[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6184845,"mediaKeyId","5086116-7da990c99b16278befb93cd847e19598","parentId",5086116,"title","Board hears ARPA broadband update, easement challenges for Volo project and timeline for small-business grants","audioSeconds",155,"startMs",4329000,"endMs",4484000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5086116-7da990c99b16278befb93cd847e19598&start=4329&end=4484","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5086116-7da990c99b16278befb93cd847e19598/thumbnail_4329000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6184845/Champaign-County/Illinois/Board-hears-ARPA-broadband-update-easement-challenges-for-Volo-project-and-timeline-for-small-business-grants","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184845-f50354dc15e415c785e5783fa3a78b60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193560&Signature=YBvrTuOU~gacRg84M9i8dPsNaSrMV6kZKYhW0sAzIKazMUol7bLG~3VgYgeOOEaYX3GFP82U9SJ9imUJgs9~nifQMSy8w476Tx--urnzGBy0HjlDkUfK1USID08KdbeOfA11TMsvEK4GJ12zVC3Zt6A14NpTqkC8zJI7aK3FKdrK2cKKo1dY7j4SywsprcweJNUss9egDJ3CKVLBYM8DvcUyzpHZpfXCBuxzYeDqo6aS~VWbLniZrSNLgx8sChwzku4oFZ4vgPF9~3k1uwPtdmJIKxE9Gw2pE9lh~ffvppTjZ5UV~U5zobfsM~jjT5ECLp20Wz0igHOaBSl73Its3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Champaign County, IL","date","2025-06-26T22:47:53Z","article","County staff provided an update on ARPA-funded broadband projects and the county’s small-business program, reporting continuing work on an urban Housing Authority broadband project and delays for a rural expansion driven by unreturned easements.

Kathy (county staff) told the board that the Volo rural broadband project and the Housing Authority build remain underway; Volo expects construction to start in July but faces incomplete easement returns. Board members reported a figure from a recent Farm Bureau meeting that Volo had received about 28% of easement contracts back as of the most recent outreach.

Staff and a board member said Volo needs roughly seven to eight contiguous landowners (about five miles of easement) in a stretch to start construction; returns vary by location. The board’s broadband task force plans a July meeting with Volo to get a fuller update, and members said Volo and the task force will present further details after that meeting.

On the small-business program, staff said they have asked the program lead to submit evidence of progress by mid-July and warned that the board could consider alternative uses of funds if a grant or loan is not in place by July 15. The county chamber indicated it has capacity to administer more small-business assistance if additional funds become available.

Why it matters: Broadband expansion affects rural connectivity and economic access; the small-business program is an ARPA-funded effort intended to support local economic recovery. Delays in easement returns can materially push back construction timelines.

Next steps: The broadband task force will meet with Volo in July and provide an update to the board; staff will report back on the small-business program’s progress by mid-July.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Champaign County - County Board Meeting - 6/26/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff updated the county board on American Rescue Plan broadband projects and small-business grant timelines: Volo’s rural broadband effort is delayed by incomplete easements, and a small-business program must show progress by mid-July or the county may consider alternatives.","taxTitle","Champaign County, Illinois","taxId",2552,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6184850,"Board approves agreement to fund Street College reentry program with redirected funds",114,4142000,4256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5086116-7da990c99b16278befb93cd847e19598&start=4142&end=4256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5086116-7da990c99b16278befb93cd847e19598/thumbnail_4142000.jpg","/articles/6184850/Champaign-County/Illinois/Board-approves-agreement-to-fund-Street-College-reentry-program-with-redirected-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184850-d017241bed033a24a8e08ce35a21349e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193560&Signature=Wv57~dIp1BxCOJC5F4l48E~n0Y4FiVEs9lVBHwUJb7pxxFC23WDKviNO9SZo-5PQ1lo7JjJe5nYGVRvVzOfZhfp9-wCmZXDB4jXM4m0Z1hPejzb3zbGIJcc1Pf1ZcguPhClg~76-45OcuiF8SzlFzrPAjDbTrHe25hM9BBIMsacdna-66uw91JdT3PR~vShnTHhymSX~DwUOoixO0933CYVnDu8~NflJsZ2iMjmBKZXCP~eaQKQMpTG88uBx3FB~MjF66ItLOWoE452f0vVpUgbWWxdRKQk4Neo~iDphWIO7T4lNMRgRFZgjWwPjAUJelkToB5k6tNBtUkTggC1SpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Champaign County Board adopted resolution 2025-203 approving an agreement between the county and Street College to use funds originally intended for other services to support that reentry program.

County Board Member Rogers moved the agreement and County Board Member Farney seconded. Board members praised Street College’s presentations to committees and staff and said the program had shown rapid benefit to participants. An attorney present also endorsed the program, describing recent examples of young people helped by its services.

Why it matters: The agreement repurposes available funds to sustain services for people returning from incarceration or involved in reentry supports, and county leaders said the change will allow services to continue while other grant sources cover previously intended uses.

Votes and notes: The motion passed on voice vote; no recorded roll call was requested. Board members thanked internal and external partners for quickly arranging the funding transfer and commended Street College for its program outcomes.

Ending: The county will finalize the agreement with Street College and proceed with funding and program coordination as described in the adopted resolution.","The Champaign County Board approved an agreement to direct unused funds to Street College, a reentry program the board and staff said serves young people returning to the community.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6184856,"Champaign County board amends purchases list, approves opioid settlement appropriation and awards jail roof and case-management contracts",258,3841000,4099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5086116-7da990c99b16278befb93cd847e19598&start=3841&end=4099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5086116-7da990c99b16278befb93cd847e19598/thumbnail_3841000.jpg","/articles/6184856/Champaign-County/Illinois/Champaign-County-board-amends-purchases-list-approves-opioid-settlement-appropriation-and-awards-jail-roof-and-case-management-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184856-6f07820d3673c52183f5417f2f396c68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193560&Signature=e1JfuH7LQ3hRdgnNbZCczLGcpyEE5nWh~K8tvOr4Q3CF7hzazBYWxVL2aU7eSyxMA152MqDLELDfNpYPMWvbUWgv3FFHOoFCOC79qLN7yd2pGeZ9i6nj5osCFnHSGI79iGcd7fx9a2QPoubg5VAMvN0faHYFUprMwwC1-UqQRMvlHMm6SaVgVERYpc4DaWgBxCou6UxrgUuhqhErkGki7bxgyqS3PITumd~u2zESB091gAk1NhF1F1AiezGyCfN205SYtRZQgdWmoyap2f4Hmwluqo~I3HBBDnvaRwX3-81i7-XU229paghuMjaomFGWqvRhvDMRyAf~lU442bDRvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Champaign County Board voted to remove two line items from a list of \"purchases not following purchasing policy,\" approved a budget amendment to appropriate opioid settlement funds for programs, and awarded contracts for the Pope Jail roof replacement and a countywide case-management system.

The board considered an amendment to resolution 2025-201 (purchases not following purchasing policy). County Board Member Sullard moved to remove two lines at the bottom of the list that were described as invoices for expected or estimated amounts rather than completed purchases; the motion was seconded by County Board Member Farney and the amendment passed.

The board adopted resolution 2025-202 (budget amendment BUA 2025-669), appropriating $126,668 from the opioid settlement fund (Fund 2680) to allow expenditure for programs and services for individuals impacted by opioids. The motion to adopt the budget amendment was made by County Board Member Sexton, seconded by Miss Vantage Theronaut, and the roll call showed the measure passed by recorded yes votes.

On procurement, the board approved resolution 2025-204, awarding a contract to Henson Robinson for the Pope Jail roof replacement under ITB 2025-6. A staff explanation described the project as two-part: replacing the roof and, while the roof is off, checking precast concrete panels and reinforcing any panels that are not securely connected. Staff said one precast panel was found not securely connected and bidders had different understandings of the reinforcement scope; the successful contractor agreed to the full scope.

The board also authorized a contract with Carpal Solutions for a new case-management system under RFP 2024-006 (resolution 2025-205). The board record notes the public defender and state's attorney were present during that item; no public questions were raised at the meeting.

Why it matters: The roof work addresses county jail infrastructure and potential safety concerns related to precast panel stability. The opioid fund appropriation moves settlement dollars into programs for impacted residents. The case-management contract affects how county justice-related data and casework will be managed.

Votes and procedural notes: The purchases-list amendment was moved and seconded on the record and the amendment passed; the opioid budget amendment passed on a roll-call vote with recorded \"yes\" votes from a majority of board members present. Procurement awards passed following discussion; one bidder withdrew after re-evaluating the required scope.

Ending: The board approved the listed budget amendment and contracts; staff and the contracting departments will proceed with project implementation and any follow-up reporting required by county purchasing rules.","The county board amended a purchases-not-following-policy list, approved an opioid settlement fund appropriation, and authorized contracts for Pope Jail roof replacement and a Carpal Solutions case-management system.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6184861,"Coroner and union supporters warn Champaign County of staffing crisis, urge bargaining with AFSCME Local 900",760,1784000,2544000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5086116-7da990c99b16278befb93cd847e19598&start=1784&end=2544","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5086116-7da990c99b16278befb93cd847e19598/thumbnail_1784000.jpg","/articles/6184861/Champaign-County/Illinois/Coroner-and-union-supporters-warn-Champaign-County-of-staffing-crisis-urge-bargaining-with-AFSCME-Local-900","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184861-b5d98530f0c200c06331c765a15ac2dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193560&Signature=jmkPuh~QZgBtey~VnKgbteveLzIe6NYJeiLHgHF49Xm9bBosb5m~7s3ttsQxFrnxCY46ncGS6XgWQVJ-rwoHuzjkq80kMq-2uWE3U7EAZN2V7VLeIrPvcdUpN7x422nZW0UOSWdce4cEy0akR-d226ZalBtHPVIEEZgWlvbHsPso~hM~xoJ8duVuPRzp57PrSd96v1KaVxjH1a3i3LT5sl1hgYRo4tsj8h3hfQc99NibtEwKXIMV6Pu9jO0CucbnitniWLZ0FJpSj21rPvfjwPrroPJcBoclYcfpxNjRRlTGTDepIv6gIVBL9gnu~Dtta1whnaMhxZyMUlPtNHr0mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laurie Brower, Champaign County coroner, told the county board that her office is “very understaffed, and it’s getting critical,” and urged the board to consider additional funding to restore staff hours and relief for deputies on duty.

Brower said the office is operating with reduced paid staff hours and estimated “about 60 hours a week that the county didn’t have to pay for that we staffed,” adding that the current schedule leaves “1 deputy on per shift at a time” and “doesn’t allow for time off” or guaranteed breaks.

The coroner’s remarks came during the public-comment portion of the June meeting and were followed by remarks from Alan Axelrod, a former AFSCME Local 900 employee, and Ursula Bridal, who identified herself as a University of Illinois employee and local union leader. Axelrod described his experience with county employment and urged the board to “stand up for AFSCME Local 900,” saying bargaining and political will are needed to retain staff. Bridal urged the finance and labor committees to return to the bargaining table in “good faith,” warning that the county’s core services are “running on fumes.”

Why it matters: County public-safety and case-processing functions depend on sustained staffing in offices such as the coroner’s, public defender, courts, and jail. Speakers said staffing gaps affect both employee well-being and service delivery.

Details and discussion: Brower said a December meeting with county administration produced an agreement that staff should be paid for all hours worked, but she described that outcome as having the unintended effect of reducing available staffed hours. She said she had requested additional funding, but the request “was turned down.” Brower asked the board to “at least sit down and talk about it.”

Axelrod, describing a past grievance process, said he declined over $2,000 in back pay so that he could speak without a nondisparagement agreement and urged the board to listen to union members about improving county services. Bridal said her local achieved a recent contract at the university through sustained bargaining and urged the county to do the same, calling AFSCME members “the duct tape that’s keeping this thing together.”

Board response and next steps: No formal action or vote on staffing or bargaining policy occurred during the meeting. Several board members later debated procedural matters and closed board communications; there was no committee referral or formal direction recorded in the public minutes on the coroner’s request or the union comments.

Ending: Speakers requested that labor and finance committees take up the issues and that administration continue discussions with affected offices; the board did not adopt new funding or a bargaining outcome at the June meeting.","Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brower and union supporters told the county board that understaffing and unresolved labor negotiations are straining services and personnel; speakers urged the board and administration to negotiate with AFSCME Local 900 and consider additional funding for positions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears ARPA broadband update, easement challenges for Volo project and timeline for small-business grants

Board approves agreement to fund Street College reentry program with redirected funds

Champaign County board amends purchases list, approves opioid settlement appropriation and awards jail roof and case-management contracts

Coroner and union supporters warn Champaign County of staffing crisis, urge bargaining with AFSCME Local 900