Winnebago County ad hoc committee to review chairman powers; next meeting set for May 12

An ad hoc committee of the Winnebago County Board agreed Tuesday to review proposed changes to Chapter 2 of the Winnebago County Code that would alter the duties and authorities of the county board chairman, and scheduled a follow-up meeting for May 12 at 4 p.m. The committee said it will invite County Administrator Pat Thompson, County Board Chairman Chiarelli and mayors who wish to address the group.

The matter stems from an ordinance introduced by Board member Sweeney and referred to the Operations Committee; the packet reviewed at the meeting included a full copy of Chapter 2 (Administration), a 2024 ordinance updating board rules and procedures and a 2025 ordinance revising the county purchasing ordinance, plus the ordinance introduced by Sweeney. Pat Thompson, the county administrator, told the committee, "I'll just walk you through real quick. What the packet consists of," and summarized those attachments.

Committee members framed the issue…