The McLean County Board on January X approved a package of ordinances, intergovernmental agreements and emergency appropriations and received presentations from the BN Economic Development Council and Animal Services.

The Board voted to adopt ordinances amending parts of the McLean County Code and approved memoranda and agreements across several committees, including: an amendment to Chapter 108 approved by the executive committee; clarified scope for a mental-health and public-safety fund audit via a memorandum of understanding (one abstention recorded); a letter of engagement with Clifton, Larson, Allen (one abstention) with county staff clarifying that the engagement would wait until the city and town executed the related MOU; finance-committee ordinances amending Chapters 50 and 116; and multiple emergency appropriations for fiscal year 2026 affecting health, the sheriff's department, the jury commission and other funds (all meeting required two-thirds thresholds where specified). A three-year solid-waste program agreement among the Ecology Action Center, McLean County, the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal was approved with one abstention.

BN Economic Development Council director Mr. Hoban previewed the EDC's strategic plan and demonstrated a new business-intelligence tool, 'SizeUp McLean County' (bnbiz.org/sizeup), intended to help entrepreneurs and site selectors access local industry and market data. Hoban described EDC priorities—retention, expansion and attraction of jobs—and highlighted programs to support startups, technical assistance for financial analysis, an entrepreneurship lease-grant program (subsidizing up to $10,000 in lease costs) and efforts to retain recent graduates. He said the EDC has historically recovered nearly $200 million for projects and stated, "I think we're averaging 1000000000 dollars a year and 2,000 jobs a year" across recent years.

Animal Services Director Ms. Thompson presented a volunteer appreciation video and recognized donors and partner organizations, including Wishbone Canine Rescue and the Humane Society of Central Illinois. Thompson credited the new shelter facility's air circulation and kennel design with improved animal health and faster adoptions; she noted Wishbone pulled nearly 50 dogs last year and HSCI transferred 38 cats this month. Thompson showcased available animals and thanked volunteers who assist with daily care and adoption promotions.

Chair Johnston highlighted operational updates and community programs: the Sheriff's narcotics-investigation team has produced 37 felony arrests in the previous nine to ten months; the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council's FUSE (Frequent Utilizer) program has grown from about 30 participants in early 2025 to roughly 50, providing intensive services intended to divert people from jail, shelters and hospitals; and the county's IT record-management system has gone live with additional modules slated for later in the year.

Johnston also briefed the Board on recent state legislative changes expanding eligibility for the senior property-tax freeze: a $75,000 household-income cap this year, rising to $77,000 the next year and $79,000 the following year, with staff advising residents to contact the assessor's office for eligibility and assistance. Administrator Taylor reported the county's ERP transition is on schedule, with financial-management modules planned to go live in February, budgeting modules in April and HR systems in early summer.

Several items were procedural or had no public comment; no formal public appearances were recorded. The Board adjourned with routine housekeeping and committee reports noted in the unapproved minutes.