Moultrie County Board met Sept. 10, 2026, approving a slate of budget and personnel measures, including $12,000 in funding for CEFS, multiple salary increases, a county farm lease, zoning amendments, and several resolutions; board actions were taken largely by unanimous roll call votes.

Discussion Points

•Applicants provided detailed business plan; planning director recommended approval.
•Contract review deferred to State’s Attorney for legal review.
•Edwards outlined a $12,000 request split among outreach, transportation, RSVP.
•Justification for increases cited statewide averages and expanded duties; board debated relative equity among positions.
•Need for full-time armed court security to cover desk and maintain part-time backup.
•Only one bid received; board queried acreage and confirmed 217.5 acres.
•Ordinance repass intended to correct missing signed copy from 2024.
•Rising 911 dispatch costs and the structural inability of municipalities to accept personal credit-card rewards were cited as reasons for the changes.

Decisions

•Approved $12,000 funding to be included in FY2027 budget.
•Approved multiple salary increases including 12.288% for maintenance supervisor and 10% for Planning & Zoning Director.
•Approved salary increase; suspended sheriff contract motion.
•Approved special use permit and repassed ordinance amendment.
•Awarded lease to Clint Robinson.
•New ETSB/911 line created; county to implement Fifth Third commercial credit cards; property sale and conveyance approved.

Directions

•Hire staff and return sheriff contract for consideration after legal review.
•Implement approved salary increases effective Dec. 1, 2026.

Aug

Minutes

The Moultrie County Board met Aug. 13, 2026; the board approved multiple routine items, awarded a $3.251 million construction contract and related project budget bringing the new county building project to a $4.0 million total, adopted an ordinance updating court fees, created a Surplus Equity Fund for tax sales, and rejected a proposed website redesign contract over ADA-cost concerns.

Discussion Points

•Explained that the line items relate to real estate tax sales and administrative tracking.
•Graven presented bid comparisons and detailed line items totaling $4,000,000; members asked for additional numbers which Graven said he had available.
•Hart explained site location and drainage concerns for the church addition; the zoning board supported both items.
•Hart presented handout and described resignation of Jef Liddiard and other staffing limitations; discussed two-year compliance window for certification.
•Scribner described training limitations and benefits of certified range; board discussed feasibility and encouraged pursuit of grants.
•State's Attorney Tracy Weaver explained the ordinance updates local fee code to match state statute changes.
•Wilhelm noted Revize has hosted county site since at least 2018; Phelps questioned cost-effectiveness; Keena VanMeter warned county liability for ADA noncompliance.

Decisions

•Contract awarded to K. Wohltman Construction; $64,300 drive bid approved.
•Fund #060 established.
•Motion failed; no contract awarded.
•No formal appropriation or commitment at this meeting.
•No immediate policy change adopted; staff to return with options.
•Ordinance adopted.
•Variance and Special Use approved.

Directions

•Circuit Clerk to implement updated fee schedule.
•County to decide whether to require inspections and consider permit fee adjustments; notify City of Sullivan about inspector resignation.
•Planning & Zoning to include stipulations and monitor compliance.
•Proceed with contract execution pending standard contracting steps; provide schedule and budget oversight via committee.
•Seek alternatives and clarify ADA compliance responsibilities before approving vendor.
•Sheriff's Office to investigate grant opportunities; report back to board.
•Treasurer to implement fund coding and report back to Board.

Aug

Minutes

Moultrie County Board met Aug. 13, 2026, approving a $4.0 million new county building project contract, several budget and zoning items, updates to court fees (Ordinance 26-O-06), and discussing state changes to building inspector certification; a website redesign contract failed on a 4-4 vote.

Discussion Points

•Cost of Revize proposal vs. current fee; ADA compliance liability if county does not secure vendor services; lack of vendor alternatives researched.
•Current training at Sullivan Gun Club not certified by Illinois State Police and lacks security for multi-day exercises; benefits of certified range include ability to host outside instructors and allow advanced training props.
•Drainage concerns raised by a neighboring landowner; church committed to maintain tile connections to avoid runoff.
•Explanation that ordinance updates are required due to recent state legislation; new fund relates to real estate tax sales.
•House bill requires ICC certification for inspectors effective Jan. 1, 2027; inspectors have two years to obtain certification.
•Local staffing: Liddiard plans to resign; part-time inspector unwilling to expand coverage.
•Need and scope of new county building; breakdown of costs and contingency; range of services to be housed in facility.
•Potential to pursue grants to fund a certified range.
•Special-use permit for manufactured home limited to family occupancy and non-transferable on sale.

Decisions

•Adopt Ordinance 26-O-06; create Surplus Equity Fund #060.
•Approve variance and special-use permit; both motions passed 8-0.
•Board encouraged pursuit of grant opportunities; no formal funding decision made.
•Contract awarded to K. Wohltman Construction; separate drive contract awarded to AB1 General Contractor.
•Motion to approve Revize contract failed 4-4; no contract adopted.
•No formal decision recorded; board discussed options and requested follow-up.

Directions

•County to decide whether to require inspections and consider permit fee changes; notify City of Sullivan of inspector resignation.
•Planning & Zoning to document conditions in permit and record variance.
•Proceed with contract execution and scheduling; staff to follow up on permitting and project logistics.
•Sgt. Scribner to investigate grant opportunities and feasibility; report back to board.
•Staff to explore alternatives or county-managed approach to ADA compliance.
•Treasurer/Finance to implement new fund line items and update accounting records.

Jul

Minutes

Moultrie County Board met July 9, 2026; board approved routine minutes and claims, authorized budget line items for a $50,000 Medically Assisted Recovery (MAR) grant for the sheriff, approved a jurisdictional transfer of County Highway 4A to Whitley Township, addressed multiple nuisance/property safety complaints in Lovington and Bruce, discussed tornado siren gaps, and set budget deadlines and committee meeting times.

Discussion Points

•Board recorded no opposition.
•Committee continues follow-up on radio towers; identified areas lacking tornado sirens (Dalton City and Allenville).
•Committee discussed a cap on raises; Wilhelm proposed a 3% expectation and provided numbers from last year for context.
•Engineer described the exact location (.16 mile) and the expected marginal impact on MFT funding.
•Kristi described structural damage and plans to mail a certified 30-day notice; Assistant State’s Attorney warned of cross-jurisdictional liability if injuries occur.
•Kristi inspected the property and photographed the condition; she has prepared a letter for first contact.
•Roe reported the funding request and clarified levy mechanics tied to EAV.
•Routine approvals and committee reports were handled by roll-call votes or informational updates.
•Sheriff described MAR grant uses and confirmed it is one-time; Roe explained accounting necessity for revenue and expense lines.
•Site visit scheduled for July 15, 2026; bids to be opened July 29, 2026.

Decisions

•Board approved creation of MAR grant revenue and expense lines (8–0).
•Board approved the transfer (8–0).
•Multiple procedural votes approved unanimously by those present.
•No board motion recorded; administrative enforcement actions to proceed.
•No board vote required or taken.
•No formal vote recorded; advisory guidance to inform budget submissions.

Directions

•County staff to record grant lines and allow expenditures after Dec 1, 2026.
•Kristi to mail certified letter and copy the State’s Attorney; if no response, refer to legal.
•Planning director to mail first-contact letter.

Jul

Minutes

Moultrie County Board met July 9, 2026; the board approved routine financial items and several administrative motions, accepted a $50,000 Medically Assisted Recovery grant line for the sheriff, discussed nuisance properties in Lovington and Bruce, reviewed a small highway jurisdictional transfer, considered gaps in tornado sirens, and set budgeting timelines ahead of an August 4 budget hearing.

Discussion Points

•clarifying_details
•directions':['Notify relevant state/township offices to update records.'],'decisions':['Transfer approved by roll call vote.']},
•Gaps in tornado siren coverage identified; Dalton City and Allenville flagged as initial targets.
•House off foundation observed and documented by director.
•Mid-Illinois Senior Services requested a $10,000 increase, total $93,000.
•Personnel committee discussed raises and set a 3% cap expectation.
•Repeated complaints about the Long house; a recent vehicle strike worsened the north wall and increased hazard.
•Seibring described the physical location and mileage implications for MFT.
•Sheriff described intended uses of the MAR grant (training and prescriptions) and noted it is one-time.

Decisions

•Board approved creation of MAR grant accounting lines and accepted the grant.
•Informational: no board vote taken.
•No board vote; director will proceed with certified notice and legal coordination if needed.
•No county remediation or vote taken; enforcement steps to proceed administratively.
•No formal raises or budget approvals at this meeting.
•No funding or formal action at the July 9 meeting.

Directions

•Committee to continue discussion and planning.
•Create separate revenue and expense lines for MAR grant (059-000-40820 and 059-000-50859).
•Departments to submit budget items by July 10; board to receive materials by July 20.
•Send a first-contact letter to the owner requesting response.
•Send certified letter copying State's Attorney giving owners 30 days to respond with a remediation plan.

Jun

Minutes

At its June 11, 2026 meeting the Moultrie County Board approved an intergovernmental agreement designating Effingham County as the grant recipient for public transportation funding, approved routine financial reports and claims, awarded a drainage contract for Lovington Township, renewed retail liquor licenses for 2026–27, and heard a warning from the county clerk about a shortage of election judges.

Discussion Points

•Board decided to approve Effingham County to preserve funding for FY2027.
•Board discussed the need for advertising and pre-bid procedures.
•Board reviewed and discussed the status of NorthEnd Pub & Grill after a fire and operational plans by 32 Marine.
•Clerk Qualls reported receipt of a hand-delivered letter and IGA from Beth Beck Marts.
•Clerk reported low response to election judge recruitment letters and scheduled training for Oct. 27, 2026.
•Clerk warned of possible polling-location consolidations for the Nov. 3, 2026 election if judges are insufficient.
•Committee approved financial reports and claims.
•Florey asked whether the destroyed building would be rebuilt; response was rebuilding expected in fall.
•Josh Roe explained Shelby County can no longer administrate the funds and Effingham County is available to serve as administrator.
•K. Graven presented the committee recommendation to award the contract for drainage construction in Lovington Township.
•Roe outlined budget submission deadlines and hearing schedule.
•T. Graven reported project progress and a plan to review architect materials at an extra meeting June 17.

Decisions

•Committee motions to approve reports and claims carried 8–0.
•Contract award approved 8–0.
•License renewals approved 8–0.
•No formal board action taken.
•No formal vote; project to proceed to bidding once documents are ready.
•Ordinance approved 8–0; Intergovernmental Agreement approved 8–0.

Directions

•Board members to refer potential election judges to the clerk's office.
•Building & Property committee to hold extra meeting June 17 and proceed with public notice and pre-bid processes.
•Clerk to forward signed copies and ordinance to Beth Beck Marts.
•Clerk to process renewals; monitor any changes if businesses alter status.
•Departments to submit budgets to treasurer by July 10; treasurer to provide packet to committee by July 20; budget hearings Aug. 4.
•Proceed to contract execution and scheduling.

May

Minutes

Moultrie County Board approved the Fiscal Year 2025 final audit, claims and Treasurer's reports; formed an ad hoc Capital Asset Policy committee; approved a special-use permit for a woodworking/milling shop in Arthur; and heard an update on regional transit arrangements and upcoming tax-bill mailings.

Discussion Points

•Audit finding noted absence of asset policy; committee membership suggested.
•Deputy sheriff contract negotiations will begin soon; budget season approaching.
•If Effingham approves in full board, a new inter-county agreement for transport services is expected in June.
•ITS indicated Shelby County no longer eligible due to 2023 audit; Effingham County committee voted to assume recipient role.
•Resolution moved and seconded; no discussion recorded.
•Sarina VanMeter will maintain asset inventory.
•Special Use Permit moved and seconded; no public comment recorded.
•Tax bills scheduled to be mailed on or before May 22; constituents should be referred to the Assessor's office for questions.
•This action renews an existing agreement for planning technical assistance.

Decisions

•Appropriate funds for County Engineer salary
•Approve Treasurer's reports, claims, and FY2025 audit
•Committee created; Sarina VanMeter assigned inventory responsibility.
•Contract renewal approved
•Special Use Permit approved

Directions

•Form ad hoc committee as proposed.

Apr

Minutes

At an emergency Moultrie County Board meeting April 14, 2026, the board approved a $106,580 emergency purchase of two Dell PowerEdge servers after officials described recent server outages that disabled courthouse systems. County vendors said the units are available quickly as scratch-and-dent systems and come with five-year warranties.

Discussion Points

•Board considered future rotating purchases and dedicated servers for new facilities.
•Need for rotating purchases and lifecycle planning for county servers.
•Potential requirement for separate servers in new county buildings to enable remote access.
•Servers previously failed and disabled courthouse systems; purchase intended to restore operations.
•Vendor QNS offered refurbished units available faster than new builds, with estimated savings and timeline.
•Vendor warranty and service options relevant to maintenance planning.
•Warranty options (five-year standard, optional extensions) and expected service life discussed.

Decisions

•Approved emergency purchase of two servers, total $106,580, by roll-call vote 9–0.

Directions

•Include server redundancy and warranty considerations in procurement documentation.
•Vendor to begin installation after hours; board to document funding source and procurement file.

Apr

Minutes

The Moultrie County Board met April 9, 2026, and approved changes to the county hotel/motel tax ordinance, appointed a tourism committee, suspended the hotel/motel tax for one year starting June 1, adopted salary resolutions for the county clerk and treasurer, awarded road contracts, approved a liquor license pending insurance, and set an emergency meeting to consider server purchases.

Discussion Points

•Discussion about parity between County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, and Treasurer positions; suggestion to set salary for four years until next election.
•Engineer noted location and project context; discussion included rising commodity and trucking costs and bid comparison to estimate.
•Qualls explained license nontransferability after property sale and that proof of insurance was outstanding.
•Quorum and chair naming for the tourism committee were raised by Josh Roe; State's Attorney to review quorum definition.
•Wilhelm raised that the servers were not included in the budget; vendor pricing and availability constraints highlighted by QNS employee Adam L.

Decisions

•Contracts and low bid accepted; projects to proceed under awarded contractors.
•Emergency meeting to be scheduled; formal purchase decision deferred to that meeting.
•License approval contingent on receipt of proof of property liability insurance.
•Ordinance amended; tourism committee appointments approved (one abstention); hotel/motel tax suspended for one year starting June 1, 2026.
•Resolutions passed to set salary schedules; implementation planned by payroll.

Directions

•Clerk to confirm insurance documentation before finalizing license.
•County Clerk to notify tax collectors of suspension; State's Attorney to review quorum definition for appointments.
•County payroll to implement schedule effective FY2027.
•Execute contracts and coordinate scheduling with townships.
•Schedule an emergency meeting prior to the 10-day price lock expiration and prepare procurement documentation.

Mar

Minutes

Moultrie County Board met March 12, 2026. The board approved a University of Illinois Extension levy, accepted bids for courthouse camera upgrades, approved several appointments and an ordinance on election judges, and rejected proposed four-year salary resolutions for the Clerk/Recorder and Treasurer/Collector.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of fundraiser date/time and beneficiary school districts
•CCAO Morgason confirmed incumbents wished to continue
•Clerk clarified review schedule (February of even-numbered years)
•Concerns about lack of information and timing to set four-year pay schedules
•Extension presented program counts and outreach figures
•Farmland committee seat requires a Moultrie County farmer
•Introduction of a new deputy finishing field training
•iPrime trusteeship is voluntary; expenses covered by organization
•Lengthy discussion about whether to set multi-year salaries without broader board input
•Motion passed unanimously
•No questions were raised by board members
•Only one bid received; upgrade replaces analog cameras with smart cameras
•Project intended to expand courthouse surveillance

Decisions

•Agreement approved 9–0
•All listed appointments approved 9–0; Bethany Fire trustee was read as first reading
•Both salary resolutions failed on roll call and were referred back to committee
•Contract awarded to Picture Perfect Technologies for $62,771
•Ordinance approved 9–0

Directions

•County Clerk to apply new judge counts and review biennially
•Proceed with accepted contract and schedule installation
•Refer both resolutions back to Budget & Finance Committee for further review and information gathering

Feb

Minutes

Moultrie County Board met Feb. 11, 2026; members approved minutes and multiple intergovernmental agreements and ordinances, accepted transportation grant updates, confirmed several appointments, approved bids for facility projects, and tabled an elections-related ordinance.

Discussion Points

•Additional wording required for statutory compliance, located in final paragraph of ordinance
•CEFS compliance and outreach work to expand transit
•CEFS received $157,773.00 increase in Downstate Operating Assistance Program; requires 20% match
•Committee discussing elected-official salary structure and timing; 180-day rule before general election
•Concerns about insufficient election judges to staff upcoming elections
•Coroner Lynn Reed: limited options; IGA seen as best option
•Highway building presented as a multi-use facility; blueprints distributed
•IEMSA/IEMA membership continuation
•Jail camera bid amended from $278,000.00 to $248,000.00
•Need to add alternates for Regional Planning Commission due to age/health of several members
•Shelby County designated as primary recipient for grant administration
•Treasurer's report and claims approved.

Decisions

•Amended ordinance approved
•Appointment approved
•Approve jail camera bid; authorize highway building bid process
•IEMA membership approved; coroner IGA approved
•Ordinance approved; IGA approved
•Ordinance tabled
•Reports approved; no salary change voted

Directions

•Add alternates to Planning & Zoning roster
•Continue salary study and timeline planning
•Coordinate local match planning
•Execute coroner IGA with McLean County
•Execute intergovernmental agreement with Shelby County
•Execute jail camera contract at amended amount
•File ordinance with required language and publish
•Proceed with procurement for highway building
•Recruit more judges and reassess ordinance

Jan

Minutes

Moultrie County Board met Jan. 15, 2026; board approved routine financial reports, confirmed multiple drainage commissioner appointments and a zoning rezone to allow commercial storage units, received a 4‑H program update, and tabled an intergovernmental morgue agreement over liability concerns.

Discussion Points

•4‑H enrollment doubled to 135 members; clubs increased from 10 to 20.
•Approval of treasurer's report, claims, and six‑month reports; all motions passed unanimously.
•Chair read full list of appointees and term expiration date.
•Chair signed jail water‑heater contract with expected completion March 1.
•Discussions continue about a possible new building near the jail.
•Draft agreement appeared to assign 100% liability to Moultrie County per Lynn Reed and State's Attorney review.
•Highway technician retirement will require recruitment.
•Insurance agent advised coverage follows contracts but warned of one‑sided language; ICRMT indicated coverage but noted potential consequences for premiums.
•Josh Roe emphasized the need for member attendance at upcoming budget meetings to address elected‑position salary matters by May 3.
•No recorded discussion of site plan or conditions.
•Program plans include a mock trial and courthouse tour to be coordinated with the State's Attorney.
•Rezone request and zoning committee recommendation (3–1).

Decisions

•Financial reports and claims approved; no salary decisions made at this meeting.
•Full board approved rezone 7–0.
•Informational presentation; no board action.
•Informational updates; no committee motions recorded at meeting.
•Motion to approve appointees carried 7–0.
•Motion to table the agreement passed 7–0; no final approval given.

Directions

•Board members to attend upcoming Budget & Finance meetings for salary discussions.
•Revise agreement language to reference 'at‑fault party' where appropriate and circulate to insurer and ICRMT for review.

Jan

Minutes

The Moultrie County Board met Jan. 15, 2026; members approved minutes, several committee motions, and a rezoning request, appointed multiple drainage commissioners, heard a 4-H enrollment update, and tabled an intergovernmental morgue agreement over liability concerns.

Discussion Points

•4‑H enrollment doubled to 135 members
•Application process opened for replacement
•Contract for new jail water heaters signed Jan. 14, 2026
•Draft appears to shift 100% of liability to Moultrie County (per Lynn Reed)
•Highway technician to retire at year-end
•Insurer advised coverage would follow contract but recommended not signing as‑is and to specify an 'at‑fault party'
•List of appointees and district assignments provided
•Motion carried as a single slate
•Motion to table passed 7–0
•Ongoing discussions about a new building near the jail
•Plans to coordinate mock trial and courthouse tour with State's Attorney
•Program clubs increased from 10 to 20
•Projected completion by March 1, 2026
•Reminder: salary decisions for elected positions due 180 days before general election (by May 3)
•Rezoning will permit commercial storage units at the parcel
•Treasurer's report, claims, and six-month reports approved
•Zoning committee recommendation (3-1) noted

Decisions

•Agreement tabled for further review
•Appointments approved
•Contract signing reported
•Financial reports and claims approved
•Rezoning approved by board

Directions

•Board members to attend upcoming budget meetings
•County counsel/State's Attorney to pursue revisions and insurer guidance

Dec

Minutes

The Moultrie County Board met Dec. 11, 2025. Members approved routine financial items, awarded a $62,700 contract to replace the jail water heater, voted to submit an advisory referendum on the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, and adopted an ordinance creating a formal procedure for burn bans (7–1). Committees reported ongoing work on a proposed new county building and staffing changes at the health department.

Discussion Points

•Angie Hogan proposed moving nursing staff to 32 hours/week and 8 a.m.–5 p.m. days to allow a higher hourly rate while preserving annual salary.
•Committee agreed Health Department board supports the change.
•Committee discovered the west-side footprint is smaller than expected and is evaluating south and east alternatives.
•East-side placement could require moving antennas.
•Mike Jennings and State's Attorney Tracy Weaver said the ordinance was drafted from state law and neighboring-county best practices to address past problems with open burning.
•Tyler Graven explained tankless configuration was cheaper than replacing a single 250‑gallon heater and would save on utility bills.

Decisions

•Contract awarded to Davis‑Houk Mechanical, Inc. for $62,700
•Further review over several months
•Implementation expected in January or February
•Multiple routine approvals; burn‑ban ordinance adopted 7–1
•Ordinance adopted 7–1

Nov

Minutes

The Moultrie County Board met Nov. 13, 2025, and approved the county's 2026 budget and levy, several resolutions and routine claims; the board also continued a six-month moratorium on CO2 pipeline construction and heard committee reports including a proposed county expansion building with preliminary cost estimates.

Discussion Points

•Board reviewed Treasurer's reports, claims, budget and levy; building expansion options were presented with cost estimates.
•Committee presented proposed building program and preliminary engineering cost estimates.
•Insurance renewals discussed with vendor Danielle Finn explaining premium changes and workers' comp credit.
•Members discussed the proposal and requested additional information; no motion to proceed was recorded.

Decisions

•Approve FY2026 Budget and Levy.
•Approve insurance renewals and routine claims.
•Approve sale of parcel to Marrowbone Township Cemetery.
•Continue six-month CO2 pipeline moratorium.
•No formal authorization to design, procure, or construct recorded

Directions

•Board asked members to prefer Oakwood Apothecary or Sullivan Pharmacy when possible to help control costs.
•County staff to retain engineering estimates and gather contractor bids for proposed building (no formal motion to bid recorded).
•Gather additional information, including potential contractor bids and further cost breakdowns (no formal direction recorded in minutes).

Oct

Minutes

At its Oct. 16, 2025 meeting in the Moultrie County Courthouse, the Moultrie County Board approved multiple fiscal actions including large state highway grant spending authority, budget amendments to fund new financial software and website upgrades, several property sales, and a 4% salary-line increase for select offices; the board also approved a correction officer union contract and published the FY2026 budget for public inspection.

Discussion Points

•Board reviewed a series of budget amendments including technology, highway grants, and special projects.
•Members debated personnel compensation paths (failed $1/hr CIAO incentive; approved 4% salary-line authority).

Decisions

•Approve budget amendments to accept and spend state grant funds.
•Publish FY2026 budget as amended for public inspection.

Directions

•Highway Department to program and schedule projects funded by state grants; provide updates to committees.
•Staff to issue RFP for financial software and proceed with procurement steps.

Sep

Minutes

At its Sept. 11, 2025 meeting at the Moultrie County Courthouse, the Moultrie County Board approved a series of budget amendments and personnel pay adjustments, made multiple appointments to local boards, and allocated $8,000 to CEFS while passing a resolution supporting the agency.

Discussion Points

•Chair noted the Class F license approved was the last available.
•Crystal Edwards summarized allocation breakdown for CEFS funding.
•Reason for IMRF increases: to match expected expenses (explained by Roe).
•Roe noted the county had made a similar allocation the prior year.
•Roe thanked Glen Brunson for 30+ years of service; Brunson stepped down from 708 board.
•Whether a 4% COLA would apply across submitted payroll requests (clarified by Josh Roe).

Decisions

•Approve $8,000 allocation for CEFS and adopt supporting resolution.
•Confirm appointments; accept low chiller bid; approve prorated Class F license.
•Move FY2026 COLA from 6.1% to 4%; approve multiple budget line-item changes; approve stipend and position-specific pay increases.

Directions

•Treasurer to review auditor bids and return recommendation at a future meeting.

Aug

Minutes

At its Aug. 14, 2025 meeting, the Moultrie County Board appointed a new member, approved routine finance items including reinstating a county retailers’ occupation tax for unincorporated areas, accepted the FY2024 audit and corrective action plan, approved several planning and zoning requests, authorized an aerial imagery purchase, approved legal representation for a multi-county lawsuit, and approved a $30,000 settlement in Zillow, Inc. v. Moultrie County.

Discussion Points

•Audit acceptance noted improvements and two corrective items requiring bank statement collection.
•Board deliberated in executive session on Zillow settlement before approving $30,000 settlement.
•Board discussed revenue decline prompting reinstatement of locally collected retailers' taxes for unincorporated areas.
•Committee assignments made following board appointment; insurance vendor options presented by consultant.
•Directions to HR and Clerk to process administrative steps.
•State's Attorney Weaver explained the multi-county suit and the attorney general's decision not to handle the matter.
•Zoning board recommended approvals; applicants or their spokespeople addressed drainage and neighbor concerns.

Decisions

•All planning and zoning motions approved unanimously (9-0).
•Appointee sworn in and assigned committees; liquor license and benefits actions approved.
•Ordinance reinstating retailers' taxes approved; FY2024 audit accepted; corrective action plan approved; ReGroup agreement approved.
•Tressler retained; Zillow settlement approved for $30,000.

Directions

•Budget & Finance committee to finalize budget in September and present for public display in October.
•Clerk to record oath; HR to implement benefits changes.
•Planning & Zoning to process permits and documentation following approvals.
•State's Attorney to finalize engagement with Tressler and execute settlement paperwork.

Jul

Minutes

The Moultrie County Board met July 10, 2025. The board accepted the resignation of Scott Buxton, Chair Travis Phelps appointed Joe Wallis to fill the remainder of that term and Wallis was sworn in; the Budget & Finance Committee approved the treasurer’s report and claims and recommended the State’s Attorney draft a resolution to retain the county grocery tax ahead of an October 1 deadline; board members were notified of upcoming budget hearings and candidate packet/filing dates; a radio-frequency conflict delayed a sheriff’s repeater project.

Discussion Points

•Chair Roe emphasized the need to draft and vote on a resolution before the Oct. 1, 2025 deadline.
•Members asked how much revenue the grocery tax would generate for the county; a precise dollar amount was not known and was not provided.
•No motion was proposed; item recorded as informational.
•Tyler Graven requested that minutes be amended to show his attendance at the June meeting.
•Zancha reported Global Tech identified a frequency conflict with Arrow Ambulance.

Decisions

•Acceptance of Scott Buxton’s resignation; Chair appointment of Joe Wallis; first reading of Bill Harlin’s appointment.
•Approve Treasurer’s report and claims; recommend drafting grocery-tax resolution.
•No formal action taken; project delayed pending reassignment.

Directions

•Await frequency reassignment and any required reapplication by Arrow Ambulance before proceeding.
•County Clerk to amend and post minutes as requested.
•State’s Attorney to draft the grocery tax resolution; Treasurer to prepare RFP letters for auditor replacement.

Jun

Minutes

Moultrie County Board met June 12, 2025; members approved routine financial reports, reappointed two health board members, authorized a cybersecurity contract, discussed possibly reinstating a 1% grocery tax in certain unincorporated areas, and heard a funding request from the Mid-Illinois Senior Center.

Discussion Points

•Budget hearings scheduled Aug. 5–6 for further fiscal planning.
•Chairman Phelps raised reinstating a 1% grocery tax in limited unincorporated areas where county collection remains possible.
•Chief County Assessment Officer Alicia Morgason to verify tax status for the rented closet.
•Clerk to follow up on a vendor invoice that listed incorrect name.
•Health Department director to discuss HIPAA needs with Heart Technologies.
•No ordinance or revenue estimate was presented; Phelps said ordinance passage would be required before Oct. 1, 2025.
•Senior Center requested a $10,000 increase above typical county support (~$63,000/year) due to higher utilities, property taxes on a closet rented by the Masons, and reduced thrift-store revenue.

Decisions

•All listed motions approved unanimously (8–0).
•No formal action or vote taken; informational discussion only.
•No vote taken on June 12; informational request to be considered in budget process.

Directions

•Clerk to correct vendor invoice and report back.
•Health Department to coordinate with vendor on HIPAA compliance.
•Place grocery tax discussion on next month’s agenda for further consideration.
•Refer funding request to budget & finance for consideration during budget hearings on Aug. 5 and 6.

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