WEBVTT 00:02:39.410 --> 00:03:20.550 Go ahead and call this meeting to order. If you would please acknowledge your presence here by voting on the electronic device. That's all right. It looks like we have 13 present. Mr. Brandt is excused and Mr. Maduro is also excused. He was in Washington, D.C. Mr. Frick, would you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Ms. Baker, Frayer, either one of you. 00:03:20.550 --> 00:03:57.230 Thank you everyone's here this evening as we discuss the business of our county. We thank you for the wisdom of each person that's here this evening. We ask that we can work together and discuss our needs. We thank you for the United States of America, which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:03:57.230 --> 00:04:30.610 Before I ask for an approval of the agenda, I will be removing the second item under finance, the renewal of the Mapper Health Agreement as we work through that process. With that, can I get a motion to approve by Mr. Diddens? Is there a second? By Mrs. Hayes. Is there any discussion on it? Mr. Frick and Mr. Diddens, both of you have your microphone buttons if you want to just, there you go. 00:04:31.550 --> 00:05:07.060 Yep. Seeing no discussion, if we would please cast your vote on the approval. And that passes 13 to 0. Thank you very much. For the consent agenda, would any board member like to remove either item A or B? If not, is there a motion to approve? 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:31.790 Moved by Mr. Diddens, seconded by Mr. Jogerst. Any discussion on A or B? Seeing none, please cast your vote. And that passes unanimously. Thank you. Is there any public comment tonight? 00:05:32.850 --> 00:05:42.830 Come on up to microphone if you would. You'll be given three minutes, and the clock will start when you say your name. 00:05:48.010 --> 00:06:05.170 I'm Karen Rivers. The quarry located at 466 West Fairview Road, Freeport, owned by Zach Jeffery, was issued an occupancy permit on August 11, 2026, without compliance to the requirements sent by the county and should be voided. 00:06:05.170 --> 00:06:35.170 One unmet requirement is fencing. Three times in writing with the zoning department and now tonight is the second time in person at a county meeting that I have requested a licensed inspector inspect the improperly constructed fence on the east side of the property. County board members have been sent email copies of two nuisance complaint investigation requests I submitted to the building and zoning department. I will read in part concerns listed on 00:06:35.170 --> 00:07:05.150 on the complaint. Accessibly long screws have been used with over an inch of exposed pointed tips facing the adjacent property present a severe puncture and or laceration hazard. The fence has been constructed in part using damaged scrap steel panels that are rusted perforated and unsuitable creating a hazardous condition near residences. Earth to wood footings is inadequate insufficient to properly anchor the 12 foot post. 00:07:05.170 --> 00:07:35.030 multiple posts are set and recently piled on packed dirt. The fence is loose and wobbly with less than one-third of the total post length not underground to ensure structural stability. The fence is out of plumb and is very visibly leaning in areas toward the adjacent east property. In places the fence is 14 inches out of plumb measured at six foot. At 10 foot exposed post height that is 22.33 inches of lean. 00:07:35.170 --> 00:07:45.730 Dirt has been piled alongside the length of the lowest 12-foot horizontal support rails in an unsuccessful attempt to stabilize the wobbly leaning fence. 00:07:46.410 --> 00:07:53.850 Correct spacing between posts for this type of solid fence is 8-foot maximum, not the 12-foot spacing used. 00:07:54.470 --> 00:07:59.010 Broken 12-foot horizontal rail is patched with a short 1x4. 00:07:59.010 --> 00:08:07.290 Where 12-foot support rails are too short between posts, a small 2x4 is screwed into the post to make up the length. 00:08:08.250 --> 00:08:14.750 Due to the fence being significantly deficient, I again request a licensed inspector inspect the fence. 00:08:14.750 --> 00:08:25.010 Upon confirmation of the inadequate and dangerous construction, I request appropriate corrective action and immediate repairs be made 00:08:25.010 --> 00:08:30.170 to eliminate the identified hazard to ensure normal function and safety. 00:08:30.830 --> 00:08:34.790 Should anyone here be interested in the issue, please contact me. 00:08:35.550 --> 00:08:37.910 Mr. Clay, this is in District G. 00:08:38.530 --> 00:08:40.110 Thank you for your attention. 00:08:42.010 --> 00:08:42.790 Thank you. 00:08:43.410 --> 00:08:45.170 Is there any other public comment? 00:08:47.390 --> 00:08:52.960 All right, seeing none, we'll move on to new business. 00:08:53.120 --> 00:08:57.280 The first is the approval of the appointment of Jerry Clay to fill the vacancy in County Board. 00:08:57.280 --> 00:09:03.220 Board, District G. The Republican Central Committee has brought his name forward to fill that seat. 00:09:03.220 --> 00:09:09.340 Is there a motion to approve? Motion to approve. By Mr. Hadley, second by Mr. Jogerst. Is there any discussion? 00:09:11.140 --> 00:09:13.880 Seeing none, please cast your vote for that appointment. 00:09:23.940 --> 00:09:29.900 And that passes unanimously. Congratulations, Mr. Clay. If you wouldn't mind coming forward, Judge Hauser? 00:09:30.440 --> 00:09:56.780 Raise your right hand and repeat after me. Aye, Jerry Clay. 00:09:56.780 --> 00:09:58.580 Have they been appointed? 00:09:59.160 --> 00:09:59.940 Have been appointed. 00:09:59.940 --> 00:10:28.000 been appointed to the Stevenson County Board, District G, in the County of Stevenson, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:38.000 and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the Stevenson County Board to the best of my ability. 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:47.030 To the best of my abilities. Congratulations, sir. 00:10:47.030 --> 00:10:51.030 Here you go. You got a sign right here, please. Right there. 00:10:51.030 --> 00:11:00.560 As long as I use two hands, you might be able to read it. 00:11:00.560 --> 00:11:05.560 You're just fine. Here's my honor to swear you in, sir. Okay. 00:11:05.560 --> 00:11:07.560 Congratulations, Chair. 00:11:07.560 --> 00:11:13.430 Thank you, Judge. 00:11:13.430 --> 00:11:15.430 Thank you, Chair. 00:11:15.430 --> 00:11:28.660 Next item on new business is the approval of bids for the purchase of vehicles for the Sheriff's Department. 00:11:28.660 --> 00:11:29.660 Sheriff Stovall. 00:11:29.660 --> 00:11:42.650 Mr. Chairman, County Board Members. 00:11:42.650 --> 00:11:50.650 On August 11th, I submitted an RFP for three squad cars, Chevy Tahoe's. 00:11:50.650 --> 00:12:20.430 I presented that to the committee on the 11th. The bids went out on August 12th. They were in the paper on August 16th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st in the Freeport Journal Standard. The bids started to come in in August 20th, September 2nd, and September 10th, so we received three bids. The bidding was closed on September 16th, which is 35 days. 00:12:20.650 --> 00:12:49.660 a 35-day period. I then opened the bids on September 16th at 3.30 in attendance for myself, my assistant, Heather Becker, and Georgia Newcomer. The bids came out as from Jared Campbell, I'm sorry, I'm at the wrong page, from Curry Motors Chevrolet out of Frankfort, Illinois, 00:12:49.660 --> 00:13:16.760 the three squad cars totaled $173,790.70. From Miles Chevrolet, the total for three vehicles were $176,562 even. And from Barkow Automotive, the three bids came in at $170,758.89. 00:13:16.760 --> 00:13:52.280 since. Barco was the low bidder by approximately $3,000. Sheriff, what is your recommendation? My recommendation is Barco, they are local, and they are the lowest bidder by $3,000, $1,000 a vehicle. Very good. Is there a motion to approve the sheriff's recommendation by Mr. Bush? Is there a second? By Mr. Busker. Discussion? Mr. Frick, go ahead. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm sorry, 00:13:52.280 --> 00:14:23.810 Can you press your button one more time? I apologize. There we go. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sheriff, as we look at these three vehicles, are these three vehicles replacing ones or are they just going to be added to their fleet? They're replacing ones. I have two that are out of service right now, so we're short. Okay. And these vehicles will be vehicles that will be in the home garaging system? They'll go home with staff? Oh, yes. Yes. The take-home cart. Mm-hmm. And the 00:14:23.810 --> 00:14:28.850 The third vehicle, you said two of your vehicles were out of service, the third one will be disposed of some way? 00:14:29.030 --> 00:14:31.990 Yes, traded in with a high mileage, yes. 00:14:33.750 --> 00:14:38.210 And I don't know if the committee has asked this question or not, and I've never seen the report, 00:14:38.670 --> 00:14:45.150 but I was wondering, just out of, as we look at the number of vehicles, what do those vehicles cost us in insurance? 00:14:46.210 --> 00:14:49.430 I mean, we're purchasing luxury vehicles for employees to take home. 00:14:49.990 --> 00:14:52.210 How much do they cost us in insurance a year? 00:14:52.210 --> 00:14:55.170 These are police package vehicles, they're not luxury, and we don't have all this stuff. 00:14:55.170 --> 00:14:56.970 A Tahoe is a top-of-the-line vehicle. 00:14:57.390 --> 00:14:58.050 No, it's not. 00:14:58.890 --> 00:14:59.870 Well, only a Cadillac. 00:14:59.870 --> 00:15:03.090 I think you probably should look at your research a little bit closer. 00:15:03.230 --> 00:15:04.450 This is a police vehicle. 00:15:04.710 --> 00:15:06.490 It has nothing on the inside. 00:15:06.650 --> 00:15:07.870 It's completely plain. 00:15:08.470 --> 00:15:12.210 All it has is an empty council so that we can put our radio system. 00:15:12.330 --> 00:15:14.370 So when you say luxury vehicle, that's misleading. 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:18.540 Again, that's an opinion. 00:15:18.540 --> 00:15:55.900 How many vehicles in our county at this point in your department, because that's the only one you can answer to, go home with a staff member every night? Do you know that? I mean, I don't know that you can, maybe you can't answer that. And that's fine. Approximate. Sure. Approximate. Probably 33. 33. Thank you. That's all the questions I have. All right. Any other questions? Seeing none, you may vote for the motion on the floor, please. 00:15:57.920 --> 00:16:14.180 Thank you, Sheriff. And that passes 12 to 1. Mr. Zimmerman, I believe you voted no, correct? 00:16:15.900 --> 00:16:16.380 No. 00:16:17.820 --> 00:16:24.110 No, we have one no vote. It did pass. 00:16:25.110 --> 00:16:28.350 I have a point. Is the one no vote, is that by you, Jerry? 00:16:28.470 --> 00:16:28.670 It's me. 00:16:29.030 --> 00:16:30.910 Okay, perfect. Thank you, Jerry. 00:16:32.510 --> 00:16:34.670 All right, we'll move into Executive Session. 00:16:34.670 --> 00:17:04.650 5 ILCS 120-2 C11 litigation when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of a particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent. Is there a motion to go into executive session? Mr. Busker, is there a second? Mr. Jogerst, any discussion on going into executive session? Seeing none, please cast your vote. 00:17:04.670 --> 00:17:21.140 vote. And that passes unanimously. Nate, would you let me know when we're off air, please? 00:40:51.250 --> 00:40:54.890 Resume regular session September 17th, 2026. 00:40:55.130 --> 00:41:51.340 We're just waiting on the video. 00:43:59.840 --> 00:44:01.520 All right, we are back in session. 00:44:02.000 --> 00:44:04.960 No action was taken while in the executive session. 00:44:05.140 --> 00:44:06.640 We'll move on to the next item. 00:44:07.440 --> 00:44:14.960 The approval of settlement in claim number 250828W003-0001. 00:44:15.640 --> 00:44:17.180 Is there a motion to approve? 00:44:17.540 --> 00:44:18.960 By Mr. Jogerst. 00:44:19.160 --> 00:44:20.620 Second by Mr. Diddens. 00:44:21.140 --> 00:44:21.960 Any discussion? 00:44:21.960 --> 00:45:11.110 saying none you may cast your vote and that is approved with one no vote I'm assuming that was you Mr. Clay all right thank you very much all right we'll move on then to the auditors report to receive and approve the 2025 audit we have Lindsay from sick at share Lindsay if you wouldn't mind coming up please thank you for spending your Thursday night with us good evening thank you for inviting me to your meeting this evening to present to you the results of 00:45:11.110 --> 00:45:43.620 the audit for the year ended December 31st, 2025. As a result of the audit, we have issued several different reports. It looks like everyone does have hard copies. My comments tonight will focus on the annual financial reports. That's the largest of the reports that's in front of you. Turning a couple pages into that report, you'll come to page number one on Sickich Letterhead. This is our audit opinion. Second paragraph down includes the opinion that was issued as a result 00:45:43.620 --> 00:46:05.320 as a result of the audit. I'm pleased to report that Stevenson County received an unmodified opinion on its 2025 financial statements. This could also be referred to as a clean opinion, so this is the outcome that you want as a result of your audit. This means that the financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 00:46:05.320 --> 00:46:15.880 If you flip forward a couple pages from there to page number five, there is another report that is on sickish letterhead. 00:46:15.980 --> 00:46:23.380 So this is the independent auditor's report on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance with laws and regulations. 00:46:23.380 --> 00:46:29.840 So this second opinion is required due to the amount of state and federal funding that the county spends on an annual basis. 00:46:29.840 --> 00:46:34.400 were required to, the county is required to undergo what's called a single audit. So we do 00:46:34.400 --> 00:46:41.580 specific compliance testing on major federal programs, which is required under law there. And 00:46:41.580 --> 00:46:49.060 then within that report, we noted that we had no non-compliance with any grants or laws or regulations. 00:46:49.700 --> 00:46:55.760 However, during our review of internal controls, we did have three findings that we considered to be 00:46:55.760 --> 00:47:25.740 material weaknesses in internal control, and those start on page seven. So of those material weaknesses, those are all repeated from the previous year. So there were no new findings this year. They were repeat findings from the prior year. Last year, there were four findings. This year, there were three findings. So to go over those findings, the first one relates to material audit adjustments. So during the audit, we proposed several financial statement adjustments to ensure that the financial statements were properly 00:47:25.740 --> 00:47:55.720 stated in the courts generally accepted accounting principles because your auditors can't be considered to be a part of the county's internal controls whenever we post material audit adjustments. That means there is a material weakness in internal control there. So that's the first one. The second one relates to capital assets and this just relates to how the county tracks the capital assets. I will say that we have seen some steps in the right direction here with the maintenance of the capital asset records. There were just 00:47:55.720 --> 00:48:05.400 a few assets this year that we noted, you know, maybe related to prior year capital assets that didn't get added and that were added this year, or there were current year assets that didn't get added to that listing. 00:48:05.900 --> 00:48:16.340 So nothing that was significant enough to have to, you know, restate the prior year financial statements or anything of that nature, but just continuing to emphasize the importance of maintaining that capital asset records. 00:48:16.340 --> 00:48:46.280 and then the last one is on the bottom of page eight relates to nursing home payables because of the nature of the operations with the nursing home and the cash flow circumstances there the balances within the county's accounting system for accounts payable doesn't agree to what actually was payable at year-end so that kind of goes hand-in-hand with the material audit adjustments we did have to record some material audit adjustments to properly state that payable balance at year-end with 00:48:46.280 --> 00:48:53.360 with things winding down with how that's structured, anticipate that one would likely roll off next year going forward. 00:48:55.040 --> 00:48:59.020 The next few pages just show the prior year comments and the status. 00:48:59.800 --> 00:49:06.980 So on page number 10 and 11, bottom of page 10 and top of page 11, there was a comment last year related to the nursing home receivables. 00:49:07.360 --> 00:49:14.220 So that comment has been considered implemented because that has been outsourced and transitioned out there. 00:49:14.220 --> 00:49:15.560 So that one has been implemented. 00:49:16.280 --> 00:49:22.240 So from there I would just go over a few financial highlights with you this evening 00:49:22.240 --> 00:49:26.320 So the financial statements start on page 13 and 14 00:49:26.320 --> 00:49:30.980 Page 13 and 14 is your statement of net position 00:49:30.980 --> 00:49:36.200 So I would say this is your high, you know, 10,000 foot view of the county's financial picture 00:49:36.200 --> 00:49:40.400 And the reason that I say that is that this includes capital assets 00:49:40.400 --> 00:49:42.740 Those aren't included within your funds themselves 00:49:42.740 --> 00:49:44.800 It's just included on this statement of net position 00:49:44.800 --> 00:49:51.520 also includes any long-term liabilities, any long-term debt, compensated absences payable. 00:49:51.520 --> 00:50:05.430 compensated absences, payable, pension items are all included within this. So again, kind of a high level picture. This is not used in day-to-day operations. This is required to be presented to get that unmodified opinion though. Next. 00:50:05.430 --> 00:50:26.250 I got one question. Before the 14, what's that for? That is for the nursing home fund. So if you give me like two minutes, I'm going to go over that in a little more detail. A little bit further in the report, it's kind of easier to read in a couple pages here. Yep. 00:50:27.330 --> 00:50:57.310 So page 15 and 16 is your statement of activities. So still that high level focus there. Focus would be on change in net position, which is kind of towards the middle of the page on page number 16. So overall, your governmental activities did have a positive increase in net position of about $2 million. And then your business type activities, nursing center operations, did have a deficit of about $2.6 million this year. And again, I'll go over that in a little more detail in a couple pages where it's a little 00:50:57.310 --> 00:51:27.290 a little easier to read. Page 17 is your balance sheet for your governmental funds. So this is different from that statement of net position where this does not include any long-term assets, does not include any long-term debt, so more of a current focus. So this is probably more, you know, the type of information that you're used to seeing. Just one thing I would like to highlight here is for your general fund, total fund balance, you had about $9.5 million of fund balance. When you compare that to your annual expenditures, 00:51:27.310 --> 00:51:57.310 which are on page 19 you had about 13.8 million of annual expenditures that puts you I don't know somewhere around nine months I'd say of reserves so kind of right right in that range of where you'd expect to be and where you'd like to be as far as reserves having nine months in place there for your general fund and then continuing on page 19 just a couple more highlights net change in fund balance is the third line up from the bottom so your general fund had a positive increase in fund balance of 716,000 00:51:57.310 --> 00:52:22.490 ARPA and IMRF funds both had increases as well, your non-major governmental funds which is the remaining of your funds, they're aggregated together on this schedule, there's details on each of those funds in the back of the report, had a decline of $317,000, so overall your governmental funds did show a positive increase of about $800,000, fund balance went from $30.1 million to $30.9 million. 00:52:22.490 --> 00:52:50.310 Okay, so then page 21, 22, and 23 include the nursing center fund, so I think let's focus on page 23, that is your income statement, so you have two columns here, your nursing center fund, which is your business type activities, and then your internal service fund, that's your health insurance fund, that rolls into the governmental activities on the statement of net position, so that didn't account for that negative balance we were seeing. 00:52:50.310 --> 00:52:57.950 So overall, Nursing Home Fund, as I had mentioned, had a change in net position, a decline of about $2.6 million. 00:52:57.950 --> 00:53:03.430 In addition to that, we did have a prior year restatement of about $130,000. 00:53:04.030 --> 00:53:10.910 So that related to some prior year accounts payable that weren't recognized in last year's financial statements. 00:53:11.710 --> 00:53:15.950 We noticed during the audit this year that those amounts were paid that really related to previous fiscal years. 00:53:15.950 --> 00:53:23.350 so we do restate the beginning balances when something like that comes up and that kind of goes hand-in-hand with that material weakness over the nursing home payables 00:53:23.350 --> 00:53:34.950 just ensuring that those all get properly reported in the right period so overall fund balance for that nursing center fund went from about 1 million to a deficit of 1.6 million 00:53:34.950 --> 00:53:43.450 the activity here relates to operations through I believe it was 930 and then after that operations began to be outsourced 00:53:43.450 --> 00:54:13.430 so going forward what you'll likely see there'll be a lot less activity in here and your financials going forward what you'll continue to see is the capital assets the building is still owned by the county so you'll continue to see those assets and the related depreciation expense you'll continue to see any potential investment income and property taxes in this fund but should not see any you know charges for services or any other operating expenses going forward since all of the payables are recognized as expenses now even if they're not being paid 00:54:13.430 --> 00:54:55.630 made until future years. So that's my comments on the nursing center. So I'll pause if there's any follow-up questions there. If not, I just have one more page I would like to cover. That is page 69 and 70. So what page 69 is is your schedule of changes in your net pension liability for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund or IMRF. So this is one of the main pension plans that the county participates in. I always think it's interesting just to give a 00:54:55.630 --> 00:55:25.610 a quick update as far as where you stand with, you know, funding your pension plans. The focus here would be probably the top right corner of page number 70, and this is your funded percentage. So as of December 31st, 2024, you report IMRF's data one year in arrears. You actually had a net pension asset rather than a net pension liability. So what that means is that you have sent, you plus the employees have sent more money to IMRF than what they currently estimate that you'll need to fund your pension plan. 00:55:25.630 --> 00:55:33.410 and what that means for you is just that could change what your employer required contribution 00:55:33.410 --> 00:55:39.690 percentage would be in future years. So this number tends to kind of go up and down. It's not always just 00:55:39.690 --> 00:55:44.830 going to be a net pension asset. There's a lot of variables that go into the calculation. Actuaries 00:55:44.830 --> 00:55:50.890 calculate what your liability will be based upon a variety of assumptions and then what you have set 00:55:50.890 --> 00:56:15.770 aside, that varies based upon market performance as well. But as of December 31st, 2024, you did have a net pension asset and 104% funded there. Next page from there is page 71 and 72. Very similar data, but this is for the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Personnel Plan through IMRF as well. So just wanted to give you some highlights for that one as well. 00:56:15.770 --> 00:57:05.390 top right corner of page 72 you'll see that you were 96% funded so also very well positioned for your SLEP plan as well. So that concludes my comments that I had for you this evening. I would be happy to answer any questions. Any questions? It's on the light reading for you later. All right. Thank you, Lindsay. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. By Mr. Diddens, is there a second? By Mr. Frick. Any discussion? 00:57:05.390 --> 00:57:59.120 Seeing none please cast your vote and as approved unanimously. Thank you for that. Move on to the zoning report. Director Williams. Good evening. The Zoning Board of Appeals met Thursday, September 10th with the forum present. The only hearing of the night was for the approval of 400-22B Wind Energy Conversion System, 400-23.3 Commercial Energy Solar Facility, 400-23.7 Energy 00:57:59.120 --> 00:58:04.880 Energy Storage Systems, 400-92, Special Uses, and the Table of Special Uses. 00:58:05.240 --> 00:58:09.120 The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-0 to approve all amendments. 00:58:10.620 --> 00:58:12.100 Is there a motion to approve? 00:58:15.350 --> 00:58:18.090 Mr. Diddens is there a second by Mrs. Lawfer. 00:58:18.150 --> 00:58:18.730 Any discussion? 00:58:22.080 --> 00:58:23.600 Seeing none, please cast your vote. 00:58:35.980 --> 00:58:37.640 Passes with one no vote. 00:58:37.780 --> 00:58:38.880 Mr. Clay, was that you? 00:58:39.260 --> 00:58:39.520 Correct. 00:58:39.820 --> 00:58:40.800 All right, welcome back. 00:58:40.800 --> 00:58:43.600 Mr. Fricke, is that a DA for you? 00:58:44.360 --> 00:58:45.680 I was out. 00:58:45.820 --> 00:59:17.240 I can say yes. Anything else, Director Williams? All right, thank you very much. Move on quickly to the Chairman's Report. I'll keep it brief. The Highway Department is looking at approximately 13 million in unfunded roads and bridges coming up. I did meet with Representative Darren LaHood last week, scheduled to meet with Representative Sorensen sometime before the middle of October to talk about these roads. 00:59:17.260 --> 00:59:27.220 which are mostly in District 16 and 17 of the Congressional District. Mr. Newton and Mr. Moderow just returned from Washington, D.C., or at least you have. 00:59:28.000 --> 00:59:38.380 Mr. Moderow indicated that he did, or you both spoke with Congressman Sorensen's office. Anything you'd like to share with that on that effort? 00:59:38.380 --> 00:59:49.860 They just made mention that funding and that we were one of the first ones to approach about a project and it should 00:59:49.860 --> 00:59:55.300 about a project and it should be good and they're planning on scheduling a meeting with you personally when they're in the area. 00:59:56.240 --> 01:00:12.820 Perfect. All right. Thank you very much. With that, we'll move on to action items and information from standing committees. First up is finance. Mrs. Baker, you have two items. If you wouldn't mind pressing your microphone button for me. Thank you. Go ahead. 01:00:12.820 --> 01:00:20.280 Yes. Approval of quote for employee health insurance. We have Carrie McWright here. She will be coming up to do a briefing of interns. 01:00:21.280 --> 01:00:27.370 Good evening. 01:00:32.340 --> 01:00:36.820 For the Blue Cross Blue Shield medical and dental plans that the county has. 01:00:37.680 --> 01:00:45.020 And on page two of the board materials that I submitted this week, you will find a summary of what we discussed and what we recommend. 01:00:45.560 --> 01:00:49.000 I will go through that here quickly. Let me know if you have questions. 01:00:49.000 --> 01:01:18.680 This year in 2026 the projected total medical cost for the county and its employees and dependents is around 4.496 million. The renewal came in at about 4.885 million. That is an 8.7% increase assuming the dental Blue Cross Blue Shield dental program is also implemented. As your insurance agent this is an incredibly great 01:01:18.680 --> 01:01:44.160 renewal. The last several, maybe even four years, these renewals have gone up in the double digits teens to almost 20% every year. So we're extremely happy about this. We did go out to quote for several other plans. All of them were either declined, could not compete due to pricing, or the pricing came in at even more than the renewal amount. 01:01:44.160 --> 01:02:14.160 the plans that we are offering are continuing to be the same design as are currently in place there is one change the deductible that was $1,000 PPO plan will be moved to 1250 what that means is Blue Cross Blue Shield won't offer a low deductible down to a thousand the lowest deductible they will offer is 1250 also several of the plans have a couple of changes within them we shared in 01:02:14.160 --> 01:02:44.140 talked about a detailed document that compared last year to this year. Some of the co-pays and out-of-pockets have changed and have gone up slightly. Myself and my staff will be reviewing those with each employee as needed during open enrollment. The reasoning for such a good renewal are a couple of reasons. The net claims decreased by 2% per capita, which is good. That is a direction that we have been trying to make each year in terms of the outside. 01:02:44.160 --> 01:02:50.320 the extra programming that we have in place, so we're very proud of that, and we want to see that direction keep going down. 01:02:51.900 --> 01:02:55.920 In this past year, there were 14 high-dollar or high-cost claimants. 01:02:56.140 --> 01:02:59.400 That is a big driver of the costs and claims of the program. 01:03:01.100 --> 01:03:06.880 There are 10 large claimants in the current period, and 8 are considering ongoing. 01:03:06.880 --> 01:03:13.980 What that means is 2 was a temporary or just one-off high-claim type claimant. 01:03:14.160 --> 01:03:43.660 and then there are eight that are ongoing. Also the prior period loss ratios, that means loss ratio is the number of dollars of claims paid versus the premiums collected has always been high. The prior loss ratio was 113.5% and in this period was 97.5. Again, that is a direction we definitely want to see. So we're really, really happy about that. Going on to the next page, you can see the various, there's four plans. 01:03:43.660 --> 01:03:50.820 the monthly cost in total that will be shared by the county and the employees and their families. 01:03:51.600 --> 01:03:57.660 And also down there, there is a blurb about the county contributions to those who are enrolled in HSA plans. 01:03:59.940 --> 01:04:03.680 Going on to the next page, page four, the dental renewal was flat. 01:04:03.680 --> 01:04:06.860 The projected cost will be the same as this year. 01:04:06.960 --> 01:04:08.540 So again, very happy about that. 01:04:08.720 --> 01:04:10.020 We recommend keeping that. 01:04:10.020 --> 01:04:40.020 finally the mapper health program which we implemented starting January 1st of this year at the beginning of the program there was only an RX mapper piece this past August they also implemented included in the plan a DX mapper piece the RX mapper right now has saved the county sixty seven thousand dollars in prescription and medical claims at a cost of the county of about seventy seven hundred dollars so that's an eight times ROI so we're 01:04:40.020 --> 01:05:08.500 excited about that and I think that those this program will definitely go a long way in decreasing prescription claims. So we recommend keeping that. This mid-year they launched DX Mapper. That is a voluntary program that just has started and that is a genetic mapping program that is voluntary for any employee or dependent to have their genes mapped against the top 11 01:05:08.500 --> 01:05:19.600 in chronic conditions that cause either early death or high-cost claimants, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, things of that nature. 01:05:19.900 --> 01:05:21.960 We're really, really excited about this piece. 01:05:22.820 --> 01:05:30.240 The employees have just received information about that this past August, so we're hoping a lot of employees join that. 01:05:30.680 --> 01:05:40.160 So we recommend, or the Diamond Brothers recommend, that we renew the Blue Cross Blue Shield medical and dental plans. 01:05:40.360 --> 01:06:10.360 incidentally the ancillary the rest of the items vision life AD&D etc we're in a rate guarantee through 2027 so we're just going to continue that plan that was approved last year we also recommend continuing the HSA contributions by the county to encourage folks to enroll in HSA plans and you can see the dollar amounts there we also recommend renewing the Mapper health program with that 01:06:10.360 --> 01:06:47.150 I will open it up to any questions. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Carrie. If there's no questions, is there a motion to approve? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Second by Mr. Bush. Motion made by Mrs. Baker. Any other discussion? Mrs. Williams, did you have a question? I did. Do you want to press your button again, please? You did before Mr. Hadley, so go ahead. Okay. The question I had, what, didn't we do some kind 01:06:47.150 --> 01:06:55.970 kind of an approval for a testing program of people's genes or something last year. 01:06:56.270 --> 01:06:58.810 That was the RX mapper that she just spoke about. 01:06:58.870 --> 01:06:59.850 That she just spoke about. 01:06:59.930 --> 01:07:00.330 So, okay. 01:07:00.550 --> 01:07:02.410 I'm just trying to hook the two of them together. 01:07:02.670 --> 01:07:03.090 Thank you. 01:07:04.670 --> 01:07:06.010 Mr. Hadley, go ahead. 01:07:06.910 --> 01:07:09.990 Yes, I, can you hear me? 01:07:10.510 --> 01:07:15.460 I think we have too many. 01:07:15.540 --> 01:07:16.260 Give me one second. 01:07:16.500 --> 01:07:17.020 Try it again. 01:07:20.210 --> 01:07:21.770 Try it one more time, Mr. Hadley. 01:07:21.770 --> 01:07:51.770 here we go okay thank you well I'm happy that our ratios gone down and our claims have gone down and everything but what I want to recommend to the county board for near future is that we have a great organization UCCI and when I used to go to the meetings and I recommend to any board member that goes to the 01:07:51.770 --> 01:08:18.270 meetings. Network with other counties, boards. Ask them, you know, what kind of insurance you got. Do you have self-insurance? Who's your insurance carrier? Who's your broker? We might get some good ideas to bring back and maybe we can do better. Maybe we can't do better, but we should obligate to the taxpayers and look and see if we can do better, you know, by networking with other counties. Thank you, Chairman. 01:08:18.270 --> 01:09:04.500 any other questions all right you may go ahead and cast your vote all right looks like it's passed 12 to 2 mr. Hadley and mr. Clay both voted no is that correct yes all right very good thank you that does pass mrs. Baker your final item please yes approval of sale of surplus properties there are four resolutions before you tonight all four go back to the owners this is the best possible outcome that can happen so with that I make a motion to approve thank you is there a 01:09:04.500 --> 01:09:46.600 second by Mr. Jogerst, any discussion on this? Seeing none, please cast your vote. And that passes unanimously. Thank you. Any other information out of your committee, Mrs. Baker? Yes. So as we head into October meetings, I encourage everyone to come prepared, ask questions, take part in conversations. We're getting close to wrapping up the budget, so having everybody involved will make things remain and move a little bit along a little smoothly. Great. Thank you very much. Mr. Bush, public property and safety. 01:09:46.600 --> 01:09:47.980 No Action Items 01:09:47.980 --> 01:10:15.620 and Safety, no action items, any information out of your committee, sir? No. Okay, thank you. Administration Committee, Mr. Jogerst, looks like you have two action items. Go ahead. Yeah, the first one is approval resolution authorizing acquisition of all tax certificates for the tax year 2025, payable in 2026. I'll make a motion to approve. I did send that out. 01:10:16.000 --> 01:10:21.160 to the board, they can kind of get a synopsis or summary of what we're doing here. 01:10:22.540 --> 01:10:27.080 Is there a second to Mr. Jogerst's motion by Mr. Frick? Is there any further discussion? 01:10:28.740 --> 01:10:30.140 Mr. Clay, go ahead. 01:10:30.800 --> 01:10:33.640 Yeah, can you give me an explanation of what that means? 01:10:34.720 --> 01:10:40.800 Yeah, so basically we're going to change the way it's, well, it's a long story. 01:10:40.800 --> 01:10:45.380 The treasurer did a great job at the administration committee. 01:10:45.380 --> 01:10:48.660 I did send this out to, but you were on there at that point. 01:10:50.080 --> 01:10:52.260 They're going to change the way we're doing things. 01:10:52.800 --> 01:10:57.700 It's going to go to where no money changes hands at the sale. 01:10:58.820 --> 01:11:02.000 Basically, we're going to take some of the buyers out of that. 01:11:02.720 --> 01:11:06.760 And then also, it's a much lower interest rate for the taxpayers who redeem. 01:11:08.460 --> 01:11:13.760 Otherwise, they're going to be, they would have to go to like up to 9% rate. 01:11:13.760 --> 01:11:44.260 and this would be like a .75 kind of thing. Basically what happened is the state was about two years behind on the change in the law and there was a bunch of lawsuits going so this is a kind of rectify that then get us positioned for the future. The other benefit of doing this is we don't have to have the extra staff for state's attorneys time and 01:11:45.140 --> 01:12:13.920 to run the traditional tax sale, it changes the impact on taxing districts, they lose a small premium, however, 90 to 95% of the parcels are redeemed, so it's basically kind of cleaning this up, there's some more coming here down the pipe, probably going to have to set some money aside in the next year or so, for some of these sales that have happened in the past. 01:12:13.920 --> 01:12:14.920 Thank you 01:12:14.920 --> 01:12:15.580 So, yep 01:12:15.580 --> 01:12:17.320 Anything else, Mr. Clay? 01:12:17.620 --> 01:12:17.820 No 01:12:17.820 --> 01:12:20.340 Anyone else? 01:12:23.370 --> 01:12:25.050 All right, you may go ahead and cast your vote 01:12:25.050 --> 01:12:38.680 All right, that passes with one no vote, Mr. Clay? 01:12:39.260 --> 01:12:40.920 All right, thank you very much 01:12:40.920 --> 01:12:42.800 Your next action item, Mr. Jogers 01:12:42.800 --> 01:12:47.420 Yeah, the approval of county board and committee meeting calendar for 2027 01:12:47.420 --> 01:12:52.200 The county clerk has put this together, right? 01:12:52.200 --> 01:13:34.560 and kind of had to move a few things around with some Monday holidays and things but I think it's a very good calendar so I'll make a motion to approve. Thank you. Is there a second? Mrs. Lawfer, is there any discussion? Seeing none, go ahead and cast your vote please. That passes unanimously. Any other information out of your committee, Mr. Jogerst? Yeah, we're going through the budgets. I think we got one more to do yet next month and then we should be good to go. So thank you. Thank you. Move on to court services. Mr. 01:13:34.560 --> 01:13:37.640 Mr. Diddens, you have an action item, I believe. 01:13:38.140 --> 01:13:38.440 Yes. 01:13:39.880 --> 01:13:40.520 Go ahead. 01:13:40.720 --> 01:13:41.540 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 01:13:42.240 --> 01:13:47.700 We are looking to approve a contract with Robert Half for professional recruitment services. 01:13:48.640 --> 01:13:54.120 This is for Mr. Larson's department, so I asked him if he would just speak to that. 01:13:54.580 --> 01:13:54.860 Sure. 01:13:55.700 --> 01:13:56.080 Thank you. 01:13:56.260 --> 01:13:57.720 Let me get your microphone turned on. 01:13:57.820 --> 01:14:00.900 Carl, go ahead. 01:14:00.900 --> 01:14:18.800 So we've had a lot of difficulty hiring since at least 2019 but it's only gotten worse. We're down to as of the end of the day tomorrow we'll have three attorneys working in the state's attorney's office that should have seven. 01:14:18.800 --> 01:14:41.820 I've posted at every law school in the Midwest. I've worked through LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LawCrossing.com, and we're just not getting any resumes at all, less than two or three in the last two years. 01:14:41.820 --> 01:14:43.960 and of those 01:14:43.960 --> 01:14:49.940 you know in years gone by I wouldn't even have interviewed most of those folks 01:14:49.940 --> 01:14:53.640 and now that's you know we're lucky to get 01:14:53.640 --> 01:14:56.880 so at this point I've 01:14:56.880 --> 01:15:01.580 contacted Robert Half they're a recruiter 01:15:01.580 --> 01:15:05.500 a legal recruiter and they're gonna look for 01:15:05.500 --> 01:15:09.780 assistant states attorneys for us for that they will charge us a fee 01:15:09.780 --> 01:15:39.760 That fee will be 20% of the first year's starting salary They're recommending advertising the initial job posting at between $75,000 and $90,000 but they expect to get somebody that we'll be satisfied with somewhere between $80,000 and $85,000 is actually where we'll land 01:15:39.780 --> 01:15:44.100 So you can do the math on what the fee they're looking for is 01:15:44.100 --> 01:15:48.540 But at this point if you want to keep having a state's attorney's office 01:15:48.540 --> 01:15:50.860 We're going to have to do something different than what we've done 01:15:50.860 --> 01:15:59.200 One upside of being chronically understaffed is that we do have the money in our budget to pay for this 01:15:59.200 --> 01:16:01.360 Because we haven't been paying attorneys 01:16:01.360 --> 01:16:05.720 So I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have 01:16:05.720 --> 01:16:08.780 Is it 20% or 25%? 01:16:08.780 --> 01:16:20.180 It says 25 but then later it says like but you get the discount like is that that's like at the top of the second page 01:16:20.180 --> 01:16:28.160 is that I'm asking is that where you're looking okay sorry let's let's just make sure but I'm pretty sure 01:16:28.160 --> 01:16:34.700 here let's take a look please please press your button to be recognized before you speak so I can get the 01:16:34.700 --> 01:16:36.120 The microphone's turned on. 01:16:37.760 --> 01:16:38.440 All right. 01:16:38.540 --> 01:16:39.040 Let's get it. 01:16:42.560 --> 01:16:43.220 All right. 01:16:43.320 --> 01:16:49.430 So second page. 01:16:54.660 --> 01:16:55.120 You're right. 01:16:55.220 --> 01:16:56.200 25%. 01:16:56.200 --> 01:17:03.220 Their regular is 35, and they're going down to 25 for us is what they're saying. 01:17:03.520 --> 01:17:05.060 So 25%. 01:17:05.060 --> 01:17:06.240 All right. 01:17:06.300 --> 01:17:07.200 Mr. Frick, go ahead. 01:17:09.350 --> 01:17:09.670 All right. 01:17:10.150 --> 01:17:10.990 Anyone else? 01:17:13.910 --> 01:17:14.150 All right. 01:17:14.170 --> 01:17:15.230 Is there a motion to approve? 01:17:15.630 --> 01:17:16.670 I wouldn't make that motion. 01:17:16.670 --> 01:17:17.150 All right. 01:17:17.150 --> 01:17:18.290 Mr. Diddens, is there a second? 01:17:18.450 --> 01:17:20.290 Mr. Jogerst, any further discussion? 01:17:20.890 --> 01:17:36.390 I just would like to thank Mr. Larson for taking the initiative to do this, and it's really getting to a critical point in his department, being understaffed, you know, so I appreciate your diligence. Mr. Larson, thank you. 01:17:37.610 --> 01:17:55.860 If there are no other questions or comments, you may go ahead and cast your vote. And that passes with one no vote. Is that you, Mr. Clay? 01:17:56.460 --> 01:17:59.080 All right. Any other information out of your committee, Mr. Diddens? 01:17:59.320 --> 01:18:00.500 Not at this time. Thank you. 01:18:00.500 --> 01:18:29.960 All right. Thank you. We'll move on to nursing home. Mrs. Lawfer, there is no action items. Any information out of your committee? Oh, there you go. Okay. Okay. The census update was 85 residents last week. It's up to 91 as of today. So that's a good thing. Agency hours has decreased to 25 hours as of last week. And Cody from the union continues to visit for the intermittent union visits. 01:18:30.500 --> 01:18:58.500 two new washers have been delivered and a dishwasher so and last week was EVS appreciation week and the retirement of Annette Williams after I think 30 or 31 years and the new director of nursing was at a committee meeting as of last week. Her name is Stephanie that's all I know and that's all I have. All right great thank you very much. 01:18:58.500 --> 01:19:04.320 Planning and Development, Mr. Frick, no action items, any information out of your committee? 01:19:04.800 --> 01:19:06.720 Just one thing, Mr. Chairman, thank you. 01:19:07.460 --> 01:19:12.740 We had talked a few months back about a building that we looked at just down the street here. 01:19:13.440 --> 01:19:19.740 I had several questions and comments about that along the way, but just so that everyone knows, that building is no longer available. 01:19:20.600 --> 01:19:22.520 So that's all I have. Thank you. 01:19:22.520 --> 01:19:25.560 All right, thank you very much. We'll move on to Public Works. 01:19:25.560 --> 01:19:45.880 Mr. Newton there are two action items it's my fight your it was that's all right go ahead sir for your consideration tonight we have approval of manual check for final balancing of the ARPA funds and I so move all right sir 01:19:45.880 --> 01:19:57.170 All right. Is there a second to Mr. Newton's motion? Mrs. Williams, Mr. Jogerst? Second by Mr. Jogerst. 01:19:57.170 --> 01:20:03.370 Discussion? Any discussion? Mr. Clay, go ahead. 01:20:03.370 --> 01:20:07.370 Mr. Clay, can you just explain what the purpose of that is? 01:20:07.370 --> 01:20:13.370 Well, we received ARPA funds, and I think this is the balance that we had to have them 01:20:13.370 --> 01:20:18.370 spent by the end of the year, and so the check, the manual check will balance our accounts. 01:20:18.370 --> 01:20:59.770 So am I close? Yes. I believe these funds actually need to be expended before the end of September in this case. Okay. Okay. So they are ARPA funds. Balance the account. Basically, yes. Okay. Yep. Any other questions, Mr. Clay? No. Any other discussion? Seeing none, please cast your vote. That passes unanimously. Thank you. Mr. Newton, your final item. Our second item of the evening is HD 26-18. 01:20:59.790 --> 01:21:07.950 approval of the 2026 Route 26 and McConnell Road intersection reconstruction project. 01:21:08.910 --> 01:21:09.950 And I so move. 01:21:10.330 --> 01:21:13.330 Okay, is there a second to that motion, Mr. Jogerst, any discussion? 01:21:15.030 --> 01:21:16.410 Mr. Hadley, go ahead. 01:21:17.190 --> 01:21:18.890 Oops, I'm sorry, press your button again, please. 01:21:20.410 --> 01:21:21.130 Go ahead, sir. 01:21:21.130 --> 01:21:22.790 Yep, one quick question. 01:21:22.930 --> 01:21:27.350 Does anybody know how many bids were on this project? 01:21:30.120 --> 01:21:30.940 I don't recall. 01:21:30.960 --> 01:21:31.680 Don't quote me. 01:21:32.000 --> 01:22:05.480 Maybe three? That's all. Just a rough number. Thank you. That's it. All right. Mr. Clay, go ahead. And the cost of this project and when it will be accomplished? Just a general. I can tell you for the completion, the engineer has said that we would have it done by the end of 2026. Right. And he's committed that if he's not finished by then, he's going to work for another five years. That ain't happening. That is the plan. 01:22:05.480 --> 01:22:06.860 and get it done before the end of the year. 01:22:07.220 --> 01:22:08.020 Okay, thank you. 01:22:09.460 --> 01:22:10.700 Anything on the amount, Sam? 01:22:11.060 --> 01:22:11.700 I'm looking. 01:22:12.480 --> 01:22:12.980 Let's see. 01:22:16.220 --> 01:22:19.520 He doesn't have access to that, Mrs. Williams, if you want to roll there. 01:22:19.520 --> 01:22:20.020 Oh, here it is, Jerry. 01:22:20.260 --> 01:22:21.020 Oh, they've got it. 01:22:21.060 --> 01:22:22.160 Okay, thank you. 01:22:23.440 --> 01:22:25.080 Any other discussion on this? 01:22:27.740 --> 01:22:29.580 Seeing none, you may go ahead and cast your vote. 01:22:30.400 --> 01:22:41.810 I pass this unanimously. 01:22:42.090 --> 01:22:42.430 Thank you. 01:22:42.510 --> 01:22:44.470 Any other information out of the committee, Mr. Newton? 01:22:44.710 --> 01:22:45.610 Not at this time. 01:22:45.690 --> 01:22:46.030 Thank you. 01:22:46.030 --> 01:23:09.730 All right, I would entertain a motion to adjourn by Mr. Bush, second by Mrs. Hayes. Any discussion? Seeing none, please cast your vote to adjourn. That passes unanimously. Thank you, everyone. We'll see you next month on October 15th.