Stephenson County Board enters executive session under Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss employment matters; no action taken

The Stephenson County Board voted unanimously July 1, 2025, to enter an executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss “the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees,” and later returned to open session with no action taken.

The motion to approve the meeting agenda was made by Mrs. Baker, a county board member, and seconded by Mr. Brandt; the board approved the agenda unanimously before moving to public comment and then to the executive session vote. Mrs. Baker moved the board enter executive session and Mr. Jogerst seconded; the presiding officer called the roll and the motion passed unanimously.

When the board reconvened in open session the presiding officer announced, “No action was taken.” The meeting then concluded after a motion to adjourn by Mr. Bush, seconded by Mrs. Hayes, which also passed unanimously. The presiding officer closed by saying the board will meet next week in its committees.

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Mr. Whalen and the pledge of allegiance led by Ms. Williams, both recorded before the formal votes. The board expressly cited the statutory authority for the closed session when making the motion; the statute cited on the record covers personnel-related matters and permits closed deliberations on specific employees.

No details about the personnel matters discussed in executive session were released in open session, and the board announced explicitly that no formal action resulted from that closed deliberation.