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Jasper County Board Minutes
COUNTY OF JASPER NEWTON, ILLINOIS
County Office Building 204 W Washington St, Newton, IL 62448
July 15 th , 2021
The County Board met in regular session on Thursday, July 15 th , 2021. 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, Pickens, Swick, Warfel, and Weddell.
Warfel stated last month the County Board approved an invitation for private emergency ambulance
services to offer proposals to operate the service for the County of Jasper. The proposal documents
outlined the type of service that is expected in keeping with the current service and proposals are due
back August 6, 2021. Warfel understands a number of those in attendance this evening are here
because of this issue. State’s Attorney Miller along with Ambulance Administrator Alzate compiled the
proposal guidelines and at this time Warfel asked the State’s Attorney to explain where the County is in
the process. Miller said last year in March the likely hood of going through this proposals. We are unique
500 square miles. We are more than what generally is common. He went over what has been asked in
the proposals it is a very detailed. We are in a fact gathering state. We have gave everyone a long time
line for everything. It will give everyone the opportunity for there thoughts. There is lots of options we will
be able to have to work with. There are guidelines that have been set. Ambulance committee has a lot to
do. Ambulance does not have a surplus anymore and it has had to borrow for to make payroll. We have
to work with all the facts that are available. This is a very transparent process.
Public comments: Greg Sidwell speaking on behalf of the ambulance service spoke about the history of
the tax levy and would like the public to be able to decide. George Hesser has used the ambulance
service and would not be here if it was not for the ambulance service and would like to keep the
ambulance. Bruce Elliott formally served on the board took ambulance to paramedic service. It is
everyone’s need in our county. In this rural area this is the first line of defense in health care. All three
ambulances were needed at an accident recently and they were needed now. Remember lives are at
stake, this is a serious decision to make. Michael Murbager Wade Fire Trustee and in health care for
over 30 years, county board needs to look at the proposals because there is no going back. Are we
maximizing charges and keeping costs down? Amy (Boone) Tarr has had to call the ambulance service
and the ambulance service knows where people live and know who the individuals are. Jason Meyer
does not care the cost; the time is the essence. Adam Painter who is on the Wade fire department was at
a location in a neighboring county who is privatized the tones went out and they were eating and did not
respond. He has seen our ambulance where tones go out and they pick up and leave.
Swick made a motion to approve the agenda. Bollman seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice
vote.
Committee Reports: Standing Committees
Ambulance Department: The Jasper County Ambulance Committee met on July 7th 2 nd , 2021. Ray Diel
addressed the committee about the positive response that he received from county employees about the
proposed insurance plan that has be given to the county to consider. Former Jasper County Board
member Bruce Elliot addressed the committee about the concerns of the possibility of privatizing the
ambulance. He felt if would not be a good thing and that the tax payers should have the say on what
happens to the ambulance service. Former Ambulance Department Head addressed the committee on
his concerns of the loss of control of the ambulance department and some additional cons of private
EMS. Montrose Fire Chief Chris Overbeck spoke to the committee about his concerns of a private
ambulance service and gave first hand negative experiences with some area private services. Mostly
about the response times and lack of ambulances to respond. Jasper County Coroner Jason Meyer
relayed to the committee about the negative happenings in his home county after they privatized the
ambulance service in their area and it is even more rural than Jasper County. Greg Sidwell addressed
the committee on his concerns of the possibilities of privatizing the ambulance service. He stated that he
feels the tax payers should have the say because a private service would take current ambulance LEVY
and it would then leave the county and most likely they would come back to the county board and
request for an increase in the LEVY and that the county would lose control of the ambulance service and
once you privatize you can never come back. New Business: The Ambulance Service received 3 sealed
bids for the 2010 Chevy Dura Max ambulance. 1. Elite Ambulance Sales $7,000.00 2. R Enterprises
$5,001.00 3. Emergency Remarketing $2327.15 Weddell made a motion to accept the bid from Elite
Ambulance Sales in the amount of $7,000.00 and the funds to be deposited in the ambulance
department’s account, motion was seconded by Kerner – all in favor. Daniel presented a 20-year financial
plan for the ambulance department, all data was compiled from the assessor’s office, treasures office,
and the clerk’s office. Once the plan was presented it showed that the plan will go beyond 20 years and
will allow the department to operate as we know it. The original LEVY that was put into place in the 70's
was set at .10 cents per $100.00 of valuation and in 1998 Galen Mendenhall proposed the LEVY be
raised from .10 cents per $100.00 of valuation to .20 cents per $100.00 of valuation. After much
discussion Kerner made a motion to have a referendum placed on a ballet in the 2022 election to
increase the ambulance LEVY from .20 cents per $100.00 of valuation to .40 cents per $100.00 of
valuation with the full board approval, Hall seconded the motion – all in favor. Daniel addressed the
committee on a billing practice that is common in most area counties. As of now the ambulance
department does not bill for refusals involving auto accidents. Daniel estimates the department could
potentially gain close to $30,000.00 a year in additional revenue. Weddell made a motion to start billing
for refusals on auto accidents when an assessment has been done by an EMT and/or a Paramedic,
Swick seconded the motion – all in favor. Daniel addressed the committee about the possible billing rates
and the normal inflation industry wide. The committee instructed Daniel to gather more information and
report back next month. Informational Items: Equipment updates: Unit 2357 has a changing issue with
the power load system and a service call has been placed. Daniel discussed the 2022 budget with the
committee and showed a rough draft. The next meeting will be August 4 th , 2021 at 8:30 am.
Buildings: The Building Committee of Jasper County met on Monday, July 12 th , 2021 at 7:00 pm. Tom’s
Report: The air conditioning unit in the courtroom is no longer working. Tom is researching to see if the
air conditioning unit from the old jail would be a good fit. Kerner is donating parking slats to place on the
west end of the county building parking lot. The climate in the courthouse lobby is uncomfortable. After
discussion, it was agreed that a dehumidifier could solve the issue by reducing the humidity level. Some
research will be needed on dehumidifiers, which Tom plans to do. Old Business: Dave Blecha plans to
attend next month’s meeting to brainstorm ideas for the courthouse pavilion with the committee. Pickens
has been in contact with several people about working on the courtroom wall. No progress has been
made on the concrete pad project. The committee discussed options to remove the curb on the south
side of the county building. The committee is still working on record protection. New Business: The
committee discussed future projects from the 5-Year Plan. The committee discussed options for
electrical outlets in the county boardroom. The committee approved upcoming events on the courthouse
lawn. These events include Cruise Night on August 6th, Fall Festival on September 11th, and Law
Enforcement and First Responders Recognition on August 28th. Next meeting August 9 th at 7:00 pm.
Finance: The Jasper County Finance Committee met on Monday, July 12 th , 2021. Treasurer’s Report:
Bigard reported the general fund income of $269,916.40 and the expenses of $242,297.26 for June
2021. Fiscal year to date totals are State/General Fund Income $1,779,785.21, Personal property
income $196,340.14, total income $1,976,125.35. Expenses to date $1,941,530.20 with a net profit of
$34,595.15. Bigard gave a report of the county revenue history from 2000-2020. He will be handing out
budget worksheets to department heads and to get them back to him by the end of the month. New
Business: Ambulance Tax Levy – Alzate said he would like the citizens of the county to vote on a
referendum to increase the tax levy. In 1978 the levy was $ .10, the tax payers voted 23 years ago to
increase by $ .10. He would like to increase it to $ .40. Alzate went over the savings of going privatized.
He went over the cons list, which was a longer list. If the county would go private there is no going back.
If put on the 2022 primary ballot it would be 3 fiscal years before get the money for the levy. The
Ambulance Department would have to borrow funds. The proposals from the private companies have not
been turned in. Swick made a motion to wait till next finance meeting to make a decision on a tax levy
increase for the Ambulance. Heltsley seconded the motion, carried on voice vote. Swick commented
several departments are hurting for money. Personal Property tax used to be distributed a many years
ago. Currently, the funds will go to the jail project. Solid Waste Tax Levy has not increased since it was
first levied. Bland would like to increase it from $ .05 to $ .10. He does not have enough in the future to
operate for a short period of time he can continue to operate. Something will need to be done at some
point the dump fees have increased from 5% to 7%. Out of county dumping was discussed and is not a
huge contributor to the cost. He hopes it does not come to a point where have to close on Saturday.
Swick made a motion to accept the 6-month reports of the Treasurer, Circuit Clerk, and County Clerk.
Bollman seconded the motion, motion passed. Ray Diel says insurance has gotten out of hand on cost
share. Out of thirty counties Jasper is the worst. Lawrence is close and they are trying to fix their share.
The plan will cost the county more. It would be beneficial to pass. Old Business: 2021/2021 Fiscal year
budget paperwork will be given to department heads. The committee will meet with department heads
individually, keep expenses low. 2020/2021 Fiscal Year Audit, should be finished, still needs reviewed.
The committee will need to complete a prioritized list for American Rescue Plan Grant at the August
meeting to submit the first Interim Report to U.S. Treasury. Bland stated a piece of metal came off of one
of the trucks and damaged a vehicle and was wondering if it could be paid out of Tort/Liability Fund.
Woods said there is a video with good information on farmland assessment to watch with explanations,
thought it would be good for the board to watch. Warfel said he would discuss with full board.
The Jasper County Finance Committee held a special meeting on Monday, June 28 th , 2021. Old
Business: James Patrick and Brooke Frederick were present from the South Central Illinois Regional
Planning & Development Commission. They will be helping administer the American Rescue Plan Grant.
There is an initial plan of how going to spend money due August 31 st . The next report will be due October
31 st on how the money was spent. The county will need to get the information to Brooke by October 1 st .
There are 5 categories can apply for: 1. Support public health response, 2. Address negative economic
impacts, 3. Replace public sector revenue loss, 4. Premium pay for essential workers, 5. Water, sewer,
and broadband infrastructure. Brandon Francis started off with his request from the Sherriff’s Department
of reimbursement for housing of prisoners while jail was closed, intercom system and premium pay.
Discussion was held on updating and installing HVAC in the county buildings to make air filtration better.
Daniel Alzate from the Ambulance Department asked about premium pay. Deb Riddle from the Health
Department gave her requests. Ed Francis from EMA requested a building for storage and to be able to
have a drive through. Other ideas discussed 911 equipment, animal control, remote court room
appearances, have designated room and equipment. Clinton Bigard the County Treasurer requested
essential pay and to replace the drive-up transaction drawer. Another item brought up were doors that
are handicapped accessible so do not have to touch door handles with hands. Ben Bland the County
Engineer requested essential pay, programmable message board, loss of motor fuel tax revenue, extra
solid waste expense since there was an increase in waste. Paul Woods County Assessor requested
computerized individual comparable’s and digitalize and data entry. Amy Tarr County Clerk/Recorder
requested new election equipment and digitalize permanent records. The Building Committee mentioned
window replacement at the courthouse, electrical upgrades, doors, EMA building, HVAC systems. A list
of ideas will be prioritized August 9 th . James Patrick stated he would be here for the meetings. The jail is
down and there will be a ground breaking ceremony this week or next. Next meeting Monday, August 9 th ,
2021 at 8:30 am at the County Building.
Highway Department: The Jasper County Road & Bridge Committee met on Monday, July 12 th , 2021,
7:00 a.m. at the Highway Office. The Committee discussed the Solid Waste Levy and Truck Purchase.
Dump Fees have increased 40% since 2007. Discussed possibility of raising levy by $.05 to offset
increases in dump fees and equipment costs. The Committee discussed the Employee Health Insurance,
with the possibility of the County increasing their share. Currently the County Highway Dept. spends
$395 per employee with the County picking up $205 for the employee health insurance. The Committee
discussed damage claim to be reimbursed from Tort Liability. This claim will be discussed at Finance
Committee Meeting. Foreman’s mileage for June 2021 was 1,589 miles. The next meeting will be
Monday, August 9 th , 2021 at 7:00 am.
Operations: The Operations Committee of Jasper County met on Wednesday, June 30 th , 2021 at 6:00
pm. Fehrenbacher informed the committee that Ray Diel had received positive feedback from county
employees while educating them on the alternative plans that HopeTrust offers. The committee
discussed the plans, and gave their opinions. Weddell made a motion to take the HopeTrust alternative
plans to the full board for approval. Heltsley seconded the motion, and the motion carried on a voice
vote. Next meeting is scheduled for July 28 th , 2021 at 6:00 pm.
Public Safety: The Public Safety Committee of Jasper County met on Monday, June 21 st , 2021 at 6:00
pm. Demolition of the county jail is complete, and the site is now being prepped for the next step of
construction. An upcoming meeting with Jason Wright and Shannon Woodard will be held to discuss
interior details. The County of Jasper, the Sheriff, and the Policeman’s Benevolent and Protective
Association have come to an agreement on contract negotiations. The employees will be compensated
with their back pay. A meeting was held between Austin Ferguson, Chief Swick, Sheriff Francis, and Ron
Heltsley to establish safety procedures. This will encourage better communication between the
departments. The city assisted in a manhunt that ensued after the previous county board meeting, but
the two individuals were not found. The county jail generator that has been moved to the firehouse is fully
installed and working great. The communication tower, which was installed in the southwest corner of the
county, is running well. New Business: The committee was informed of the improved animal control
safety procedures. They are as following:
1. If Austin is called out by dispatch, a law number will be issued.
2. If the call is generated by Austin, he must inform dispatch of the name and location of the
complaint.
3. Dispatch will call Austin for a status update after thirty minutes. If he fails to answer, dispatch will
attempt to call again, five minutes later. If he fails to answer that, he will be called once again, five
minutes later. If after the third attempt Austin still hasn’t responded, a deputy will be dispatched to
his last known location.
4. If a citation is necessary, and Austin requests assistance, then a county or city officer will write
the citation.
5. If a report is required, Austin must complete a narrative of the incident on an activity sheet. Once
completed, he is to email it to the sheriff’s office manager, who will scan the report into Spillman.
Geier made a motion to approve the changes made to the animal control safety procedures. Pickens
seconded the motion, and the motion carried on a voice vote. The committee was briefed on a grant that
the county could be eligible for, and presented with information, such as requirements to the grant, and
the deadline. Next meeting will be July 19 th , 2021 at 6:00 pm.
Special Committee
Law Enforcement Center Planning Committee: A meeting was held with department of corrections. They
gave recommendations for the building. A bill of $161,765 was presented for pay. HVAC system could
possibly be paid with grant money. In the next 30 days footings and foundation will be completed along
with underground utilities. Ground breaking took place July 8 th at 8:45 am. Next meeting will be August 5 th
at 2:30 pm.
Informative
Board of Health- The Jasper County Board of Health held their meeting on Monday, May 17, 2021 at the
health department. COVID-19 Update – JCHD has given 6,568 vaccines with 3,260 fully vaccinated.
COVID Contact Tracing and Mass Vaccination Grant Updates – Mass Vaccination Grant will end
December 2021. The Thursday COVID-19 clinics will be held at the health department, as needed,
instead of at the high school. Pfizer is, a 2-shot vaccine with 3 weeks between shots, licensed for those
individuals 12 years and older. Pfizer is licensed for 12 years and older and Moderna is licensed for 18
years and older. Moderna is working on license for younger age. The Contact Tracing Grant has been
extended through the end of December 2021.
Chamber of Commerce- Met July 12 th , the upcoming events are August 6 th Cruise Night and Sept 11 th Fall
Festival. Next meeting August 9 th at 6:00 pm.
Economic Development (JEDI) – No meeting but Jasper Together had a meeting the U of I sent a
speaker to discuss the population decline. There was a group of individuals 30 and under who expressed
their concerns and what they would like to see in the future.
Warfel asked all board members to review the items on the consent agenda, if any one member wishes
to have an item removed from the consent agenda to discuss and vote on separately, they may request
it.
Bollman made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the following items: Approval of
County Board June 10, 2021, and June 28, 2021 Minutes, Approval of June and July Standing
Committee Minutes, Appointment of Daniel Stark to the Unexpired Term on the 911 Board [December
2022], Appointment of Randell Smith to a 5-Year Term as Trustee to the North Fork Conservancy
District, File County Reports, Allow Claims; Fehrenbacher seconded the motion. Motion carried on a
voice vote.
Old business:
2022 Jasper County HopeTrust Health Plans was discussed at the June meeting and at the May and
June Operations Committee Meeting. Ray Diel with Snedeker Risk Management went around to the
various County Departments/Offices to discuss these new proposed plans. Ray Diel from Snedeker Risk
Management gave background of the health plan. County share to cost employee share is more than
they can bare. No problem with health plan, just could not afford it. So, Snedeker came up with a plan.
About 20% of the employees are using the plan. Employees are thrilled with the possibility of the cost
going down. Come up with a proposal where 50 / 50 split of the cost increase from here on out. Heltsley
thanked Ray for the time spent on this plan. Ray would like to fix this for the county and employees.
Fehrenbacher went with Ray to visit everyone and cost was the biggest problem. Proposals have options
for health care. County will have more risk but in the long run it should save the county and employees.
Employees will have new options or be able to keep the same. Bollman is concerned about the risk cost
to the county. Ray says if employees use the preferred providers and will not cost the county. Hickox
wants to know if the employees have the pay of other counties, because benefits are part of the salary.
Brandon said he would be paid more in Richland County and would not have not had to pay for health
insurance. Weddell says there is risk, $80,000 is the worst-case scenario. Prices good through 2022. If
employees use preferred providers there will be savings. Fehenbacher motion to approve 2022 Jasper
County HopeTrust Health Plans. Weddell seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
New Business: None
Board Comments: None
Chairman’s Comments:
Schedule was passed out for the UCCI – Annual Meeting July 26 th & 27 th for those attending. Sarah Bush
Lincoln will have a grand opening July 22 from 5-7 pm. The board does have a closed session tonight
with no further action following the closed session and the board will adjourn the meeting from closed
session.
Hall made a motion to go into closed session at 8:04 pm to consider the Discussion of Property 5 ILCS
120/2(c)(5) and Personnel 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Bollman seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll
call vote with Bollman, Fehrenbacher, Geier, Hall, Heltsley, Hickox, Kerner, Leffler, Pickens, Swick,
Warfel, and Weddell voting yes.
Leffler moved to adjourn at 8:51 pm. Geier seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
The next regular Jasper County Board meeting will be held on Thursday, August 12 th at 7:00 p.m.
Amy Tarr, Jasper County Clerk
