West Central Reporter

McDonough County Board Law & Legal Committee met Aug. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Law & Legal Committee held its monthly meeting on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the McDonough County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, Law Library. Committee Members present included Committee Chair Joe Erlandson, Clayton Cook, Travis Hiel, Ryan Litchfield, Terra Litchfield, Jack Lowderman, and Terry Thompson. Other persons in attendance were Kyle Lester, Aaron Allen, Ric Smart, Deborah Cousins, Sheriff Nick Petitgout, County Chair Eric Blakeley, Deputy Clerk Kyah Beck, and County Clerk Jeremy Benson. Members absent was Vice Chair Ken Durkin.

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

Review & Approve July, 2025 Minutes

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

Waste Management Update

Kyle Lester took Dave Shaab’s place. The report was received and filed.

Tri-County Recycling

Two employment positions are currently open that are looking to be filled. Report received and filed.

Veteran’s Assistance and Van Report

Ric Smart gave the report. 12 Veterans were given assistance in July. Total assistance amounted to $2.912.97. A new driver has been hired and will be going through training sometime here in August.

Sheriff’s Report

Sheriff Nick Petitgout gave the report.

Assessor’s Office Update

Assessor Deborah Cousins gave the report.

Claims Review and Approval

One claim was not approved. Member T. Litchfield moved with a second by Member R. Litchfield to approve the claims as submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Executive Session

Member T. Litchfield moved with a second by Member R. Litchfield to enter into Executive Session at 7:25 p.m. pursuant to Chapter 5, Illinois Complied Statutes Section 120/2 c (1)(11). Motion carried with a roll call vote of 6 yeas, 0 nays, 0 pass, and 1 absent.

Member T. Litchfield made a motion to exit Executive Session moved with a second by Member R. Litchfield at 7:40 p.m. with no action taken. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 6 yeas, 0 nays, 0 pass and 1 absent.

Other Items as Needed

Jeremy Benson informed the Members about the budget resolution meetings coming up.

Public Comment

None.

County Board Chair Comments

Final painting is being finished up on the Courthouse. Re-seeding will also have to be done, due to bald spots in the grass. Eric also reminded the Member’s that re-election is coming up.

Adjourn

Member R. Litchfield moved with a second by Member Thompson to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m. Motion carried on a voice vote.

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyboarddocs/minutes/2025-08-04%20Law%20&%20Legal.pdf