Jasper County Board Minutes
COUNTY OF JASPER NEWTON, ILLINOIS
County Office Building 204 W Washington St, Newton, IL 62448
September 14, 2023
The County Board met in regular session on Thursday, September 14, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 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, Deckard, Heltsley, Judson, Pickens, Spiker, Warfel, and Weddell. Geier was absent but arrived at 6:27 pm.
Effingham Regional Career Academy Director Jerry Tkackuk gave a presentation. The ERCA mission is to attract, retain, and grow area businesses by providing sustainable pathways to high skill, high demand careers for high school students, adult learners, and incumbent workers. ERCA offers a focused curriculum and advanced, hands-on training in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and transportation helping students of all ages reach their career goals faster.
Public comments: No comments.
Weddell moved to approve the agenda. Judson seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
Reports:
County Departments
Ambulance – 133 Runs for the month of August; 911- 54, Refusal/No patient found – 23, MVA – 4, Transfers/Discharges – 31, Mutual Aid – 21. We received a grant in total of $4,000 to use towards power cots and power loads. In the process of hiring a part-time EMT.
Highway Department – The Electronic Recycling Event was held on Saturday, August 26th. Gross weight collected was 14,574.00 lbs. The underweight fee is $400.00. The attached invoice will be submitted for payment from the General Fund. One of the projects scheduled for next summer is soil cementing the West Liberty Road. This 3.8-mile project was approved by IDOT to utilize TARP Funds, Federal Funds, and the remaining balance of Rebuild Illinois Funds. The attached Resolution for Improvement will need County Board approval. The mowing of the right of way has begun. Ordinances for Wind and Solar are being investigated to ensure the County and Township roads will be protected and cared for if any wind or solar facilities are constructed within the County. The Highway Department will work with the States Attorney over the next month on this with a plan of having something ready for board approval at next month’s meeting. We received notification from IDOT to execute the Joint Funding Agreement on the Pavement Preservation (Day Labor) job. As part of this Agreement, a resolution is also needing Full Board approval.
Board of Health – In packet Started exterior work and roof does not have supports it needs and will need to be completed. There was a fire in the south hallway cleanup is being completed. Next meeting will be Monday, September 25 at 5:30 pm.
County Positions/Services
Building Maintenance – Aug. 18 & 22 Pickens talked to Kurt Bierman about alarm buttons in the courthouse. He is looking into a solution to the problem. Aug 21 & 28 Talked to Kirchners about carpet for the county building. They have measured the offices and provided samples. Carpet can be installed in October. Pickens reported on Aug. 30th talked to Keith Martin from Otto Baum Inc. located out of Champaign about tuck pointing the courthouse. With a project that big of a job, they need engineering documents with scope of work and specifications. Sept. 7 Attended the last jail meeting with Grunloh Construction, architect Jason Wright, and Connor & Connor. Francis talked about bare dirt and plans for rock. Sept. 11 Amy Tarr voter access grant for entrances. Sept. 13 Clinton Birgard called about a malfunction of an exhaust fan in the county building. He called Burford Electric, and they found the problem. KCH will give a quote about motor replacement.
Animal Control – In Packet
Elected Officials
Treasurer- Reports from Bigard were sent in the board packet. The general fund income of $622,517.51, and the personal property income of $17,560.96 with a total income for August were $640,078.47. The expenses for August were $370,905.57. Total income less expenses for August a net profit of $269,172.90. Year to Date State/General Fund income is $2,631,570.79, Personal Property Income $549,855.43 with a grand total of $3,181426.22. Less Expenses were $3,052,149.37 with a net profit of $129,276.85.
Other Elected Officials/Offices
Amy Tarr, County Clerk announced; she will receive $20,325 from the Polling Place Accessibility Federal Grant. She applied for the grant and was excited considering not knowing what would be awarded since last year she only applied for $2,257 and this was substantially more. She will be installing ADA accessible door / push-plates for both sets of doors at the county building and into her office.
Warfel spoke to Kurt Long about the Union Contract for the Sheriff’s union employees since the last year of the contract.
Heltsley made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the following items: Approval of County Board August 10, 2023, Minutes; Approval of DEVNET Contract Renewal; Adoption of Resolution for Improvement Soil Cementing the West Liberty Road; Adoption of Joint Funding Agreement/Resolution Pavement Preservation (Day Labor) Job; Approval of $400 General Fund Payment for Electronic Recycling Fee to Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations; Appointment of Aaron Ochs as Commissioner of Sainte Marie Drainage and Levee District; Re-Appointment of Dwight Sappenfield as Commissioner of Mint Creek Drainage District; Adoption of Jasper County Trustee for Taxing Districts Resolutions Delinquent Taxes Real Estate Program; Issue National Rail Safety Week Proclamation; File County Reports; Allow Claims. Bollman seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
Old Business:
Item A –VISION 2031 – Jasper County Government Strategic Plan
Warfel continues to stive towards the goal of formulating a comprehensive long term strategic plan for our County Government. Now that we have a lot of budget work behind us Warfel would like to have a department head meeting between now and the next board meeting to further discuss long term planning within offices/departments but also broader county government as well. The goal of a County Website is something that has been expressed by many both internally and within the public. Mr. Spiker had done some initial work to get quotes.
Item B – Energy Transition Community Grant
Phase 2 of the Grant was submitted ahead of the May 31, 2023, deadline. Still awaiting word from the State of Illinois on approval of Phase 2 and directions on moving forward. Geier reported he had received a problematic risk assessment and it has been sent on to SCIRPDC to complete.
New Business:
Item A – Approval to Display the FY2024 Jasper County Budget
As is required by Statute the County Board shall adopt each year an annual budget for the succeeding fiscal year. The Budget shall be made available for public inspection and provided to the public at a public meeting at least fifteen days prior to the final action. Nothing restricts a County Board from acting at a public meeting to amend the budget after making that budget available to the public and prior to the final adoption. A full copy of the proposed budget was emailed to board members, elected officials and department heads. A copy of the full budget will be available for public inspection, members of the public must contact or stop in the Treasurer’s office. Any changes or suggestions can be addressed at the full board meeting on October 12, 2023. We are permitted to amend the budget at the October meeting. Warfel encourages any changes or suggestions to be addressed with the County Treasurer prior to the meeting if possible. Please note, the County never has a balanced budget. We are conservative on revenues and plan for the worst in terms of expense. Typically, the budget submitted and approved will show a negative balance despite most years ending with a positive balance. Geier moved to approve displaying the FY2024 Jasper County Budget in accordance with Illinois Statute prior to final discussion and adoption at the October 12, 2023, County Board Meeting. Deckard seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. The FY2024 Jasper County Budget will be displayed until the October Board Meeting.
Item B – 2024 Jasper County Employees’ Health Insurance Rates
We have received the HopeTrust (County Health Insurance) 2024 rates. The rates increased about 13% across the board. The reason for the increase given is that the County had an average net loss in excess of 100% of what we pay in. We have discussed another round of educational meetings stressing that to help lower overall cost in-network providers need to be used. From some of the initial conversations during the Budget Work meetings, it seemed that the consensus was for the County to follow what we did last year (the underlying idea when we restructured the plans a few years ago) and cover ½ of the increase (we use the individual plan as the benchmark) so that would mean the County would cover $49.50 a month per employee on the County’s Health Insurance plan. The County’s portion of the cost would come from Personal Property Replacement tax. The proposal would be for the County to cover the HopeTrust insurance cost in the amount of $49.50 a month per employee on the Health Insurance Plan.
Weddell moved to approve the County paying $49.50 toward HopeTrust insurance cost increase for each county employee on the health insurance plan, with the County’s portion of the cost coming from Personal Property Replacement Tax. Geier seconded the motion. It is in the County’s best interest to explore all options and educate employees who need to use network providers. The county has assumed a lot of risk. Motion carried on a voice vote. The County will cover part of the Health Insurance increase for the employees.
Item C – Approval to Purchase New Power Cots for Jasper County Ambulance Service from the County’s ARPA Funds
Some of the ARPA-related projects, specifically the digitalizing of the records have come under budget leaving a few available funds that we would prefer to use up by November 30, 2023, so it does not trigger another single audit. Years of neglect in terms of rigs and equipment at the Jasper County Ambulance Service has put the service in need of extensive repairs all at once. We have addressed the remounts/replacements of critical rigs but the cots and power loads are also due for replacement. The proposal before the board would be to purchase 2 cots in the amount of $62,870 ($31,435 each) using the remaining ARPA funds. While purchasing these cots will only help 2 of the 3 ambulances, this will however assist in getting the service where it needs to be for our community. The equipment is so outdated and worn that there is concern that it will not last much longer and the safety of patients and employees is of the utmost importance. The quote is from Styker. The power loads that are on the quote as the Ambulance Service plans to purchase those soon. Also note that the ProCare that is listed for a total of $12,792 is for extra equipment for the cots (Oxygen bottle holder, cot mattress, IV-Pole, etc. This also covers the needed yearly preventative maintenance, that will extend their usage.) Weddell said need to include in budget expenditures when get a new rig so have new items. Geier moved to approve the purchase of 2 new power cots for the Jasper County Ambulance Service in the amount of $62,870 using the County’s ARPA Funds. Spiker seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. The purchase of the cots is approved.
Item D – Authorize Engineering & Architectural Feasibility Study/Inspection Report for Jasper County Courthouse
At the beginning of the Sheriff’s Office/Jail Project we had Conner & Conner in connection with ADG/Architecture & Design Group provide us with a feasibility study and inspection report. It was because of this report that we opted not to make repairs to the existing structure and instead decided it was best to build a new facility. As we weigh options regarding the Jasper County Courthouse for the benefit of both the County, County Board, and General Public it might be in our best interest to have a feasibility study and inspection report completed on the Jasper County Courthouse. Keeping in mind that when we are looking at the potential scope of work, multi-million dollars, a $11,900 complete feasibility study and inspection report would work to ensure we are going at this project correctly. Shannon Woodard (Conner & Conner, Inc.) and Jason Wright (ADG, Architecture & Design Group) have provided us with a proposal. The proposed study would cover 4 areas: Civil Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical/ Plumbing Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Architectural Work. This comprehensive study and report would include site observance including access, sidewalks, and drainage; property boundaries and parking delineation; utility sources to the building; recommendations in relation to existing conditions; drone video of building roof and exterior; observe existing mechanical systems and efficiencies; verify plumbing supply system and sanitary sewer; check capacities of electrical panels and system; provide recommendations as required; general inspection of all structural framing members; foundation, load bearing, and roof structure assessment; masonry inspection for structural integrity including cracks and repairs; recommendations for existing or potential concerns; observe existing efficiency and access (ADA) into current spaces; layout of departments and adjacency/storage concerns; recommendations for more efficient use of the building; roof/window/building envelope for energy efficiency. The proposed cost of services: $11,900. Judson moved to Authorizing an Engineering and Architectural Feasibility Study and Inspection Report for the Jasper County Courthouse from Conner & Conner and ADG, Architecture & Design Group in the amount of $11,900. Bollman asked if should wait for the energy grant. Weddell said he would like to wait till we get the check for the grant. Pickens said it would give us deficiencies for the building. Crawford County Courthouse has already completed this process. Report is something to give us information. Spiker seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. A feasibility study and inspection report on the Courthouse can be completed.
Item E – Authorize Reimbursement to Vistra Corp for 2022 Tax Cycle Overpayment
The Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) on the Newton Power Plant and surrounding properties owned has been the result of legal contracts worked out between the taxing bodies and the ownership of the power plant. For the 2022 tax year, payable in 2023 the EAV should have been $10 million, and the plant would have paid $736,175, however the plant paid a rate at the previous year’s EAV of $16 million and they paid $1,157,988. Vistra Corp who owns the plant is entitled to a refund of $421,822.80.
Pickens moved to Authorizing a Reimbursement of $421,822.80 to Vistra Corp for 2022 Tax Cycle Overpayment. Judson seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. The reimbursement is authorized. We will be looking at the agreement with our attorney because the plant will continue to be open beyond the agreement.
Item F – Authorize Payment to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Elected County Officials (ECO) Reserve Account
Annually, we receive statements from the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) showing the breakdown of contributions, income, or loss for the previous year on all 3 funds the county has which are the Regular, Elected County Officials (ECO) and Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Personnel (SLEP) accounts.
If we have a negative balance on a fund, we have the option of paying it off or IMRF will raise the Employer contribution rates to pay it overtime. If we opt not to pay it off, in addition to a rate increase IMRF will also charge interest on the outstanding balance. The one fund that has a negative balance is the Elected County Officials (ECO) fund with a balance due of $790,209.18. It is the recommendation of the County Treasurer that we pay this balance off since the County has money in our IMRF bank account that can only be used for IMRF purposes. Bollman moved to Authorizing a Payment to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) in the amount of $790,209.18 to pay off Jasper County’s negative balance in the Elected County Officials (ECO) reserve account. Geier seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. The payment is authorized.
Board Comments: Judson heard about out of county dumping, and it is being addressed.
Weddell went to a meeting a community group addressing the needs and wants of the community.
Bollman said the Fall Festival had a great turn out and thanked everyone for participating.
Chairman’s Comments: HopeTrust/SRM Fall Conference – Tuesday, September 26 – Thursday, September 28 East Peoria, IL
United Counties Council of Illinois Fall Conference – Friday, October 27 – Saturday October 28 in Springfield, Illinois.
2024 Election Cycle is starting. Petition circulation for the General Primary is underway. The 2024 General Primary will take place on March 19, 2024 with early voting starting February 8, 2024. The 2024 General Election will be November 5, 2024 with early voting starting September 26, 2024. Jasper County Local Offices up for election in 2024 are: State’s Attorney, Circuit Clerk, Coroner, Supervisor of Assessments, and 1 County Board Seat in each of the three districts. For Jasper County Election Questions please contact the Jasper County Clerk’s Office at 618-783-3124.
The County Clerk and Warfel participated in the second session on the UCCI/U of I Extension Leadership Academy from Thursday, August 24 – Saturday, August 26. The first session took place over three days at the beginning of August. The six-day academy covered a variety of topics and contained a wealth of knowledge. Warfel believes the most rewarding thing gained from the six days that the 30+ of us spent together was the networking and ability to connect with colleagues around the State. Warfel would strongly encourage board members and department heads to consider this academy in the future.
The annual budget is a collaborative working of the various County Offices, Departments and Board. Warfel extended his sincere thanks to each and every one of you for the time you put into the budget year in and year out. Compiling all the information that is submitted is the work of the Treasurer’s office. Since Warfels time on the board, Warfel has witnessed each and every year the amount of time that Clinton, Melissa and the rest of the staff put into this budget. The document and the summary sheets that are presented to you are the workings of many many hours and they deserve a tremendous amount of thanks each year for the work that goes into this Budget.
The board did not have an executive session.
Geier moved to adjourn. Weddell seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
The Next Board Meeting will be Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m
Amy Tarr, Jasper County Clerk
