Jasper County Board Minutes
COUNTY OF JASPER NEWTON, ILLINOIS
County Office Building 204 W Washington St, Newton, IL 62448
August 11 th , 2022
The County Board met in regular session on Thursday, August 11 th , 2022. The meeting was called to
order at 7:00 pm by proclamation according to law by Sheriff Francis. Sheriff Francis led a moment in
silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present were Bollman, Fehrenbacher, Geier, Hall,
Heltsley, Hickox, Kerner, Leffler, Warfel, and Weddell. Absent was Pickens and Swick.
Public comments: None
Swick and Warfel had a conversation because of health issues Swick would like someone else to be
chairman of the ambulance committee, but he would still remain on the committee. Hickox would be
appointed to become the chairman of the ambulance committee. No board members objected.
Geier made a motion to approve the agenda. Weddell seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice
vote.
Committee Reports: Standing Committees
Ambulance Department: Jasper County Ambulance Committee meeting was held on August 3 rd , 2022,
in the County Board Room. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Darrell Hickox also present
were committee members Ron Swick, Mike Hall, Danny Kerner, and Doug Weddell. Other board
members present were AC Pickens, Ron Heltsley, Jason Warfel, Angela Fehrenbacher, Ben Bollman,
and Brian Leffler. State’s Attorney James Treccia. From the Jasper County Ambulance Service Jeremy
Gracey, Julie Alzate, John Curtright, and John Phillips. Andrew and Jennifer Hargrave with United Life
Care and additional members of the public. Old Business: The Billing Service is now in full operation.
New Business: Jeremy Gracey submitted his resignation as acting Ambulance Service Manager on July
26, 2022. August 12 th will be his final day. Building Update: the AC is working after McCoy replaced the
compressor. Staffing Update: 2 part-time medics have been hired. Both are signed up and working shifts
in August. A full-time basic has been hired. He tested into region 6 on August 2, did ride time on August
2 and August 3, and is filling in days for August. With 5 full-time basics, the hope is for September to go
to a rotation to help with the overtime. Andrew and Jennifer Hargrave with United Life Care felt payroll
could be streamlined within the service to help reduce the number of hours a manager would need to be
in the department. Board Member Comments: Leffler addressed those present that it is his intention and
the intention of board members he has spoken with that this remains a Jasper County ran service.
Committee and Board Members present expressed thanks to Jeremy Gracey for his service both within
the department and as manager and wished him the best. Swick made a motion to enter closed session
to discuss personnel matters, Hall seconded, and with a roll call vote of the committee members all
voting in favor 5-0 the committee entered closed session at 7:11 p.m. The committee resumed open
session at 8:44 p.m. Swick made a motion for Jeremy Gracey to act upon the personnel issue as the
committee had instructed Kerner seconded the motion – all were in favor. Hall made a motion to revise
and extend the contract with United Life Care that would allow them to fill the management role in the
interim Weddell seconded the motion – all were in favor. Next scheduled meeting will be Wednesday,
September 7, 2022, at 8:30 a.m.
Buildings: The Building Committee of Jasper County met on Monday, August 9 8h , 2022 at 7:00
pm. Tom’s Report: The picnic tables from Frichtl’s for the courthouse lawn are completed and
the bill has been submitted. Wayne’s Tree Service plans to work on the newly planted trees in
the courthouse lawn that were damaged because of weather. New keypads have been installed
in the county building. The exterior keypads have been installed but have not yet been coded.
Tom mentioned his part-time replaces during his medical leave. Old Business: The committee
discussed new ideas for the courthouse lawn pavilion. Tom mentioned the possible need for a
janitor to clean the new jail building in the future. New Business: The committee reviewed Tom’s
current budget and began planning his proposed budget for next year. Pickens received an
estimate from John L. Lewis Concrete Construction to repair the concrete southern steps of the
courthouse. Hickox made a motion to hire John L. Lewis Concrete Construction to fix the
concrete steps for an estimate of $18,330. Geier seconded the motion. The motion carried on a
voice vote. Next meeting September 12 at 7:00 pm.
Finance:
The Jasper County Finance Committee met on Monday, July 8 th , 2022. Treasurer’s Report: None but
information was emailed. New Business: Sarah Kinkade and Ryan Probst spoke on Economic
Development and Chamber which have been combined. Different members of the community are
representatives. Communication is better and still being worked on. Warfel gave a background and
history of the Economic Development and Chamber. Money is needed to keep having events to bring
people into the community and to support expenses. $10,000 is in the budget but the county has not
donated since 2020. Fehrenbacher made a motion to donate $10,000 to Jasper County Chamber and
Economic Development. Bollman seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote. Heltsley
made a motion to approve the Sheriff’s 6-month report. Bollman seconded the motion. The motion
carried on a voice vote. Francis spoke on the daily operations debit card limits and the problems it has
caused. The current limit is $1,000 and the money comes from daily operations. Bollman made a motion
to increase the limit to $3,000 of the Sheriff’s Daily Operations Debit Card Limits. Fehrenbacher
seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote. Warfel spoke on a letter of support Indiana
Railroad has requested. A letter of support was given last fiscal year for them, and they did not receive
the funds, so they are applying again. Fehrenbacher made a motion for a letter of support to the Indiana
Railroad from the county. Heltsley seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote. Old
Business: Warfel spoke on the Four Day work week for the county building. Warfel spoke with the UCCI
attorney, and he did not see any problems with a 4-day work week. There was discussion on the idea.
Bollman made a motion for the county building to go to a 4-day work week. Heltsley seconded the
motion. The motion carried on a voice vote. Operations will continue to discuss the pay scale, should be
a 5-year plan. Elected officials’ have the discretion of pay within budget. James Treccia have been trying
to work out an agreement for joint public defender, Clay County board does not want to. So, he will
continue to look for a part-time public defender. ARPA Funds have been administered by the treasurer.
Warfel would like to consider compensating the treasurer. Warfel went on to explain that other counties
paid another entity to administer the funds and reporting. Bollman made a motion for a one-time
compensation of $5,000 to the treasurer for ARPA Funds Administration. Heltsley seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a voice vote. FY 2023 Budget work has begun. Pickens chairman of the buildings
committee spoke on a quote from John Lewis for $18,330 for the south outside entrance of the
courthouse steps. He thinks he can take the cap off the porch and replace it. Lewis did seem willing to
complete the work this fall. The current ramp is grandfathered because it would not meet disability
requirements and if it would be all replaced new it would have to meet the requirements. Heltsley made a
motion to have John Lewis redo the cap for $18,330 with money from the ARPA Funds set aside for
buildings. Bollman seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote. Next meeting Monday,
September 12 th , 2022 at 8:30 am at the County Building.
The Jasper County Finance Committee met on Monday, July 18 th , 2022. New Business: Ann Marie with
Kemper presented the county financial audit. She pointed out that on page 7 Summary of Changes of
Funds Balances, a general overview of the county. She pointed out that the IMRF levy can be lowered,
the money can only be used for the purpose of IMRF. IMRF payment of 9% from personal property will
not change, a reoccurring requirement. A 2-to-3-year accumulation good, need to evaluate and get hard
figures for future retirements. There are several interfund loans, she spoke on the different loans.
Performance grants and sheriff cannabis fund needs cleaned up. She cited page 45 Summary of
General Fund, page 52 & 53 Health Department Fund single audit. Highway grants fluctuate. Health
Department has recommendations. There have been improvements, but still could be improved. Review
payroll summary monthly, documented policies and controls. Ann Marie will submit forms to the state.
The audit went overly well, more programs which requires more work. Next year hopefully the audit will
be ready by May or June. Jodi with Kemper reviews the audit along with another employee. Next year
will hold the board meeting the 3 rd week so a special finance meeting will not have to be held. Bollman
made a motion to approve the audit. Fehrenbacher seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
Next meeting Monday, August 8 th , 2022 at 8:30 am at the County Building.
Highway Department: The Jasper County Road & Bridge Committee met on Monday, August 8, 2022,
7:00 a.m. at the Highway Office. New Business: The County Engineer discussed the 2023 Budget. The
next regular Road & Bridge Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, September 12, 2022.
Operations: The Operations Committee of Jasper County met on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 7:00 pm.
New Business: The committee discussed the current county office clerical pay scales. The committee
discussed updating this scale with more current numbers. The committee discussed the proposal of a
four-day work week for the county buildings, including the advantages and disadvantages of this
plan. Bollman proposed creating an annual employee appreciation luncheon, which the committee
discussed. Next meeting August 15th, 2022 at 7:00 pm.
Public Safety: The Public Safety Committee met on Monday, July 18 th , 2022 at 6:30 pm. Monthly
Reports: Sheriff Francis informed the committee that a dispatch position is currently vacant. The sheriff’s
department is accepting applications for the position. The jail building is nearing completion. Technology
for the jail offices will be installed later. Francis is on a waiting list with Kansas Highway Patrol to get
another patrol car. Old Business: Steve Lyddon plans to schedule a walkthrough of the county buildings
to make recommendations to correct possible liabilities. New Business: The committee discussed the
status of the county dump and whether a solid waste ordinance is necessary. The committee discussed
this and other possible ideas. The committee spoke about the current animal control budget. Next
meeting August 15 th at 6:30 pm.
Informative
Law Enforcement Center Pay/Progress: Woodard spoke on contractor is prepared for the design team to
complete a “final punch list” on the office portion of the Jail facility, along with the exterior of the building
and site. The detention portion of the facility is still absent necessary materials to complete. This punch
list process will be performed on August 18 th . A “Certificate of Substantial Completion” will be delivered
to the contractor, along with a completed punch list, on or after August 22 nd . This procedure is significant
for a number of reasons as follows: It transfers responsibility of the building from the Contractor to the
Owner. It commences all Contractor “warranty” requirements. It allows the Owner to occupy that portion
of the building. Undoubtedly, there will be a list of items that the Contractor will need to address.
Ultimately, final payment will not be issued to the Contractor until those items are completed. County
should notify the County’s insurance company, so that appropriate coverage is in place by August 22 nd .
The process of transferring utilities from the Contractor to the Owner will also begin on that date. August
6 th and 7 th dispatch equipment will be installed.
Board of Health- Gave activities report.
Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development – Quarterly Meeting was held on July 28 th at the
large pavilion at Peterson Park was well attended. Planning another Quarterly Meeting in October.
Cruise Night is tomorrow night August 12 at 6:00 pm. Fall Festival is September 10 th . Family Life Center
(Old Wolf Eye Care) is this Sunday. Family Life Center is having a fundraiser Saturday at the West End
Event Center. Moving forward with Bar Trail website/promotion plans.
Heltsley made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the following items: Approval of
County Board July 14, 2022, Minutes; Approval of July and August Standing Committee Minutes;
Approval of FY2022 Support for Indiana Rail Road’s Wabash Valley Rail Bridges Project; Appointment of
Norbert E. Ochs as Commissioner of the Captain Pond Drainage and Levee District [2025]; Authorize
Sheriff’s Office Daily Operation Debit Card Limit Increase to $3,000; File County Reports including Six
Month Report from Sheriff and Allow Claims. Hall seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
Old business: None
New Business:
Item A – Approval of $18,330 from the ARPA Funds from County Buildings for the Courthouse Porch
Cap & Steps This was discussed at both the Building and Finance meetings. In May the County Board
approved the allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds. $197,391 was allocated to
County Building & Others for building improvements at the county building and court courthouse as well
as a place for the remaining ARPA funds. John L. Lewis Concrete Construction, Inc. (Teutopolis, IL) has
provided Tom and the Building Committee with an estimate for the removal & replacement of the 11’x12’
porch cap, removal, and replacement of 8 steps including concrete, rebar, jackhammer, saw, skid loader,
dump truck, labor (the job was bid as prevailing wage) on the courthouse at $18,330. As was discussed
and approved at the finance committee meeting on Monday the request would be to use $18,330 of the
allotted $197,391 towards this project and any possible replacement of the wall would be taken from the
County Building budget. Hickox made a motion for the approval of $18,330 from the ARPA Funds from
County Buildings for the Courthouse Porch Cap & Step project. Leffler seconded the motion. Motion
carried on a voice vote.
Item B – Approval of ARPA Funds Administration Compensation of $5,000 to the Jasper County
Treasurer going to address next month, a question has be raised and needs further research.
Item C – Approval of $10,000 Annual Donation to Jasper County Chamber and Economic Development
In the early 2000s, the executive director of the Jasper County Chamber also handled economic
development for the county. In the mid-2000s the job of economic development became more
cumbersome than the director could handle, and the County and City began working together to find an
individual to specialize in economic development. In 2012 the entity of Jasper County Economic
Development, Inc. (JEDI) was created. This entity was a partnership between the County/City/other local
entities and the business in Jasper County to promote economic development. Businesses and
organizations paid membership dues yearly and the city contributed $20,000 while the County
contributed $10,000 and office space in the Health Department Annex building. In 2021 the structure of
the organization was altered so that the Chamber and Economic Development would again work towards
a common goal and help reduce the number of organizations in our community doing the same thing. At
the Finance Committee meeting on Monday, Ryan Probst (President) and Sarah Kinkaid (Director) were
on hand to discuss the changes and ask for the continued support of the County. There are no longer
two separate donations (chamber/economic development) there is only one. The office of economic
development has been moved to the chamber. The large salary and benefits package of the previous
economic development director has been eliminated. The Finance committee on Monday approved the
annual donation of $10,000 to the Jasper County Chamber and Economic Development. City is donating
$20,000. Chamber does have a board for events. Cruise Nights and Fall Festival and TIF applications
have been items that has taken place. Bollman said moving in the right direction. Fehrenbacher made a
motion for the approval of the annual $10,000 donation to the Jasper County Chamber and Economic
Development. Bollman seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
Item D – 4 Day Work Week County Office Building [Clerk, Treasurer, Supervisor of Assessments Offices]
With increasing inflation, rising gas prices, and societal changes the possibility of a Four-Day work week
is being explored. Potential benefits of a Four-Day work week include higher productivity, improved
efficiency, better work-life balance, lower overhead cost, and extended hours for public access to County
Offices. A Four-Day work week would incentivize county employees while helping offset the rising cost
for both the employees and offices. The County Board would only have the authority to change the
days/hours for the offices located in the County Building including the County Clerk’s Office [55 ILCS 5/3-
2007], Supervisor of Assessment’s Office, and County Treasurer’s Office [55 ILCS 5/3-10008]. The
County Board would also have authority over the Highway Department and Ambulance Department
however no changes are being proposed for those departments at this time. Additional Offices may wish
to look at adopting a similar schedule however the County Board would not have direct authority to
implement those changes. The Circuit Court has determined the Circuit Clerk & Probation will remain
open 5 days a week. Specific section of the County’s Personnel Policy will need to be amended to reflect
the changes including Section 5 dealing with Vacation, Personal and Sick Days as well as Section 19
that covers Work Hours. Continue discussion next month.
Item E Approval of the Jasper County Ambulance Service Interim Management Contract with United Life
Care and Item F Jasper County Ambulance Service will be taken up following the Closed Session.
Board Comments: Recycling Event at highway department on August 27 th 7 am -1 pm unless trailer is
filled. Hickox, please give Ron Swick a call he is feeling down his health is not well.
Chairman’s Comments: HopeTrust and Snedeker Risk Management Fall Conference will be September
27-29 in East Peoria. Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP to Snedeker’s by September 1 st .
Budget meetings with departments will continue Monday, August 15 th starting at 8:30 a.m. again all board
members that are able are encouraged to attend. I ask everyone to continue to keep Mr. Swick in your
thoughts and prayers. Jeremy Gracey last day is tomorrow and thanked him to stepping up to manage
the As I mentioned last
Heltsley made a motion to go into closed session for Discussion of Personnel 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
Weddell seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote with Bollman, Fehrenbacher, Geier,
Hall, Heltsley, Hickox, Kerner, Leffler, Warfel, and Weddell. Pickens and Swick were absent. Left open
session at 7:35 pm.
Came out of closed session at 9:36 pm.
Item E – Approval of Jasper County Ambulance Service Interim Management Contract with United Life
Care Following the Ambulance Committee meeting, last week the consulting contract with United Life
Care from May 12-Aug 12 would conclude with a payout of $7,500. The States’ Attorney has worked
with United Life Care and their Attorney on a new contract that is being presented tonight. This new
contract states that United Life Care (Andrew and Jennifer Hargrave) are the interim manager of JCAS
until a new manager is hired and efficiently trained. Since this does not have an ending date, and they
will be doing twice the amount of work, the proposal is for $5,000 monthly, to be paid monthly. This will
help fuel costs and wear and tear on their vehicles. If they work on a truck, they expect to be paid hourly
$23.00 like the others. However, with the immediate changes, they are making they hope to not have to.
Kerner made a motion for the approval of the Jasper County Ambulance Service Interim Management
Contract with United life Care. Hickox seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
Item F – Jasper County Ambulance Service – no further action. Board hires the highway engineer and
management of ambulance. Employees of ambulance are report to the manager, not to be contact board
members individually.
Leffler moved to adjourn at 9:41 pm. Geier seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
The next regular Jasper County Board meeting will be held on Thursday, September 15 th at 7:00 p.m.
Amy Tarr, Jasper County Clerk
