Stephenson County staff reported that a court ruled in the county's favor on reimbursement for guardrail replacement after an uninsured, impaired motorist caused the damage on Rock City Road. Staff said the county expects reimbursement of roughly $35,000 and that full payment is anticipated by July, but that only a small court-fee check had been received at the time of the meeting.

County legal counsel explained that a judgment alone does not obligate immediate repayment and recommended filing a "citation to discover assets" to locate bank accounts, wages or other attachable property. Counsel described the citation procedure as a step that brings the individual into court to produce bank records and other asset information; if assets or wages are found, the county could pursue garnishment or place a lien on real property (liens generally last seven years).

Committee members discussed whether the judgment resulted from a civil or criminal restitution order; staff clarified it was a civil judgment and that the citation to discover assets is the appropriate next step. The county will pursue collection steps in coordination with counsel and may request a payment plan or garnishment depending on the findings.

No specific plan for enforcement timing beyond the recommended citation was recorded; staff said they would follow up. The committee did not vote on further immediate action during the meeting.