DeKalb Township trustees voted to grant $4,000 to DeKalb County Crime Stoppers on July 15, 2025, approving an amendment that requires a minimum of 10% of the funds be directed toward community awareness efforts in the township.

The board heard a presentation from Jacob Cook, a DeKalb County Crime Stoppers representative and commercial loan officer at First State Bank, who described how the nonprofit holds reward funds and issues confidential tip payouts once arrests are made. “We really appreciate the funding that you guys have supported us with over the years,” Cook said, adding that payouts typically range from $100 to $400 and that Crime Stoppers relies on small private donors in addition to township contributions.

Trustees and the supervisor discussed directing some of the township's grant toward advertising and neighborhood signage after Cook said the group’s operating budget is modest and that awareness could be improved. Cook told the board the organization’s operating expenses are “less than $6,000” and that it holds about $35,000 in a CD as a reserve; the group also provided a summary sheet showing roughly 22 payouts recorded between 2024 and 2025 on state reports.

Board members proposed language to ensure part of the township’s contribution supports outreach. The board amended the resolution to specify a minimum of 10% of the grant be used for community awareness — examples discussed included bus-stop or Husky Bus ads, neighborhood signage and social-media promotion. The amendment passed by roll call; the final resolution directing $4,000 to DeKalb County Crime Stoppers with the 10% community-awareness minimum was then approved by roll call.

The vote was recorded as: Supervisor Hess — yes; Trustee Barlow — yes; Trustee McLaughlin — yes; Trustee Akers — yes; Trustee Thurman — aye. The tally was 5 yes, 0 no. The board did not specify further reporting requirements beyond the 10% minimum.

Trustees noted Crime Stoppers previously received township support: $5,000 in 2022 and 2023 and $6,000 in 2024, and Cook said the organization did not fully spend the prior year’s township contribution. The presenter also mentioned a related program, “Quick 50,” that issues $50 rewards for certain school reports; trustees expressed interest in greater school promotion but did not take action on that program at this meeting.

The grant resolution was listed on the agenda under new business and was deliberated in public before the roll-call vote.