Jasper County Board Minutes
COUNTY OF JASPER NEWTON, ILLINOIS
County Office Building 204 W Washington St, Newton, IL 62448
August 12 th , 2021
The County Board met in regular session on Thursday, August 12 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, Swick, Warfel, and Weddell. Pickens was absent.
Public comments: None
Weddell made a motion to approve the agenda. Bollman seconded the motion. Motion carried on a
voice vote.
Warfel stated seven board members recently attended a UCCI Education Seminar in Galena. Apart from
the wonderful presentations these meetings allow interaction with other County Boards and sometimes
new ideas or procedures on how to do things. We appear to be one of the few remaining counties that
read verbatim of our committee reports. Most counties have the committee chairs report on when the
meeting occurred, anything coming before the full board and anything else of significance the full board
should be aware. Warfel would like to transition more to this method and move away from the lengthy
reading of the entire reports. Keeping in mind that the full reports are in front of board members, they will
be given to the press in the board minutes, and made available to the public. All that is required is to
notify when the meeting occurred, any items that will be coming before the full board that night, and
when the next meeting will take place. Beyond that you are free to read as much or as little as you think
is relevant to the full board.
Committee Reports: Standing Committees
Ambulance Department: A special meeting of the Jasper County Ambulance Committee met on Monday,
August 9 th , 2021. The floor was opened for public comment. Greg Sidwell pointed out to the committee that they
do have the ability to reject any and all proposals and hopes that is what the committee does. Jason Meyer spoke
on the amount of ambulance calls that happened today alone due to the weather and said if a private service was
here in the place of our current service most likely they would have one ambulance gone on transfers. Joanne
Finn spoke about the amount of times her and her mother had to use the ambulance service and they have
known most of them for years and feels that a private service would not be able to provide them the same
services without an out-of-pocket fee and is willing to fight for our current service. Andy Pullman stated he has
attended other meetings and has not heard what the problem is and what is some other possible fixes, and
touched on if it is money problems then we should see what can be done with our own service vs turning it over
to private, also touched on the size of the county and the coverage area. Lucas Ruholl a part time employee stated
that we have some of the best EMS staff in the area and are great to work with. He gave examples on how EMS is
running in other areas where he has worked. If we were to go private, we hold the company accountable. Mark
Vahling said that there is no way for a profit ambulance would be able to make here. Karen Shamhart gave two
examples where her and her husband had to use other services for transfers and saw that some equipment had
doors held shut by tape and poor staff on board for treatment. Another transfer, the unit did not have any heat in
the patient area. Bev McCoy asked how the service has run out of money and has other services inquired about
the service. Also, we would lose the personal contact that we have now with our own service. Michelle Rennier
talked her personal experiences with our current ambulance service and would really hate to see any changes to it
and if so, can the current employees be used. Nancy Ginder is concerned about standbys at events and what
would be the cost? Beth Probst talked about concerns of the relations with the schools, they have never had to
worry about any of the responses in the past. Bruce Elliott asked the question of how was the LEVY presented on
the ballet in 1978. Did it state a county ran ambulance service and if so, can the county give the LEVY money to
private services and is questioning why the board is apprehensive to place a referendum on the ballet? Bob Horst
said as a football coach he never had to worry when his players were on the field and knew his guys would be
taken care of and there were times at away games an ambulance was not present. Nancy Lindemann asked about
charging for lift assist and refusals. Gary Lindemann asked about hidden charges to police, fire, and sheriff’s
department. He also knows he will always have a well-trained ambulance staff working fire scenes with our
current service and has heard bad reports from other departments at MABAS meetings on things that private
services will do. Andrew Johnson supports the idea of make the best option for Jasper County. Closed Session:
Entered closed session for personnel.
The Jasper County Ambulance Committee met on August 4th, 2021. Old Business: Ambulance Rate,
Daniel advised after checking with some of the area services that we should just hold with our current
rates. Informational Items: Building updates: The Highway Department came and did a maintenance coat
to the parking lot. This is the first time sense the very first time it was oil and chipped. Equipment
updates: Unit 2356 had to have the control board that controlled the scene lights replaced, Alexis was
able to respond and do the work. We do believe this will be covered under warranty. Daniel presented
the 2022 budget that was submitted and explained the changes, he also presented where the service
should end up being in the 2021 budget and should be $221,208.08 under budget. He also presented his
goals for the 2022 budget because most of the Ambulance Departments line items and contingent on
unknowns and what if’s. He also gave an update on the overtime hours from year to date and in 2020 we
were at 648 hours and so far, we are at 288 hours so we are down 360 hours so far. Daniel discussed
the possibility of a salary cut for the manager with a change in the hours mandated. Daniel advised that
Spencer Wallace has taken the open EMT Basic position that has come open. He will be moving from
part-time to full-time and is fully trained. The next meeting will be September 8th at 8:30 am.
Buildings: The Building Committee of Jasper County met on Monday, August 9 th , 2021 at 7:00 pm Paul
Woods presented an Illinois Farm Bureau video about the Farmland Assessment Act. The committee
watched the video and Woods answered any questions the committee had. Tom’s Report: An air
conditioning unit in the judge’s chamber of the courthouse stopped working but was fixed by McCoy
Heating & Air. The broken air conditioning unit in the courtroom of the courthouse is being replaced. A
leak has appeared in the State’s Attorney's office. Tom attempted to contact Martinsville Roofing about
working on it, but he has yet to hear back. The parking slat project has not been completed. Tom and the
committee discussed the possibility of a water softener system in the courthouse and county building.
The climate of the courthouse foyer issue is still being discussed. Old Business: No progress has been
made on the courthouse pavilion project. Caleb Baker has been hired to build the courtroom and
assessor’s office walls, as well as insulate the furnace room in the courthouse. No date to complete this
project has been set. The possibility of obtaining two new picnic tables through a tourism grant was
discussed. The parking lot curb in the county building was discussed with Ben Bland. No progress has
been made on the electrical outlet project. Next meeting September 13 th at 7:00 pm.
Finance: The Jasper County Finance Committee met on Monday, August 9 th , 2021. Public Comments:
Greg Sidwell spoke on the ambulance service; he is supportive of the ambulance service and would like
to let voters have a chance to decide. Steve Rubsam is in favor of the Referendum to increase tax levy
for the ambulance. Andy Johnson asked what kind of levy increase to keep the ambulance. Miller stated
20 cents on the dollar so would become 40 cents on the dollar. Why bid, over county providing service?
Miller said this is to get a comparison. Miller drafted the request because wanted to see what a private
industry would cost. Warfel explained this has been in the works. Johnson is wanting to understand the
process better. Johnson wants to utilize our people to the best of our abilities. Ambulance has been very
good to the school district. If they need to help us, they will support us, but needs to keep them
accountable. Warfel explained the county’s tax levy. Miller explained the legality of the proposals, the
committee will meet and look at the proposals, have to go through the process. This cannot be able to
taken to voters until then. Need to see if there is a need for a public hearing in September. There could
be several public hearings. All options are open at this point. Treasurer’s Report: Bigard reported the
general fund income of $292,502.26 and the expenses of $263,991.95 for July 2021. Excludes the jail
project. of Fiscal year to date totals are State/General Fund Income $3,035,290.28 includes the Rescue
& Cures Grant Personal property income $253,607.22, total income $3,288,897.50. Expenses to date
$2,367,287.61 includes jail payments YTD with a net profit of $921,609.89. Audit was left by AnnMarie.
Bigard handed out the Jasper County Jail Construction total paid $789,012.62. Remaining funds
$3,415,987.38. Warfel said it is $15,000 under budget so far. Bigard received a call from highway
department regards to debris coming into contact with an individual’s vehicle and damaging it. Highway
paid the expense from solid waste account and was wanting to come from tort. Swick made a motion to
reimburse solid waste account. Bollman seconded the motion. Motion passed on a voice vote. Bigard
said most departments have been good with getting budget work to him. Some have hand written the
budget but would like it back digitally like it is sent. 1 st and 2 nd installment for power plant have been paid,
the pilot has not been paid. Woods said it will not be paid until the agreement is finished. New Business:
CIC had a Data Security breach. The company is offering employees past and present who were on the
old accounting system Fundware, to sign up for Identity Protection for a year free. All past and present
employees are encouraged to sign up for the Experian’s Identity Works. Old Business: Health Insurance,
Ray Diel said employees are going to be on $9,000 deductible and $10,000 deductible. How is the
county to budget for the county portion of the deductible? If employee goes to a non-preferred provider
county will pay. What share is it for each department? Figure what portion of the county’s employees are
employed by the department. Then budget that part of the $80,000. Hopefully employees will go to
preferred providers, so there will not be a cost to the county. Cyber liability will be non-renewal on
12/1/2021 due to being re-underwritten with new applications required. Coverage may be offered at
renewal but will depend on the acceptability of the risk based on the new underwriting guidelines. We will
have to fill out an application and submit it in order to receive coverage. Tarr commented that all
buildings/departments may need to fill out the application since they all have different structures of
technology. 2021/2022 budget work, the committee will meet with department heads after the meeting to
discuss department budgets. Monday, August 16 th will meet with additional departments for budget work
at 8:30 am. Next meeting Monday, September 13 th , 2021 at 8:30 am at the County Building.
Highway Department: The Jasper County Road & Bridge Committee met on Monday, August 9, 2021,
7:00 a.m. at the Highway Office. New Business: The Committee discussed the 2022 Budget and possible
Covid Dollars for a truck for Solid Waste. Foreman’s mileage for July 2021 was 2010 miles. The next
meeting will be Monday, September 9 th , 2021 at 7:00 am. Electronic Recycling Event Saturday,
August 28, 2021, 7 am until full. Get there early because it fills up quickly.
Operations: The Operations Committee of Jasper County met on Wednesday, July 28 th , 2021 at 6:00
pm. New Business: Ray Diel sent the following message to update the committee. “We are going to turn
on the builders risk policy in the jail project Monday morning. The project has progressed to a point that
the coverage will be needed. We are using 4 million as the construction cost, if that needs adjusted, we
can do that.” The committee discussed this and decided that 4 million will suffice. The committee
discussed the vacation personnel policy, and agreed to reach out to Miller with questions. Next
meeting is scheduled for August 25 th , 2021 at 6:00 pm.
Public Safety: The Public Safety Committee of Jasper County met on Monday, July 19 th , 2021 at 6:00
pm. Monthly Reports: Minor adjustments were made to the jail project insulation, but Sheriff Francis
reported that the project is moving along well. Sheriff Francis had a progress report meeting with the
architects, and another meeting is planned for August 5th. Problems with jail radios are being addressed.
Jasper county officers assisted in a pursuit from Effingham County to Jasper. The EMA building project
still hasn’t advanced. EMA assisted in a Cumberland County missing person report. EMA will prepare the
landing zone for a helicopter at West End Event Center on July 21st. At the last 911 meeting, the
committee discussed the possibility of creating a subcommittee to make decisions on the jail project. The
committee also discussed hiring a part-time I.T. person. The next meeting will be August 16 th , 2021 at
6:00 pm.
Special Committee
Law Enforcement Center Pay/Progress: Met on August 5 th . Grunloh Building has projected completion
date for March of 2022. Exterior footings and masonry going up on the west wall. A second payment of
$333, 248.29 has been made. Currently $15,000 under budget.
Informative
Board of Health – 32.6% vaccinated in the county. Gave stats on Covid.
Chamber of Commerce- Met on Monday, Aug 9 th. Cruise Night was held August 6 th and went as planned.
Upcoming is the Fall Festival and parade on Sept 11th.
Economic Development (JEDI) – Sarah Busch and First National Bank of Olney had ribbon cuttings.
Geier made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the following items: Approval of County
Board July 15, 2021 Minutes, Approval of July and August Standing Committee Minutes, File County
Reports, Allow Claims; Kerner seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
Old business: None
New Business: None
Board Comments: Hickox had a man from Shelbyville who was going around informing people of
legislation from Springfield about the second amendment. Other counites have created ordinances. He
would like to place this on the agenda for next meeting. Miller said symbolic but is not enforceable,
cannot pass something that overrides the state and federal laws. Francis said they handed out examples
other counties had passed.
Chairman’s Comments:
UCCI Education Seminar in Galena – 7 board members & the Clerk attended. Topics included The
Changing Face of the Court System: Access to Justice, Court Fees, Cash Bail and Funding the Courts;
Interaction of NACO with Federal Agencies and the Distribution of COVID-19 Funds to Local
Government; Criminal Justice Reforms Passed in the 101 st and 102 nd Illinois General Assemblies.
Hope Trust Annual Meeting – Tuesday September 21 – East Peoria
Snedeker Risk Management Fall Client Conference – Wednesday & Thursday September 22 & 23 –
East Peoria (Board Members wishing to attend need to RSVP to Snedeker by September 1 st )
UCCI – Fall Conference October 22 & 23 – Springfield, IL UCCI – Members to Washington DC Trip –
September 20-23 – Coordinate with Warfel if interested in attending. UCCI – Membership Meeting
August 23 – Springfield – Warfel will be attending
CIC the accounting software company of the county had a security breach. The company is offering
employees past and present who were on the old accounting system Fundware, to sign up for Identity
Protection for a year free. All past and present employees are encouraged to sign up for the Experian’s
Identity Works.
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.
Swick made a motion to go into closed session at 7:25 pm to consider the Discussion of Personnel 5
ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Hall seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote with Bollman,
Fehrenbacher, Geier, Hall, Heltsley, Hickox, Kerner, Leffler, Swick, Warfel, and Weddell voting yes.
Pickens was absent.
Leffler moved to adjourn at 8:29 pm. Geier seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
The next regular Jasper County Board meeting will be held on Thursday, September 16 th at 7:00 p.m.
Amy Tarr, Jasper County Clerk
