[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6394559,"mediaKeyId","2102735-96d5c6694f5619c09634a47ac74785b6","parentId",2102735,"title","Votes at a glance: Boone County administration committee actions, Jan. 9","audioSeconds",2613,"startMs",2686000,"endMs",5299000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2102735-96d5c6694f5619c09634a47ac74785b6&start=2686&end=5299","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2102735-96d5c6694f5619c09634a47ac74785b6/thumbnail_2686000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6394559/Boone-County/Illinois/Votes-at-a-glance-Boone-County-administration-committee-actions-Jan-9","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394559-90def5db45273f5eb402dc735cd63134/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826836&Signature=jOu1h2NMbSmK-LY6R-JdeU0IOmBezR4TzMxdeYQmumt~apO2oqg7nhvYGxmoreK-881GIEEeC6klhBleJPZDSda4n74BUKMgztwnB6l2Vr68ADPiEwGAdnvNxMNDPQu9J7De9jg3vNH4lmvYVvxeJgZu0wPIBuN-7lw~RHZlRcmsZ5AbB0rYV3clc2AOoL1naUp~ukYBV93b7vZrwaUeTZ6re-1f6BILEZkhYPg6EMMfygZKYG7l7LhPig1JSvF4iBgJFLt~3j5nFM~~4dwhopriuT4EuFPY5x0jeRmAgU4lq8eFIDDsSCkYu6Y-vYB6hVGccyr7vzVp73RWHkah3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-11T08:25:47.467Z","article","At its Jan. 9 meeting the Boone County administration committee took the following formal actions (roll calls and voice votes as noted):

- Claims approved: The committee approved claims totaling $256,646.11; the motion carried on roll call.

- Remote attendance: The committee approved remote participation for two board members; motion carried.

- Minutes and agenda: Minutes from prior sessions and the meeting agenda were approved by voice vote.

- Special‑use permit (Prairie North LLC, SUP‑23‑2023): After extended testimony the committee approved the special‑use permit for a 2‑megawatt community solar project at 172XX Illinois Route 76 (see separate article). A prior motion to adopt planning staff findings of fact (moved by Dave Wiltsie) failed; the later motion to approve the permit as presented carried by majority vote and will be recorded in the full board packet.

- Builder’s risk insurance (Gallagher) for the McKinley Building Project: Approved, $11,380, to be paid from tort fund.

- Property tax abatement ordinance (alternate bond series 2015 alpha): Approved to prevent an additional $313,388 being collected from taxpayers; this annual abatement ordinance passed by voice vote.

- Circuit clerk and recorder fee updates: The committee approved a resolution to set circuit clerk filing fees and related distributions, and two resolutions updating the recorder’s predictable fee schedule and distribution to comply with recent state statute changes.

- Moratorium on impact fees: Committee discussion continued about the two‑year moratorium (expiring in March); staff will invite affected taxing bodies to an upcoming meeting and present additional tax and housing data for a follow‑up recommendation.

- Executive session: The committee voted to enter executive session for pending litigation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Boone County COTW-Administration 1/9/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee approved claims, insurance and a handful of routine resolutions; larger contested items included the Prairie North solar special‑use permit (approved) and related findings votes (failed).","taxTitle","Boone County, Illinois","taxId",57613,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6394565,"Highway director says bridge funding picture improving; motor‑fuel tax tied to CPI provides steady revenue",270,1551000,1821000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2102735-96d5c6694f5619c09634a47ac74785b6&start=1551&end=1821","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2102735-96d5c6694f5619c09634a47ac74785b6/thumbnail_1551000.jpg","/articles/6394565/Boone-County/Illinois/Highway-director-says-bridge-funding-picture-improving-motorfuel-tax-tied-to-CPI-provides-steady-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394565-6c60637428bb06fb4433a3532fd11ce8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826836&Signature=aMzlqnBAo1oICENjbu7KIBRa2fPhuCybbdbwVHpEwq0ySeLNrnjubqlwiVmflf~6mYudgo3Kt5fDlnz1lUVBPCLl6eX9K5ynJolzCJTwGlyDk6F9WgQtoYAMpTmWf6x7nQcImR06NioomxmSpMbbvpy4Inq~MTh23rF2NhgsCANJvbqHe23d-ZoYq4Hbf66V031cnkIkgTRqR3dXHSc9KqsjXCujZbqfZvkcdLZiOb4mtmI0BWfrnb6Y3RHXQuOmTWX3hKUhOXjYsDwYfmWvLpmFLIAP1LlFaHcoNQyMaaXUNrZxz8-HAmfQ0LsepqpDqkI9Qid2UN8Ma5vznysJCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Boone County’s highway director briefed the administration committee on bridge projects, funding and the department’s near‑term equipment needs.

The director said many bridge contractors are busy now but that he expects availability to increase over the next year, and he highlighted recently submitted work to secure off‑system bridge funding that could substantially reduce the county’s bridge deficit. He told the committee that a mix of grant awards, increases in program funding and motor‑fuel tax revenue have improved the county’s cash‑flow outlook for bridge work.

He explained that the county operates three highway‑related funds (highway fund, bridge fund and matching fund) totaling roughly $1.5 million and that motor‑fuel tax distributions amount to about another $1.5 million. The director noted an earlier motor‑fuel tax increase (from 19¢ to 38¢ per gallon in 2019) and that half the motor‑fuel tax is tied to CPI, meaning future revenue will rise with inflation.

The highway director said an aging forklift will be replaced using existing highway fund equipment line items and that a bid will be developed in coming months.

Board members pressed for more detail on the share of revenue coming from truck taxes (one member asked specifically and the director said “4 and a half cents, I believe”) and expressed appreciation for a forthcoming expense‑side presentation to complement the revenue overview.","Boone County highway director updated the committee on upcoming bridge projects, funding prospects including competitive grants and motor‑fuel tax distributions, and planned equipment replacement funded through the highway budget.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6394569,"Boone County sheriff reports staffing gains, new equipment and recent serious calls",801,727000,1528000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2102735-96d5c6694f5619c09634a47ac74785b6&start=727&end=1528","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2102735-96d5c6694f5619c09634a47ac74785b6/thumbnail_727000.jpg","/articles/6394569/Boone-County/Illinois/Boone-County-sheriff-reports-staffing-gains-new-equipment-and-recent-serious-calls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394569-828f097110565bc0bee2c17d4b0e3ab6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826836&Signature=GYILKTFUT0Q4WahkYiYe7mgozQ7Rg8qf2WUWQBWQr1gqo2OInmgf8IRLuVd4z6~zUmwBY0vVkQ2rbLshasqcIC1YXUgDb5qG63G642YQMHNUFWJKg8UxfqKZaCZWMQyYp094N2qTwBDG3dmeQ~bx1-xJ-hRLBlOs7wMiaWg4iNWBQfl0Z003cuRFZUN2AU-nhSm~RD4AXSDRUfv3AHe8Mx~cpMxLj5RlLrZ9VgdNx5Snc4sjDtrc01KjYiNtpzbCO6KyJ~suu4Xj2D8M1xRmiG~SPPrIW6IL5PxLvr9871JEoQVMwgvLNF30pJ8~miXrFLFZH~FMJuw2A4f-Qv3yiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Boone County Administration Committee meeting, the sheriff reported that patrol and dispatch staffing have recently improved and outlined several facility and operational updates.

The sheriff said six individuals were sworn in at a recent ceremony: four to patrol and two to corrections. He described two lateral hires for patrol who began field training immediately and two recruits who started academy training the following Monday. He told the board the dispatch center was recently brought to “full staff” after swearing in its 16th dispatcher, and that a dispatcher had submitted a retirement letter effective in early February.

On buildings and equipment, the sheriff said the McKinley facility received new light poles and six of eight exterior cameras have been installed; two cameras and a DVR remain to be completed. The PSB boiler replacement was finished in mid‑December after about 3½ days without heat. He also said an 8‑person transport van had been purchased using court security funds and that body‑worn cameras required by statute were deployed as of Jan. 1.

The sheriff highlighted recent investigations and calls: a drug‑induced homicide arrest that investigators will be honored for in a future meeting; a fatal pedestrian collision on Route 173 east of Capron that remains under investigation; multiple semi‑involved collisions, including a train‑versus‑semi crash; and a vehicle fire rescue in which deputies waded through a creek to rescue a vehicle occupant. He said deputies would be honored for their work on that rescue in an upcoming board meeting.

The sheriff closed by noting the department processed nearly 30,000 calls for service for the year, an increase of roughly 2,500 calls over 2023.","The sheriff updated the county board on staffing, recent hires and retirements, facility upgrades, new body‑worn camera deployment, and notable arrests and rescues over the past month.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6394574,"Boone County board approves 2‑megawatt Prairie North solar project after split vote",2487,2769000,5256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2102735-96d5c6694f5619c09634a47ac74785b6&start=2769&end=5256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2102735-96d5c6694f5619c09634a47ac74785b6/thumbnail_2769000.jpg","/articles/6394574/Boone-County/Illinois/Boone-County-board-approves-2megawatt-Prairie-North-solar-project-after-split-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394574-2f2d3ff65a8c2ea2804e1ec66191f823/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826836&Signature=Vhf4NvLoJ2uCQyOMqLV68abku12dy-CQgp2ivNbSperWOys0rnySLBndsFwKGODjkcexWkNz3K~j1YCUz9HzcjqGp0FlCLnonHjxTnu3fkBmWeXM7bsWBnS~HJwT3g32sxY~KI6~CoJzIYacP-evE84VOumtpEIhLFs0mSnaXc79aBxc2hZUIM-UXS6JFIXrfhEEQdNYDULBgaC0vJsjVcf0ZG-EvgCA-GnwI2Oc8ChF0GXNBIkydI8JekwpkZ46-mMx6Jtp~sqo9GWIUtblxne5I-MFAXm4R1twFeWCmNwW8qEeMNgwpgcNXW8~4hZrlu4csxxqDV0VPysAE4prDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boone County Board on Thursday approved a special‑use permit for a 2‑megawatt community solar project proposed by Prairie North LLC on a 40‑acre parcel at 172XX Illinois Route 76 after extended discussion and a split vote.

Planning staff described the proposal as a 21‑acre, 2‑megawatt community solar array contained within a 40‑acre lease and presented a list of 20 recommended conditions for approval. Planning staff noted the zoning board of appeals had denied the special use, and submitted findings opposing the project; the board reviewed competing findings before voting.

The project team, represented by John Carson, founder and managing partner of Trajectory Energy, and Ryan Granholm of the company’s in‑house legal team, said the array would include agrivoltaic measures such as spacing that allows continued agricultural use between rows and a decommissioning bond. Carson told the board, “the benefits that these projects bring…we do commit that our projects are built with labor” and cited local hiring on an earlier Poplar Grove project.

Opponents — including members of the public and some board members — raised concerns about removing farmland from production and whether the county’s comprehensive plan designation for “agriculture preservation” weighed against the project. One speaker summarized an adjacent owner’s written objection and questions about setbacks and fencing.

Board debate focused on two fault lines: whether to adopt the planning staff’s findings of fact (which would favor approval) or to accept the zoning board of appeals’ findings (which had recommended denial). A motion to adopt the staff findings was moved by Dave Wiltsie and seconded by Carl Johnson; that motion failed on the floor. After additional comment and clarification requests, the board then voted on whether to approve the special use permit itself.

The board approved the permit by recorded count; the clerk announced the project carried with a majority vote and the chair said the motion “passes.” Members citing the state law that limits local restrictions on solar siting urged caution about denying projects they said the state allows; other members emphasized farmland preservation and said they would have preferred to deny the permit.

The applicant provided an interconnection notice and committed to a decommissioning plan and bond, and presented an agrivoltaics plan and local‑hire commitments in response to commissioners’ questions. Board members asked the applicant to provide a copy of its interconnection agreement with ComEd for the county packet ahead of the full‑board follow‑up meeting.

The item will return to the full county board for final action and for any additional documentation requested by staff; the applicant agreed to supply the interconnection agreement to be included in the next packet.

Votes and formal actions are recorded in the county minutes for the item.","The Boone County board approved a special use permit for a 2‑megawatt community solar installation at a 40‑acre parcel on Illinois Route 76 after hours of testimony and division among board members; opponents and planning staff clashed over agricultural impact and legal risk from state law.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Boone County administration committee actions, Jan. 9

Highway director says bridge funding picture improving; motor‑fuel tax tied to CPI provides steady revenue

Boone County sheriff reports staffing gains, new equipment and recent serious calls

Boone County board approves 2‑megawatt Prairie North solar project after split vote