendance included County Chair Eric Blakeley, County Board Secretary Sara Kluthe, and County Clerk Jeremy Benson.

Chair Hiel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Review and Approve Minutes from November 13, 2024

Member Aurelio moved with a second by Member Erlandson to approve the minutes as submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote.

MCPT Report

The monthly MCPT Report was received and filed.

Bushnell Senior Meals Report Review & Approval

Member Aurelio moved with a second by Member Foster to approve the YMCA invoice in the amount of $855.62 for November, 2024. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Coroner Report

The monthly Coroner Report was received and filed.

Monthly Financial Reports

The monthly Financial Reports were received and filed.

Transfer of Funds

None.

Warrants Issued in Vacation

Member Durkin moved with a second by Member Aurelio to approve the Warrants Issued in Vacation. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Insurance Update

None.

Approval of Claims

Member Aurelio moved with a second by Member Erlandson to approve the Claims as submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Executive Session

None.

Public Comment

Chair Hiel gave an overview of how the Committee operates and what business they handle.

County Board Chair Comments

County Chair Blakeley informed the Committee that five bids were received for the farm ground lease and that Ryan Barrett had the winning bid. The lease needs to be updated and old outdated information needs removed, Barrett agreed to sign the lease after it has been updated. Chair Hiel suggested that after the changes have been made that the lease be given to State’s Attorney Kwacala for review.

Blakeley gave a brief summary regarding the Tri-County Resources and Waste Management contract. Member Erlandson recommended paying a flat rate instead of an amount based off of population. Blakeley informed the Committee that he has received several complaints regarding a potential solar farm that is supposed to cover approximately 70 acres of ground. A discussion was held regarding the Board’s involvement with the solar farms, the Board only approves them based off of requirements being met, not whether or not they agree with the location of one. Solar farms are treated by the Board the same as wind farms, and hog farms.

Adjourn

Member Foster moved with a second by Member Aurelio to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 p.m. Motion carried on a voice vote.

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyboarddocs/minutes/2024-12-11%20Finance.pdf