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Finance committee cites large insurance premium increase; 2026 budget approved at committee level
Summary
The finance committee reported an increase in the county's insurance premium driven by law‑enforcement liability costs and noted a request for a donation to the Watsega Family Festival. Committee members said the 2026 budget was approved and that levy work will continue before the full board.
The Iroquois County finance committee told the Policy and Procedure Committee on Nov. 6 that the county renewed coverage through the Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust and that the premium rose substantially, driven in part by law‑enforcement liability costs.
At the meeting a committee representative said the law‑enforcement liability component increased the premium by about $85,000 compared with the prior period. The same report said the committee heard a request from Sean Peters for a donation to the Watsega Family Festival; Peters told the committee the city donates $50,000 annually. Committee members said they would discuss the request further before responding.
The finance committee reported its 2026 budget was approved at the committee level and that it will present the budget to the full board next week. The committee chair said staff will work on the levy between now and December.
Why it matters: Insurance costs and budget and levy decisions affect county taxation and spending priorities in 2026. The committee did not provide a final decision on the festival donation at the meeting.
