Iroquois County committee recommends Anita Broe to CBA, warns of member shortages

The Iroquois County committee voted to recommend Anita Broe for appointment to the County Board of Adjustments (CBA) after members described persistent attendance problems that threaten the board’s ability to hear renewable-energy and variance cases.

Julie, a county staff member who presented candidate materials, said the two applications before the committee had been vetted and that appointing alternates is urgent so future renewable-energy cases can get the statutorily required review. “I cannot stress how important it is that this be approved, and we get them appointed,” Julie said, adding that a full board would allow the CBA to perform due diligence on sizable projects.

Committee members discussed outreach challenges: farming schedules, overlapping township service, and health issues have left some appointed members inactive. Julie told the committee she currently has six appointed regular members on a seven-member board and that she can legally add two alternates. One member described outreach efforts as “a headache” and urged systematic follow-up with townships to identify willing, qualified residents.

Chair moved the recommendation and members on the record responded with aye votes to forward Broe’s appointment to the full county board. The committee also asked staff to resend application materials and to schedule interviews or outreach if needed before the county board meeting.

The committee’s action is a procedural recommendation to the full county board; the county board must confirm the appointment. The committee also asked staff to keep recruiting alternates so the CBA will have reliable quorum for impending renewable-energy and conditional-use matters.