West Central Reporter

McDonough County Board Finance/Insurance Committee met May 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The monthly Finance Committee meeting was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 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, Eric Chapman, Mike Cox, Ken Durkin, Joe Erlandson, and Craig Foster. Vice Chair Larry Aurelio was absent. Others in attendance included Keith Krohe, Randy Pickering, 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 April 9, 2025

Member Erlandson moved with a second by Member Durkin 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 Chapman moved with a second by Member Foster to approve the YMCA invoice in the amount of $1,341.69 for April, 2025. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Coroner Report

The monthly Coroner Report was received and filed. A discussion was held regarding an autopsy, and what the requirements are for one to be performed.

Monthly Financial Reports

The monthly Financial Reports were received and filed. The Committee discussed the newly created reports from Treasurer Moon. They are very happy with the changes and the information that is now provided on the reports.

Transfer of Funds

None.

Warrants Issued in Vacation

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

Insurance Update

Kieth Krohe gave a brief overview of what he discussed last month. The yearly insurance meeting was held today and it went well. Some employees that were present stated that they were thankful for the insurance being provided by the County.

Discuss the Use of Consent Agenda as Part of Future Board Meeting Agenda’s Chair Hiel has talked to a few other Counties that use a consent agenda. County Clerk Benson explained to the Committee how they work. All items that are standard or routine would be under the consent section of the agenda, one roll call would be done to cover all items listed. Any item can be removed from the consent section and placed on a line to be roll called separately. Benson informed the Committee that the policies and procedures would need to be updated if this change is made.

Discuss and Approve Senior Transportation Funds and YMCA Van Replacement County Chair Blakeley informed the Committee that he spoke with Cindy at the YMCA regarding the van needing replaced. She discovered today that the van is owned by the City of Bushnell.

Member Chapman made a motion to table the Senior Transportation Funds and YMCA Van Replacement moved with a second by Member Foster. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Approve the Public Defender’s Participation in a Shared Intern Program with the 9th Judicial Circuit

Circuit Judge Graham reached out to County Chair Blakeley regarding the County’s participation in a shared intern program. There is a shortage of attorneys practicing in our area, this is not isolated to our judicial circuit as it is a problem throughout the State. The program would provide a law school intern a stipend to cover traves expenses, as they would be traveling to Fulton, Hancock, and McDonough Counties. The cost would be equally shared between the three Counties, and the cost would be covered by a grant that the Public Defender receives. The goal would be to retain the interns in our area.

Member Durkin moved with a second by Member Foster to approve the Public Defender’s Participation in a Shared Intern Program with the 9th Judicial Circuit. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Approval of Claims

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

Executive Session

None.

Public Comment

Member Durkin informed the Committee that they have two openings at the Animal Shelter. Member Erlandson held a discussion regarding the funds that are in the wind farm account and how they are used for the Engineer fees.

County Board Chair Comments

County Chair Blakeley discussed the sewer bid being tabled at the Building & Grounds meeting on 5/13/25, he feels as if it needs action sooner, rather than later. They discussed how urgent the matter is, who is going to write the bid for it to be sure that all specifications are listed. Maintenance Director Chad Wilson did a walk through of the Courthouse with Klingner and CAD, they found a lot of little things that need to be addressed. The members then discussed the split unit that is attached to the side of the Courthouse, they agreed that it needs to be moved to the ground as it was supposed to be there temporarily until they were done working in that area.

Adjourn

Member Foster moved with a second by Member Chapman to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Motion carried on a voice vote.

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyboarddocs/minutes/2025-05-12%20Finance.pdf