Winnebago County board approves $1.5M court software contract, loans and grants; several routine measures pass

The Winnebago County Board on April 24, 2025 approved a series of resolutions and ordinances covering technology, loans, employee benefits, legal settlements and infrastructure funding.

Most measures were approved by voice vote or by suspension of the rules, with board members repeatedly instructed by the chair to "cast yes for all members present" when no opposition was raised.

Key actions taken

Avenue Insights and Analytics contract and budget amendment: The board approved awarding the county’s court and case management software contract to Avenue Insights and Analytics and adopted a related budget amendment. County staff said the initial award amount is $1,500,000 to get the program started. Tom Lawson of the circuit clerk’s office was present to answer questions about the program. The motion to award and the budget ordinance were both moved and approved by the board.

Madigan Creek stream‑bank stabilization — IEPA Section 319 grant: The board authorized an agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for financial assistance under Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act to stabilize stream banks along Madigan Creek in the Newburgh/Perryville area. Highway staff said the county secured $1,200,000 in federal grants and that the county’s share is $400,000.

Economic development loans from the revolving loan fund: The board authorized two loans from the county’s revolving loan fund: $100,000 to Secondary Solutions, Inc., and $50,000 to Harvey Wallbangers LLC. Both measures were presented by the Economic Development Committee and approved without extended discussion.

Employee pay and benefits, settlements and insurance renewals: The board approved an annual non‑bargaining employee wage increase tied to the CPI‑U not to exceed 3.5 percent; a workers’ compensation settlement in the case Thomas Morrison v. Winnebago County for $51,856; and renewal/execution of voluntary vision insurance with Vision Service Plan and basic and voluntary life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance with The Standard.

Appointments and other routine measures: The board approved several appointments including Brad Long to the 4 Rivers Sanitation Authority (three‑year term, replacing Elmer Jones), Doug Hayes to the Milford Fire Protection District to complete a term expiring May 2026, and the reappointment of Greg Tucker to a three‑year term expiring May 2028. The board also approved routine highway bids, motor fuel tax appropriations, the township seal coat program, and concrete pavement joint sealing and repair projects.

Zoning and proclamations: A special use permit (SU 225) to allow a ground‑mounted solar energy system in County Board District 2 was read in and will be laid over for further consideration; the zoning board of appeals had unanimously approved it. The board also approved two Gold Star Memorial block proclamations in the village of Durand honoring Charles H. Long (500 block East South Street) and Robert S. McMahon (200 block East South Street).

Procedure and next steps: Several items were suspended and passed on the same night after committee reports. Where a measure was read in for the first time (for example the special use permit and the ordinance amending nepotism provisions of the county code), the item will return to the appropriate committee or to a subsequent board meeting per county rules.

Motions and outcomes are recorded in the official minutes; members seeking additional detail or the official roll call should consult the clerk’s office for the certified record.