Stephenson County board approves assessment agreement, confirms appointments and several finance measures

The Stephenson County Board voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement with Buckeye Township that will return property‑assessment duties to the county for 2026 through 2029. A county staff member identified only as 'Angie' presented the agreement; the motion was made by Mr. Brandt and seconded by Mr. Jogurst. The measure passed with one no vote from Mrs. Demeester.

The action came after a staff explanation that several townships previously hired private contractors when prior contracts expired; Buckeye and Oniko expressed interest in returning to county assessment services. Board members did not request further changes before the vote.

In other business, the board unanimously appointed Amy Ryle, Casey Anthony and Louann Hayes to the county 708 board on a motion by Mr. Hadley, seconded by Mr. Whelan. The finance committee also reported two approved actions: the sale of a parcel of surplus property for $12.30 and payment of guardian ad litem fees totaling $11,576.05. Mrs. Williams questioned the timing of the guardian fees; Administrator Newcomer explained that "a guardian ad litem is assigned at the beginning of the case" and that such representatives frequently do not bill until a court case is completed, which can take years.

The board received a brief planning and development item to expand the enterprise zone to include additional property owned by the BCG group; that motion passed unanimously. The meeting ended after routine committee updates and a motion to adjourn.