The Winnebago County Board on Thursday approved an amended ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the county code to restore administrative authority to the county board chairman, following committee review, an amendment to clarify cross-references and a floor discussion about process and communication.

John Sweeney, presenting the item for the Economic Development Committee, moved to suspend rules and to consider the ordinance the same night. Committee materials included a packet of clerical cleanups and a textual amendment that Sweeney described as aligning section numbers, adding language to address the director of purchasing position and inserting new section 2-333 to reflect committee discussion.

Sweeney said the changes "are basically recommended clerical cleanups" and added they did not alter "any legislative intent or operations." He moved the amendment as a single package and then moved approval of the ordinance as amended.

Board member Webster urged direct dialogue between the chairman and the board, saying public meetings and outside surrogates had created a "disconnect" and requesting a frank internal discussion with the chairman before a vote. That appeal prompted an extended exchange on the floor about communication and recent public forums. The presiding chair—referred to in the meeting as "the chairman"—responded that his record over the previous years showed consistent cooperation with the board and that his office would remain open for discussion.

After the floor discussion the board voted. The meeting record shows roll calls during the procedural votes; committee and floor action included a recorded roll call for suspension of rules and later a roll call on the question to end debate. The presiding officer announced the item passed by the board and the ordinance was approved as amended.

The committee memo attached to the ordinance listed precise textual changes introduced as the amendment: insertion of a cross-reference ("2-333") in a whereas clause, deletion of a conflicting sentence in section 2-47, the addition of the phrase "and this ordinance," an insertion of language to clarify acceptance under employment contracts, and the creation of a new section 2-333 concerning purchasing and the director of purchasing position.

Supporters described the measure as restoring a form of county governance consistent with a 1992 referendum and as a return to prior practice; opponents and some board members said they wanted more direct, in-person discussion between the chairman and the full board before changing administrative authorities. The ordinance now will be reflected in the county code as amended.