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County forms Bennett Administrative Center dedication committee; board drops $6,000 budget and asks committee to seek private funding
Summary
The Champaign County Board approved formation of an ad hoc Bennett Administrative Center Dedication Committee but removed a proposed $6,000 event budget after debate over county finances; the board directed the committee to seek private funding for any dedication activities.
The Champaign County Board adopted Resolution No. 2025-31 on Feb. 20 to establish an ad hoc Bennett Administrative Center Dedication Committee but amended the measure to remove a $6,000 event budget and instead direct the committee to seek private funding.
Facilities Committee Chair Jenny Lockshin moved the resolution and Eric (last name not specified in the transcript) seconded. The resolution's initial language included authorization for a $6,000 event budget; Board member JJ objected, saying the county’s financial position and ongoing employee contract negotiations made any discretionary $6,000 allocation inappropriate. “$6,000 is the equivalent of a 3% raise for 5 county employees who make $20 an hour,” JJ said.
Several board members proposed alternatives. Board member Eric suggested the committee seek private donations to fund any ceremony instead of tapping the general fund. Lockshin, who chairs the Facilities Committee and was appointed to the ad hoc committee, said she supported forming the committee but did not insist on county funds. The board voted to amend the resolution: first to strike the $6,000 budget paragraph, then to add language authorizing the committee to seek private funding for a dedication event. The amended resolution carried.
The practical effect: the ad hoc committee is constituted to plan a dedication and related activities, but it does not have a county-funded event budget and is instructed to pursue private fundraising if funds are needed. Lockshin said the committee’s work should proceed regardless of available county funds: “I think it's more important that we find some way of honoring late Senator Bennett and celebrating the new space for us.”
Why it matters: The decision reflects board-level attention to fiscal constraints and public optics amid contract negotiations and broader budget concerns. Several board members urged sensitivity to employee wages and general-fund pressures when approving discretionary expenditures.
Next steps: The committee formation stands; members will plan event options and explore private funding. Any proposed expenditures requiring county appropriation would return to the board for approval.
