McLean County Finance Committee approves raffle licenses, personnel changes, sheriff contract and incentives

The McLean County Finance Committee on Jan. 8 approved a string of routine and personnel items, including two Class C raffle licenses, several reclassifications and funded full‑time equivalent (FTE) adjustments, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to continue hiring incentives for corrections staff, and a contract between the county and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police covering sheriff deputies, sergeants, investigators and lead process servers.

The actions were taken at the committee’s 5 p.m. meeting and were approved by voice vote; the committee recorded no roll‑call tallies in the meeting transcript and motions carried by unanimous voice vote where noted.

The approvals matter because they affect county staffing, interagency agreements and small nonprofit fundraising: the FTE adjustments enable expansion of Children's Advocacy Center services into neighboring Logan County and adjust positions in information technology and the highway department to address recruitment and workload needs. The MOU and labor contract affect staffing and pay practices in the sheriff’s office, where officials said recruitment and retention remain an operational concern.

Administrator Cassie Taylor introduced the agenda items the committee considered for action and answered procedural questions throughout the meeting. The committee approved the consent agenda, which included approval of meeting minutes and the recommended approval of bills and transfers totaling $967,017.94. Member Rosemond Mendoza moved the consent agenda; Member Bernd seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Fundraising licenses

The committee approved Class C raffle licenses for two local organizations. A license for the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington‑Normal was approved after Administrator Taylor said the organization had provided the required information. Member Rosemary Mendoza moved the license; Member Klass seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

The committee also approved a Class C raffle license for VFW Post 454. Sheriff and committee discussion noted that the VFW is continuing a “Queen of Hearts” raffle into 2025 after an unusual 2024 drawing outcome; the raffle license would be effective Feb. 1, 2025, and cover drawings through Dec. 31, 2025. Member Farley moved the license and Member Loeffler seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Children’s Advocacy Center reclassification and FTE amendment

The committee approved a reclassification in the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and a related resolution amending the funded FTE positions for fund 1029 to support an expansion. Administrator Taylor and Eileen Pagan Vega, director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, were present for questions. Taylor said the reclassification reflected changed priorities and responsibilities for the position; the FTE amendment was described as necessary to “take responsibility for the Logan County CASA expansion” and the DCFS expansion grant.

Member Rosa Mendoza moved the reclassification; Member Farley seconded. Member Byrne moved the FTE resolution amendment; Member Rosa Mendoza seconded. Both motions carried by voice vote.

Information technologies and highway staffing adjustments

The committee approved a budget‑neutral amendment to the 2025 FTE positions resolution for the Information Technologies Department to convert contracted work into a part‑time county position. Administrator Taylor said the intent was to reflect a part‑time classification after development of the job description and that a subsequent budget amendment would be presented to the Executive Committee for oversight of IT.

The committee also approved a reclassification in the Highway Department aimed at improving recruitment for civil engineering positions. Jerry Stokes, director of the Highway Department, told the committee the county has struggled to fill civil engineering posts—one position had been vacant for over a year—and recommended raising the salary grade “three grade levels to be more competitive.” Member Loeffler moved the highway reclassification; the motion carried by voice vote.

Sheriff’s office MOU and labor contract

The committee approved a memorandum of understanding between the McLean County Board, the McLean County Sheriff and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police representing correctional officers, correctional sergeants and control operators. Taylor described the MOU as a repeat of a 2024 incentive program intended to help hire corrections staff when the jail was understaffed. Sheriff Matt Lane told the committee the county had been “over 20 people down” earlier in his term and that incentives had improved staffing; he said the department remained approximately 10–11 corrections officers short at the time of the meeting and that overtime remained a concern.

Member Farley moved the MOU; Member Loeffler seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

The committee also voted to approve a contract between the Illinois FOP Labor Council and McLean County covering sheriff deputies, sergeants, investigators and lead process servers. Committee members were reminded that discussion of contract details would require a motion to enter closed session; no closed‑session motion was made and the committee proceeded to vote. Member Farley moved the contract; Member Loeffler seconded; the motion carried by voice vote. The meeting transcript indicates that the finalized document would be collected at the end of the session.

Other informational items

Administrators and department heads reported several informational items: the supervisor of assessments had no action items and assessments materials were listed on the packet; the county treasurer’s report was pulled from the agenda because reports were unavailable; the animal control program submitted an informational report including building progress photos; the county clerk submitted recorder monthly reports (pages 15–21) but the clerk was not present; and the county auditor had no items for information. Administrator Taylor said she had no additional items for information.

What’s next

The Finance Committee scheduled its next regular meeting for Feb. 5 at 5 p.m.

Ending note: All listed action items were approved by voice vote during the Jan. 8 meeting; the meeting transcript shows motions carried without recorded roll‑call tallies.