South Central Reporter

Macoupin County Board met July 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Members Present: Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Members Absent:

Officials and Department Heads Present: Christy Blank, John Bresnan, Jordan Garrison, L. Amber McGartland, Tom Reinhart, Pete Duncan, and Joseph Chirwa

1.Call to Order

2.Roll Call

There were 18 members present.

3.Approval of Minutes

 3.1County Board - Jun 10 2025 - Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes.

Moved by: Jim Ibberson

Seconded by: Kristi Dunnagan

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

4.Committee Reports

4.1Economic Development Committee - Jun 24 2025 - Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes.

Moved by: John Blank

Seconded by: Molly Rosentreter

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

4.2Road and Bridge Committee - Jun 24 2025 - Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes.

Moved by: Todd Armour

Seconded by: Molly Rosentreter

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

4.3Public Safety Committee - Jul 01 2025 - Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes.

Moved by: Harry Starr

Seconded by: John Blank

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

4.4Finance Committee - Jul 01 2025 - Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes.

Moved by: John Blank

Seconded by: Mark Dragovich

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

4.5Road and Bridge Committee - Jul 02 2025 - Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes.

Moved by: Molly Rosentreter

Seconded by: Tony Wiggins

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

4.6General Administrative Committee - Jul 02 2025 - Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes.

Moved by: Todd Armour

Seconded by: John Blank

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

5.Report from Special Committees

5.1Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole - Mar 26 2025 - Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes.

Moved by: Kristi Dunnagan

Seconded by: Aaron Stayton

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

6.Guests

Joshua Ross

2024 property tax collections

6.1Joshua Ross - 2024 Property Tax Collections

Josh Ross with the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service discussed his concerns about the collection and distribution of the property taxes. He said he had spoken with multiple County Board members over the last six months trying to understand what the cause of the delay might be. He asked for some transparency in the process. There was a discussion regarding the tax cycle and process. The issue was referred to the General Administrative committee for further discussion.

6.2Introduction of Grant Manager

Chirwa introduced himself to the Board and talked about his background. Chirwa emphasized the importance of board and officeholder input to strengthen applications. Economic Development Chair Klausing noted Chirwa began work immediately and expressed enthusiasm for his potential impact.

7.Appointments

8.Petitions

Motion to approve the three petitions as presented.

Moved by: John Blank

Seconded by: Leann Barr

Carried

8.1Barr #53

8.2Bird #29

 8.3South Palmyra #45

9.Executive Session

10.Resolutions

10.1Resolution Adjusting County and Community Development Appropriation for Grant Manager Position

Duncan said this resolution would increase the county and community development appropriation by $15,000 and the grant revenue projection by an equal amount to help cover the grant manager salary. It is budget neutral.

Motion to adopt the resolution.

Moved by: John Blank

Seconded by: Kristi Dunnagan

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

10.2Power-to-Act Resolution to award contract for the Staunton-Bunker Hill Road project (23-00108-01-FP) following the July 9, 2025 letting

Reinhart said this resolution would give the Road and Bridge committee the power to act on awarding the contract for the repair and maintenance to be done on the Staunton/Bunker Hill road.

Motion to adopt the resolution.

Moved by: Molly Rosentreter

Seconded by: Todd Armour

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

11.Ordinances

12.Unfinished Business

12.1FY 2025-2026 Tentative Budget

Duncan reported a projected $251,000 increase in revenue, primarily from additional probation reimbursements, a grant-funded position, and a transfer from the Animal Control Fund.

He noted that department budget requests, excluding probation and AFSCME increases, would result in a $204,701.73 deficit. Including those salary increases would add another $45,000 in expenses.

A tentative budget proposal was presented, which includes key salary adjustments, moves Animal Control salaries into the General Fund, and reduces capital outlay by $75,000. Non-salary requests are not included. The proposal would result in a projected surplus of $16,952.06.

Duncan emphasized limited flexibility for additional funding and noted that the Grant Manager is seeking external funding for unfunded items like a police vehicle and technology upgrades.

12.2FY 2024-2025 Budget Changes Timeline

Duncan noted a potential year-end surplus and outlined a plan to reallocate funds — pending all departments submitting final budget figures by the August 5 Finance Committee meeting. If received on time, funds could be used to purchase two additional Sheriff’s vehicles and begin setting aside money for the jail door system upgrade. Final budget amendments will be presented at the August 12 Board meeting, with no changes accepted afterward. He also noted his office’s additional responsibilities during this period, including health insurance RFPs, fund migrations, potential contract back pay, and preparations for the 2026 election cycle. There would not be time for changes to be made after August 12th so potentially people would not be paid.

Motion to approve the timeline of August 5th for final budget changes.

Moved by: Holly Klausing

Seconded by: Ross Adden

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

12.3FY 23-24 Audit Letter Recommendations and Process of Moving Manually Reconciled Funds into County Financial Softwarem

Duncan said that the Finance committee had been working on creating a process to move the 8 to 10 funds that aren't in the county financial software into. The process they recommended was following the model used for Highway Funds, the process will be as follows:

       Deposits: All funds must be brought to the Clerk’s office to be entered into the cashiering system. Finalization and deposit will be handled by the Treasurer’s office.

       Checks: Departments may enter manual checks into the system but cannot finalize them. Checks must be brought to the Clerk and Treasurer’s offices for signatures before being sent out.

       Reconciliation: The Treasurer’s office will reconcile these funds monthly within the system.

Although electronic transfers are not yet addressed, monthly reconciliation by the Treasurer will help prevent unnoticed or repeated transfers.

Motion to approve the process.

Moved by: Todd Armour

Seconded by: Aaron Stayton

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

12.4

Health Insurance Renewal Bid

Duncan said the health insurance bid would be going out soon after the Finance committee has had months to review it.

13.New Business

13.1Approving Hiring Additional Lawyer for Federal Tax Sale Lawsuit

Garrison said he needed the Board to authorize the State’s Attorney’s office to participate in a 40-county consortium to hire additional special attorneys to defend against lawsuits resulting from a 2023 Supreme Court decision regarding the sale of delinquent properties. He is not able to practice in federal court.

Motion to approve the State's Attorney hiring the special assistant state's attorney to handle the federal law suit.

Moved by: Molly Rosentreter

Seconded by: Holly Klausing

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

13.2Approving Salary Increases for Public Defenders and Sheriff

Duncan said this was the annual requirement approving the salary increases for the Public Defender and Sheriff based off the State's Attorney's salary. This is necessary to get the reimbursement. The Sheriff salary will increase to $175,460.50 and the Public Defender salary will increase to $197,393.06.

Motion to approve the salary increases.

Moved by: Kristi Dunnagan

Seconded by: Jim Ibberson

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

13.3

County Highway Non-Union Salaries

Reinhart said based off the recommendation of the Finance committee he was requesting Engineer Tech position salary in 24/25 be $65,284, in 25/26 be $67,896, and in 26/27 be $70,612.

Motion to approve the salaries.

Moved by: Todd Armour

Seconded by: Bernie Kiel

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

14.Consent Agenda

14.1Claims and Officers Report

Motion to approve the claims and officers report.

Moved by: Leann Barr

Seconded by: Kristi Dunnagan

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

14.2Mileage and Per Diem

Motion to approve the mileage and per diem.

Moved by: Aaron Stayton

Seconded by: Holly Klausing

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

14.3Communications

Monthly County Clerk Report - June 2025

Monthly Animal Control Report - June 2025

Monthly American Rescue Plan Report - June 2025

Motion to accept and place on file the communications.

Moved by: Kristi Dunnagan

Seconded by: Todd Armour

Aye

Ross Adden, Todd Armour, Leann Barr, John Blank, Mark Dragovich, Kristi Dunnagan, Gordon Heuer, Jim Ibberson, Bernie Kiel, Ryan Kilduff, Holly Klausing, Jon Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Larry Schmidt, Harry Starr, Aaron Stayton, John Trevino, and Tony Wiggins

Carried 18-0

15.Matters of Recognition

16.Adjournment

Motion by Stayton, seconded by Armour to adjourn at 7:01 pm. All in favor. Motion carried. 

https://macoupincountyil.diligent.community/document/788284c1-09c4-4158-969d-e523946a624e//