The Iroquois County sheriff reported personnel moves and small equipment grants during the committee meeting Sept. 3, including several promotions and a $2,000 grant to buy a drone.

Personnel: The sheriff reported a series of staffing changes. "Drew Watts was promoted to a sergeant. He will lead investigations," the sheriff said. The sheriff also announced promotions of Doug Brenner and Brock Myers to corporal and said Vince Lafoon will transition into a third investigator slot when Garrett Anderson is ready to work independently.

Grants and reimbursements: The sheriff said the department obtained a $2,000 grant for a drone from the Hartford and Jacina and Griffin Trust and expected a check this week. The department also learned it would receive $2,000 in gas cards from Pilot to help offset fuel costs.

Training and vehicles: The sheriff said a third party (identified in the discussion as Byleth Speed) will pay 100% of certified correction officer and police officer academy fees upon successful completion, with the county's training budget temporarily covering the expenses and reimbursements recorded afterwards. The sheriff said the department is arranging to lease a 2023 Ford with about 18,000 miles and expects to use equity from higher-mileage vehicles to help finance it.

Surplus property and sales: The sheriff asked the committee to consider a disposal ordinance or a procedure to ensure the county receives fair value when selling or trading vehicles; he suggested reviewing the language used when earlier trades were processed. A committee member noted the draft did not specify competitive bidding and suggested the item be researched further. The chair agreed to defer final action to next month to allow staff to review audit findings and ordinance language.

The committee did not take final action Sept. 3; the sheriff's items were reported for committee awareness and follow-up research.