LaSalle County public meetings in 2025

Salary & Labor Committee

The Salary & Labor Committee approved several compensation actions. It raised the salary range for the Nursing Home Administrator to $100,000‑$140,000 annually and increased the hourly rate for Administrative Assistant positions by $2.50. The committee also hired a part‑time temporary maintainer at $29.89 per hour, approved discretionary 30‑day leaves for Nursing Home and Jail employees, denied a MAP Corrections grievance, and authorized payment of three county bills totaling about $1.69 million.

• Approved hiring of part‑time temporary maintainer at $29.89/hr (all Ayes)
• Approved $2.50/hr rate increase and description update for Administrative Assistant positions (all Ayes)
• Approved Nursing Home Administrator salary range $100,000‑$140,000 annually (all Ayes)
• Approved 30‑day discretionary leave for Nursing Home employees (all Ayes)
• Approved 30‑day discretionary leave for Jail employee (all Ayes)
• Denied MAP Corrections grievance (all Ayes)
• Approved payment of bills $1,171.89 (001‑042), $311,292.21 (009‑01), $1,373,850.54 (999‑01) (all Ayes)
• Approved minutes from previous meeting (all Ayes)

County Property Committee

The LaSalle County Property Committee will consider a motion to approve remote attendance under Resolution #23-53 and will approve the minutes from previous meetings. It will review and vote on the 2024‑2025 budget for the Parks‑Memorial‑Cemetery department and for Courthouses, Jail, Buildings & Grounds. The agenda also includes a capital‑asset review and approval, and discussion of updates to park rules and regulations.

• Motion to approve remote attendance (Resolution #23-53)
• Approval of the 2024‑2025 Parks‑Memorial‑Cemetery budget
• Approval of the 2024‑2025 Courthouses, Jail, Buildings & Grounds budget
• Capital asset review and approval
• Amendment of park rules and regulations

The committee dispensed the previous meeting minutes. It approved park budget bills of $396.92 for 2025 and $837.68 for 2026. It also approved courthouse and jail budget bills of $1,640.80 for 2025 and $17,463.57 for 2026. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Dispensed previous meeting minutes (motion carried, Aye=All Nay=None)
• Approved park budget bill 2025‑001‑036 for $396.92 (motion carried, Aye=All Nay=None)
• Approved park budget bill 2026‑001‑036 for $837.68 (motion carried, Aye=All Nay=None)
• Approved courthouse/jail budget bill 2025‑001‑029 for $1,640.80 (motion carried, Aye=All Nay=None)
• Approved courthouse/jail budget bill 2026‑001‑029 for $17,463.57 (motion carried, Aye=All Nay=None)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion carried, Aye=All Nay=None)

Tourism Committee

The LaSalle County Tourism Committee will consider approval of the 2024‑2025 and 2025‑2026 budget and related bills. The committee will review a series of tourism funding requests for rack cards, billboards, and social‑media promotion of events such as Poco a Poco’s Summer Music Fest, the Renaissance Faire, and the LaSalle County Museums 250th Celebration. Additional agenda items include updates on marketing, trail and parking development on newly acquired land, visitor‑guide distribution, and coalition and heritage corridor reports.

• Approval of Budget 2024‑2025 and/or 2025‑2026 – Bills
• Funding requests for promotional materials (rack cards, billboards, social media) for multiple events and festivals
• Development of trails and parking at newly acquired land
• Visitor guide distribution update
• Coalition update and heritage corridor update

The LaSalle County Tourism Committee approved all funding requests presented for a series of festivals, fairs, and promotional materials, with unanimous votes. Updates were given on marketing, visitor‑guide distribution, and coalition leadership. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved funding for Poco a Poco Summer Music Fest & Young Artist Program (all aye)
• Approved funding for Marseilles Renaissance Faire (all aye)
• Approved funding for 2026 Gala Biergarten and Steampunk Fashion Show (all aye)
• Approved funding for LaSalle County Museums 250th Celebration (all aye)
• Approved funding for Wild Bill Days and LCHS Museums (all aye)
• Approved funding for Streator Food Truck Festival (all aye)
• Approved funding for Ottawa Restaurant Week (all aye)
• Approved funding for LaSalle County 4‑H Show and Junior Fair (all aye)

Insurance Trust Committee

The committee will review quarterly bond reports and monthly financial variance, trend analysis, and claim reports. The board will also consider approving monthly requisitions and hold an executive session regarding litigation and claims.

• Quarterly Bond Reports
• Monthly Financial Variance, Trend Analysis & Claim Reports
• Monthly requisitions approval
• Executive session on pending litigation and settlement of claims

The Insurance Trust Board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting and authorized remote attendance for this meeting. The board accepted and filed the quarterly bond report and the monthly financial reports. It entered and exited an executive session and approved eight monthly requisitions totaling $794,280.71. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved November 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved remote attendance for the meeting (unanimous voice vote)
• Accepted and filed the quarterly bond report (unanimous voice vote)
• Accepted and filed the monthly financial reports (unanimous roll call vote)
• Entered executive session (unanimous voice vote)
• Exited executive session (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved eight monthly requisitions totaling $794,280.71 (motion passed; Billard abstained on her per diem item)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous voice vote)

Health Department Board

The LaSalle County Board of Health will consider a motion to approve remote attendance for a board member, adopt the agenda, and approve the meeting minutes. Public comment will include a presentation on the American Academy of Pediatrics CATCH Grant. Officers will report on monthly bill payments, revenue, and investment audits, followed by departmental reports and any unfinished or new business.

• Motion to approve remote attendance of a Board of Health member
• Adoption of the agenda
• Approval of the minutes
• Public comment on the American Academy of Pediatrics CATCH Grant
• Payment of the monthly bills – transfer of funds

The board amended the agenda, moving Dr. Dave’s public comment to New Business. It approved a special meeting for January 5 2026 to discuss participation in the American Academy of Pediatrics CATCH Grant. The board accepted the November minutes as written and approved payment of the November 2025 bills. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Amended agenda to move Dr. Dave’s public comment to New Business (unanimous)
• Approved special meeting on Jan 5 2026 to discuss CATCH Grant (unanimous)
• Accepted November minutes as written (unanimous)
• Approved payment of November 2025 bills (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals will review five applications for special uses or variances. Items include a lot less than 35 acres in A1 zoning, an accessory dwelling unit, a side yard reduction, and a mini-warehouse project. Decisions will be made on each request during the meeting.

• 25-27 SU Rose Kobilsek Trust – lot less than 35 acres in A1 zoning, 502 N 37th Rd, Ophir Township
• 25-28 SU Matt/Corrie Gavin – accessory dwelling unit, 2797 N 4550th Rd, Northville Township
• 25-04 VAR Paul/Jennifer Waszkowiak – side yard reduction from 10’ to 5’, 2565 E 259th Rd, Peru Township
• 25-29 SU Holiday Development LLC/Let’s Store It Sheridan LLC – mini warehouse, 1302 Holiday Dr, Northville Township
• 25-30 SU Holiday Development LLC/Let’s Store It Sheridan LLC – lots less than 35 acres in A1, 1302 Holiday Dr, Northville Township

Highway Committee

The LaSalle County Highway Committee will meet to approve monthly bills and utility permits. The body will also address the 2026 fuel bid and maintenance patrol letting, as well as the 2025 annual report.

• 2026 Fuel Bid letting/award
• 2026 Maintenance Patrol letting
• 2025 Annual Report
• Approval of Utility/Boring Permits

Taxes, Election & Geographic Information System (GIS) Committee

The Taxes, Election & GIS Committee will consider a motion to allow remote attendance and will approve or dispense the minutes from the prior meeting. It will review and approve the 2024‑2025 and/or 2025‑2026 budget reports for the Treasurer, County Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, GIS, and the Assessments Board of Review. The committee will also vote on the County Clerk’s annual report and hear updates on Senate and House bills before adjourning.

• Motion to approve remote attendance pursuant to Resolution #23-53
• Approval or dispense of previous meeting minutes
• Review and approval of 2024‑2025/2025‑2026 budget reports for Treasurer, County Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, GIS, and Assessments Board of Review
• Motion to approve County Clerk Annual Report and forward to the Full Board
• Discussion of Senate and House Bills

County Property Committee

The County Property Committee will review bill reports and the 2024-2025 budgets for parks, cemeteries, and county buildings. The body will also discuss ongoing capital asset reviews and various facility repair projects.

• Review and approval of 2024-2025 budgets for Parks, Memorial, and Cemetery
• Review and approval of 2024-2025 budgets for Courthouses, Jail, Buildings & Grounds
• Discussion of an ordinance amending Park Rules & Regulations for buildings, trails, and reservations
• Capital asset review and approval
• Updates on facility projects including Jail AC, Jail injectors, and E. Etna Road ADA compliance

The County Property Committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting. It approved a park budget bill for $5,953.80 and multiple courthouse, jail and building budget items totaling several hundred thousand dollars. All motions passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved last month’s meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved park bill 2026 001-036 for $5,953.80 (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse/jail bill 2025‑001‑029 for $73,464.10 (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse/jail bill 2025‑001‑029 additional $28,830.32 (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse/jail bill 2026‑001‑029 for $406.25 (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse/jail bill 2025‑028‑000 for $219,481.00 (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse/jail bill 2025‑033‑000 for $159.00 (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse/jail bill 2026‑033‑000 for $500.50 (unanimous)

Nursing Home, VAC, and ROE Committee

The Nursing Home, VAC, and ROE Committee will consider motions to approve remote attendance (Resolution #23-53) and prior minutes, review and approve capital assets, and examine budget and bill reports for the ROE Superintendent of Schools, School Service, VAC, and LaSalle County Nursing Home.

• Motion to approve remote attendance pursuant to Resolution #23-53
• Motion to approve or dispense prior committee minutes
• Capital asset review and approval
• Budget and bill approval for ROE Superintendent of Schools (2024‑2025/2025‑2026)
• Budget and bill approval for VAC (2024‑2025/2025‑2026)

The committee approved the prior Nursing Home and VAC meeting minutes. It then approved budget bills for the Regional Office of Education, School Services, VAC, and the Nursing Home for fiscal years 2025‑2026. Annual reports for the Regional Superintendent and VAC were placed on the official file, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved Nursing Home & VAC prior minutes (all aye)
• Approved ROE budget bill $75,397.71 for 2025 (all aye)
• Placed Regional Superintendent of Schools Annual Report on file (all aye)
• Approved School Services & Health Dept bill $2,047.80 for 2025 (all aye)
• Approved School Services monthly report (all aye)
• Approved VAC bills $8,108.43 (2025) and $8,849.53 (2026) (all aye)
• Approved Nursing Home bills $69,655.42 (2025) and $152,820.19 (2026) (all aye)
• Approved Nursing Home management report (all aye)

Circuit Wide Probation Committee

The Circuit Wide Probation Committee will meet to review department statistics, reports, and approve bills for the Circuit. The meeting will also cover county issues, legislation, and budget matters.

• Review department statistics and reports
• Approve bills for the Circuit
• Discuss county issues and legislation
• Review budget items
• Public comment period

The Circuit Wide Probation Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. It also approved the pending bills and the monthly departmental report. The committee adjourned the meeting and scheduled the next session for January 14, 2026.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved pending bills (unanimous)
• Approved monthly report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting and set next meeting for 1/14/26 (unanimous)

Health & Safety Committee

The Health & Safety Committee reviewed safety topics, including a fire drill recap and winter driving training. It introduced a new quarterly participation drawing offering a $25 prize as a safety incentive. Workers' compensation incidents were reported for information only.

• Safety Incentive – Quarterly Participation Drawing – $25 prize
• Fire Drill Recap
• Winter Driving – monthly safety/training topic
• Safety Concern Submissions (Find It, Fix It Friday)
• Workers' Compensation Incidents – report only, not included

The committee approved the minutes from the prior meeting by unanimous consent. Yehonatan Figueroa was selected as the 4th‑quarter Safety Incentive winner and received a $25 Target gift card. Fire‑drill results were postponed and will be discussed at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Awarded $25 Target gift card to Yehonatan Figueroa as 4th‑quarter safety incentive winner
• Tabled fire‑drill results for discussion at next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Finance & Fee Committee

The committee will review and vote on the approval of current bills and monthly reports. Members will discuss budget amendments and planning for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 budget cycles. The meeting also includes TIF annual review reports and updates on grant funding.

• Approval of current bills and monthly reports
• Review of 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 budgets
• TIF annual review meetings and reports
• Discussion of Congressional funding grants
• Updates on IFiber Funds Broadband and Fund 28 Grants

The committee approved remote attendance for a member under Resolution 23-53, approved the prior month’s meeting minutes, and approved several county bill payments totaling $12,373.55. All motions were carried unanimously (All Aye, No Nay). The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved remote attendance for Mr. Emmett (Resolution 23-53) – motion carried
• Approved prior month meeting minutes – motion carried
• Approved bill 2025-001-044 for $10,793.23 – motion carried
• Approved bill 2025-001-004 for $23.97 and $44.84 – motion carried
• Approved bill 2025-001-003 for $499.25 and $1,035.76 – motion carried
• Approved bill 2026-001-003 for $60.83 – motion carried
• Adjourned meeting – motion carried

Circuit Wide Probation Committee

The committee is conducting regular reviews of probation statistics, residential placement reports, and departmental bills. The body is also discussing county issues, legislation, and the DV surveillance income fund.

• Approval of monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports
• Review of residential placement reports
• Discussion of LaSalle County bill for United Airlines
• Discussion of Bureau County bills
• Review of DV surveillance income fund

Committee on Appointment & Legislation & Rules

The Committee on Appointment and Legislation & Rules approved meeting minutes and adopted a change to the board rule book that forwards any wage, hour, or employment condition increases to the full board for approval. The committee also reappointed several drainage‑district members and appointed new members to various boards and the LaSalle County Insurance Trust. Additionally, the committee requested Illinois Department of Transportation consent to reappoint Donald R. Ernat as County Engineer for a six‑year term beginning August 19, 2025.

• Amended board rule book to forward salary and labor wage increases to the full board
• Reappointed Diane Anderson to Mount Hope Cemetery
• Appointed Dain Twait to the Freedom, Wallace & Dayton Drainage District
• Appointed Ali Braboy to the 708 Board and other members to BEST, UCCI, U of I Extension, CASA, and Health Department
• Approved LaSalle County Insurance Trust Trustees

Finance & Fee Committee

The Finance & TIF Committee will review the current bill report and consider approving bills for the 2024-2025 and/or 2025-2026 budgets. The body will also discuss a motion for quarterly mileage and per diem and an ordinance regarding animal control fees.

• Ordinance amending the LaSalle County Animal Control Professional Fee Schedule
• Motion to approve quarterly mileage and per diem
• Review and approval of current bill report

The Finance & TIF Committee approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It approved bills 001‑004 totaling $6,561.27. It approved quarterly mileage and per diem rates and sent the recommendation to the full board. It approved the amended LaSalle County Animal Control Professional Fee Schedule and sent it to the full board. All motions carried unanimously (Aye=All, Nay=None).

• Approved prior meeting minutes (Aye=All, Nay=None)
• Approved bills 001‑004 totaling $6,561.27 (Aye=All, Nay=None)
• Approved quarterly mileage and per diem, to be forwarded to the full board (Aye=All, Nay=None)
• Approved amended Animal Control Professional Fee Schedule, to be forwarded to the full board (Aye=All, Nay=None)
• Adjourned meeting (Aye=All, Nay=None)

County Board

The LaSalle County Board’s first meeting of the 2025‑2026 session includes several approvals and discussions. Members will consider a resolution to approve a contract for upgrades to the DTCH courtroom, as well as a resolution to appropriate funds for the County Engineer’s salary. Additional items include land‑use approvals, recycling contracts, and amendments to the animal‑control fee schedule. The board will also address a vacancy for District 20 and a proposed advisory referendum on the federal scholarship tax credit.

• Resolution: Approving Contract for LaSalle County DTCH Courtroom Upgrades
• Resolution: Appropriating Funds for the payment of the County Engineer’s Salary
• Land Use Approval 25‑25 for Sharon M. Trumbo Family Trust lot (3121 N RT 71, Rutland Twp)
• Resolution: Amending the LaSalle County Animal Control Professional Fee Schedule
• Resolution: Subdivision Variance (Lyons)

The La Salle County Board approved a $163,000 appropriation from the motor fuel tax fund to pay the County Engineer’s salary for 2026. It also approved a special‑use permit for a 150 MW solar project with three amendment conditions, passing 13‑10. Additional actions included contracts for electronics recycling, courtroom upgrades, and updates to building‑permit, inspection, subdivision, and animal‑control fee ordinances.

• Approved $163,000 appropriation for County Engineer salary (25 ayes)
• Approved special‑use permit for 150 MW Aurora Solar project with amendments (13 ayes, 10 nays)
• Approved electronics recycling service agreement with Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations (24 ayes)
• Approved electronics recycling contract with A‑Team Recyclers (25 ayes)
• Approved amendment to the La Salle County Building Permit Ordinance (25 ayes)
• Approved professional services agreement with SafeBuilt Illinois for building inspections (25 ayes)
• Approved subdivision variance for 3‑acre tract at 1271 N 35th Rd (25 ayes)
• Approved $45,000 courtroom upgrades contract with Liebhart Construction (25 ayes)

Committee on Appointment & Legislation & Rules

The Committee on Appointments and Legislation & Rules will vote on a motion to allow remote attendance under Resolution #23‑53. It will approve the minutes from the previous meeting and hear public comments. The main new business is a resolution to submit a scholarship tax credit referendum to LaSalle County voters.

• Motion to approve remote attendance pursuant to Resolution #23-53
• Approval of minutes for the Committee on Appointment and Legislation & Rules
• Citizen comments period
• Resolution to submit a scholarship tax credit referendum to voters

The committee voted to accept the resolution to submit an advisory referendum to LaSalle County voters regarding the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and to forward it to the full board. All members present voted aye and none voted nay, so the motion carried. The committee then voted to adjourn the meeting, again with all ayes and no nays, and the motion carried.

• Accepted resolution to submit advisory referendum on Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (All aye, 0 nay)
• Adjourned meeting (All aye, 0 nay)

County Property Committee

The County Property Committee will meet to approve a contract for the DTCH Courtroom upgrades and consider dispensing with previous meeting minutes. The agenda includes a motion to approve remote attendance and a public comment period.

• Motion to approve remote attendance per Resolution #23-53
• Dispense of previous months minutes
• Contract for DTCH Courtroom upgrades bid open 11/24/25
• Resolution to approve DTCH Courtroom upgrades contract

The committee approved a contract with Liebhart Construction, Inc. to perform courtroom finish upgrades at the LaSalle County Downtown Courthouse for $45,000. The contract was recommended after reviewing two bids and was forwarded to the full board. The committee also unanimously dispensed the previous meeting minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved dispensing of previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Liebhart Construction, Inc. for courtroom upgrades, $45,000 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Public Safety Committee

The LaSalle County Public Safety Committee will review budget reports for the Sheriff, Coroner, Animal Control, and EMA. The committee will also consider an ordinance amending the Animal Control Professional Fee Schedule and an Interlocal Agreement with McLean County for autopsy facility use.

• Review 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 budgets for Sheriff, Coroner, Animal Control, and EMA
• Ordinance: Amending LaSalle County Animal Control Professional Fee Schedule
• Coroner IGA with McLean County for autopsy facility use
• Transport Van Update (Coroner)
• Executive Session for security procedures

The Public Safety Committee approved remote attendance for a member and ratified the minutes from the prior meeting. It authorized budget bills for the Sheriff, Coroner, Animal Control, and EMA departments. The committee also adopted an amendment to the LaSalle County Animal Control Professional Fee Schedule and forwarded it to Finance. All motions carried with unanimous affirmative votes.

• Approved remote attendance for Craig Emmett (all aye)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (all aye)
• Approved Sheriff/Courthouse Security & Radio budget bills (all aye)
• Approved Coroner budget bills (all aye)
• Approved Animal Control budget bills (all aye)
• Amended Animal Control Professional Fee Schedule and forwarded to Finance (all aye)
• Approved EMA budget bills (all aye)
• Adjourned the meeting (all aye)

Land Use & Oversite Committee

The Land Use & Oversite Committee will review the 2024‑2025 and 2025‑2026 budget items and approve bills. It will discuss monthly construction permit reports, enforcement inspection updates, and IEPA inspection reports. The agenda includes resolutions to adopt two recycling contracts, a building inspection contract, a subdivision variance for Lyons, and an ordinance to amend the Building Permit Ordinance.

• Resolution: Recycling Contract (Dynamic)
• Resolution: Recycling Contract (A-Team)
• Ordinance: Amending the Building Permit Ordinance
• Resolution: Building Inspection Contract (Safebuilt)
• Resolution: Subdivision Variance (Lyons)

The Land Use & TIF Committee approved the minutes from the November 6, 2024 meeting. It then approved several budget bills for 2024‑2025, including items listed as 001-007 $2024‑723.95, 031-000 $2024‑998.16, and $2024‑17227.27. The committee also voted to place the monthly construction and inspection reports on file and adjourned the meeting at 10:29 AM.

• Approved November 6, 2024 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved budget bills 001-007 $2024‑723.95, 031-000 $2024‑998.16, and $2024‑17227.27 (motion carried)
• Recommended monthly construction permit and inspection reports be placed on file (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:29 AM (motion carried)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed several special use and variance petitions. The board recommended approval for two solar projects and one privacy fence, while one solar project recommendation failed and another was recessed.

• Recommended approval for Brian Miller/Maplewood Renewables LLC commercial solar facility (PIN 04-02-205-000) with 5 conditions
• Recommended approval for Trust # 2008-Paul Martin V/4-H Road CSG 1 LLC commercial solar facility (PIN 22-15-403-000) with 4 conditions
• Failed to recommend approval for Schweickert Michelini LLC/Utica Solar LLC commercial solar facility (PIN 19-05-401-000)
• Recommended approval for Jacob/Heather Lemrise 8’ privacy fence at 1002 N 25th Rd
• Recessed petition 24-28 for Gary Bauer Trust regarding a lot less than 35 acres in A-1 to January 15, 2025

Nursing Home, VAC, and ROE Committee

The Nursing Home, VAC, and ROE committees met to approve various departmental bills and reports. The Nursing Home committee discussed PRN pay and a potential all-season room upgrade for the porch and garden.

• Nursing Home bills approved: $122,993.31 and $17,972.90 (handdrawn) for 2024, and $1,325.00 (handdrawn) for 2025
• VAC bills approved: $10,325.37 (handdrawn) for 2024 and $1,495.29 (handdrawn) for 2025
• Regional Superintendent of Schools bills approved: $48,448.32 (2024)
• School Services bills approved: $773.85 (handdrawn)
• Regional Superintendent of Schools Annual Report accepted and forwarded to the Full Board

Finance & Fee Committee

The committee is managing the 2024-2025 budget, reviewing audit findings, and processing bills. Recent actions include approving the use of LATCF funds for a Catlin Park project and discussing the Finance Director position.

• Forwarded ordinance amending the Predictable Fee Schedule for the Office of the LaSalle County Recorder to the Full Board
• Approved forwarding the use of LATCF funds for the well/septic project at Catlin Park to the Full Board
• Corrected Finance Director pay to $100,000.00 and $5,000.00 for office supplies
• Approved NCICG annual share bill
• Held executive session for collective bargaining and salary schedule deliberations

County Board

The LaSalle County Board met on December 12, 2024 to approve remote attendance, per‑diem and mileage reimbursements, and several resolutions and contracts. It adopted a professional service agreement with Willet, Hofmann & Associates for cost estimates on barge terminal repairs and a contract for a Rittal fire‑suppression rack system at the governmental complex. The board also approved ARPA‑related ordinances, multiple land‑use applications for parcels under 35 acres, and appointed members to regional boards and commissions.

• Resolution authorizing a professional service agreement with Willet, Hofmann & Associates for barge terminal repair cost estimates
• Resolution approving a contract for a Rittal fire‑suppression rack system at the LaSalle Governmental Complex
• Ordinance adopting the ARPA Standard Allowance Reallocation and rescinding the Arukah Institute ordinance
• Land‑use applications for lots under 35 acres in Waltham, Vermillion, Fall River, and Dimmick townships (e.g., 3376 E 9th Rd, 12‑15‑104‑000)
• Resolutions appointing board members to the Mental Health 708 Board, B.E.S.T., C.A.S.A., Tri‑County Opportunity Council, University Extension Unit 8, Health Department Board, and Insurance Trust Trustees

Highway Committee

The LaSalle County Highway Committee approved the 2025 fuel bid to Arneson Oil and authorized the purchase of a CAT Mini Excavator for $90,470. The committee also approved resolutions for joint funding with the Illinois Department of Transportation and an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Sheridan.

• Award 2025 Fuel Bid to Arneson Oil
• Purchase CAT Mini Excavator for $90,470
• Resolution 25-01: Joint funding with IDOT for bridge replacement
• Resolution 25-02: Intergovernmental agreement with Village of Sheridan
• Monthly bills approved totaling $1,392,951.22

Salary & Labor Committee

The LaSalle County Salary & Labor Committee met to approve minutes, discuss collective bargaining, and authorize payments. It approved bills totaling $1,191,714.60 and approved stipends for interpreter services and discretionary leave. The committee also considered grant funding for the Public Defender and compensation changes for sheriff’s department staff. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved payment of bills $1,789.89 (001-042), $207,412.38 (009-01), and $983,512.33 (999-01)
• Approved discretionary leave of 30 days for a Health Department program assistant
• Approved interpreter services stipend for Maya Escatel at $.50/hour
• Amended interpreter stipend to $1,040 per year paid over 26 periods
• Discussed Public Defender grant of $109,000 for staff stipends

Tourism Committee

The LaSalle County Tourism Committee approved bills totaling $22,082.29 and approved marketing funds for the baseball season and a hometown hub. The committee also discussed wind and solar farms and the Cinema/Movie Theatre Advertising Program.

• Approved bills totaling $22,082.29
• Approved $20,000 for hometown hub additional zones
• Approved baseball season marketing package
• Discussed wind and solar farms impact on tourism
• Discussed Cinema/Movie Theatre Advertising Program

Land Use & Oversite Committee

The Land Use & TIF Committee is reviewing proposed increases to building permit fees, including a suggested $250 flat fee for residential solar installs. Members are currently evaluating the percentage of the requested vendor increases and comparing costs with neighboring counties.

• Proposed building permit fee increases and a $250 flat fee for residential solar
• Review of Safebuilt annual fees ranging from $74,000 to $161,341 (2020-2024)
• Approval of bills including payments of $1,723.95 and $1,000.00
• Report of 23 construction permits and 19 enforcement inspections
• Discussion of a potential special use application for River Stone Group in January

Committee on Appointment & Legislation & Rules

The Committee on Appointments and Legislation & Rules will consider a motion to approve remote attendance, approve the meeting minutes, and discuss the Board Rule Book. It will also review appointments and reappointments for several Drainage Districts and for the Mount Hope Cemetery Association. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Motion to approve remote attendance pursuant to Resolution #23-53
• Approval of minutes for the Committee
• Discussion of the Board Rule Book (new business)
• Appointments/reappointments for Drainage Districts (e.g., James Sundberg, Chris Kelly, Brian Thompson, Mark Bernabei, Darrell Corcoran, Marty J. Wheatland, Scott Brown)
• Appointments for Mount Hope Cemetery Association (Cindy Farmer, Stacy Ailor, Douglas Wood, Mary Lou Larson, Ashley Meador)

The Committee on Appointment and Legislation & Rules approved the minutes from its previous meeting. It unanimously accepted twelve appointments to various drainage districts and to the Mount Hope Cemetery Association, forwarding each to the full Board for final action. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted James Sundberg appointment to Drainage District #1 – Ophir (unanimous)
• Accepted Casey Kelly appointment to Drainage District #1 – Freedom-Earl (unanimous)
• Accepted Brian Thompson appointment to Drainage District #2 – Freedom & Wallace Main/Sub (unanimous)
• Accepted Mark Bernabei appointment to Drainage District #15940 – Utica, Waltham & Wallace (unanimous)
• Accepted Darrell Corcoran appointment to Drainage District #1 – Wallace & Waltham (unanimous)
• Accepted Cindy Farmer appointment to Mount Hope Cemetery Association (unanimous)

Health & Safety Committee

The Health & Safety Committee approved the prior meeting minutes and reviewed 2024 safety incident data. It announced the fourth‑quarter Safety Incentive winner—a $25 Target gift card to Justin Albrecht of the Sheriff’s Department. The committee presented 2025 safety training topics and issued a winter‑driving flyer for December. It also scheduled Find It, Fix It Friday inspections and discussed workers’ compensation claims.

• $25 Target gift card awarded to Justin Albrecht (Sheriff’s Dept) as 4th‑Quarter Safety Incentive winner.
• 2025 safety training topics to be emailed to all safety representatives.
• Workers’ compensation incident report: 3 claims in November 2024; 25 YTD 2024 vs 24 YTD 2023.
• Find It, Fix It Friday inspections planned for the Coroner’s Office and other departments.
• December monthly safety topic – Winter Driving; flyers to be distributed.

Health Insurance Committee

The LaSalle County Insurance Committee met on December 17, 2024 in Room 250. Members approved remote attendance, approved minutes from the November 25, 2024 meeting, and approved several health‑insurance bills and prepaid bills for payment, including a $1,956,048.29 prepaid bill. The committee accepted and placed on file the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health‑insurance report for November 2024. Healthcare updates and health‑insurance reports were presented as informational items.

• Motion to approve remote attendance pursuant to Resolution #23-53
• Approval of minutes from the November 25, 2024 meeting
• Approval of health‑insurance bills: $3,150.00, $1,040.99, $136,489.50 and prepaid bills: $333.32, $1,956,048.29, $995,656.57, $355,023.76
• Acceptance and filing of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois report for November 2024
• Presentation of healthcare updates and health‑insurance reports for information

Insurance Trust Committee

The Insurance Trust Committee discussed a deficit in assets and the need for recapitalization to avoid running out of funds. The board also appointed new members and approved several insurance-related payments.

• Approved $3,000 for an initial 4-week IPMG Nursing Home Risk Assessment Service
• Approved $421,956 renewal premium payment to The Horton Group
• Approved $101,360.13 first installment renewal premium to ICRMT
• Approved $7,075 payment to CCMSI for administration and safety services
• Appointed Doug Trager and Craig Emmett to the Trust Board

License Committee

The License Committee is reviewing and issuing various permits for local businesses and events. The body is also managing the distribution and renewal of 2025-2026 liquor and amusement licenses.

• Issued one-day event licenses to Country Ranch, Redbud, Cedar Point Sportsman Club, Woodsmoke Food Truck festival, and Centennial Farm open house
• Processed raffle/poker run permits for Illinois Licensed Beverage Association, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, and Camp Tuckabatchee
• Distributed 2025-2026 liquor licenses, with Lake Holiday Marina and Country Ranch remaining
• Reviewed new liquor license application for Gunny’s Tap LLC
• Managed 2025-2026 Amusement/VGT/Distributor License renewals

Health Department Board

The Board of Health reviewed department reports and approved monthly bill payments. Discussions included water contamination solutions in Wedron and the upcoming March closure of Planned Parenthood in Ottawa.

• Discussion of long-term solutions for water contamination in Wedron with IEPA representatives
• Report of Planned Parenthood in Ottawa closing in March
• Agreement with VaxCare for vaccine purchasing and insurance billing
• Agreement with DocuSign for digital signatures on provider agreements
• Report of three open positions: Public Health Nurse, Public Health Nurse/Program Specialist, and Communicable Disease Investigator

Public Safety Committee

The LaSalle County Public Safety Committee met on Jan 2, 2025 in Room 250 and considered agenda items for the Sheriff, Coroner, Animal Control, and EMA. The committee approved a stipend for the specialty assignment of “lead telecommunicator” in the Sheriff Department and forwarded a salary and labor wage increase for the assistant jail superintendent. Members reviewed and approved numerous departmental bills for 2024 and 2025 totaling several hundred thousand dollars. The meeting also included updates on a fence project, the addition of six new officers, and an Illinois Emergency Management Mutual Aid System agreement.

• Approve stipend for the specialty assignment “lead telecommunicator” in the Sheriff Department.
• Forward salary and labor wage increase request for the assistant jail superintendent.
• Approve Sheriff Department bills: 2024 – $5,698.65, $75,495.57, $999.57, $8,285.70; 2025 – $34,509.52, $100,373.21, $15,250.50, $6,706.50, $46,635.79.
• Update on fence project and plan to add six new officers.
• Approve Illinois Emergency Management Mutual Aid System agreement.

Taxes, Election & Geographic Information System (GIS) Committee

The Taxes, Election, and GIS Committee met on Jan. 27 2025 and approved a series of budgetary bills for the Treasurer, County Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, GIS department, and the Assessment Board. It also adopted resolutions on tax‑sale certificates and on several 2025 election‑cycle items, including county clerk office hours, polling‑place locations, and authorized personnel at counting centers. An ordinance to amend the Recorder’s predictable fee schedule was forwarded to Finance.

• Treasurer & Tax Sales Automation Fund bills: $5,227.93 (Dept 001-043) and $22,769.00 handdrawn for 2025; $4,271.63 handdrawn for 2024 (Dept 030-000)
• County Clerk bills: $75,592.97 (Dept 001-050) and $2,517.06 handdrawn for 2025; $777.58 (Dept 001-018) for 2025
• Recorder of Deeds bills: $7,609.48 (Dept 022-000) and $17,316.00 handdrawn for 2025; $55,329.50 (Dept 001-039) for 2025
• GIS department bill: -$19,268.90 (Dept 035-000) for 2025
• Resolutions: tax‑sale certificates for parcels in Rutland and Manlius townships; 2025 election‑cycle resolutions on county clerk office hours, polling places, and authorized personnel at counting centers

Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (E-911)

The Joint Emergency Telephone System Board will meet to discuss supporting a 911 surcharge increase with State Representatives. The board will also review finances and establish the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Discussion on supporting a 911 surcharge increase with State Representatives
• Establishment of 2026 meeting dates
• Review of bills and budget finances

The Joint Emergency Telephone System Board approved the September 24, 2025 minutes. It accepted the 2026 meeting schedule, the 2026 budget, and the October and November 2025 financial bills. All motions were carried as recorded.

• Approved September 24, 2025 minutes (all Ayes, motion carried)
• Accepted 2026 JETSB meeting dates (motion carried)
• Accepted 2026 budget as presented (motion carries)
• Accepted October 2025 bills for Ottawa Central Dispatch, IVRD, and Sheriff’s Office PSAP (motion carries)
• Accepted November 2025 bills for Ottawa Central Dispatch, IVRD, and Sheriff’s Office PSAP (motion carries)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Sub-Hiring Committee

The Hiring Subcommittee will first approve the minutes from its previous meeting. It will then hold an executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) to discuss employee matters, including a complaint against a county employee. Finally, the committee will vote on a motion to forward a Finance Director candidate for appointment to the Finance Department.

• Approve prior minutes from the Hiring Subcommittee
• Executive session on employee appointment, compensation, discipline, or complaints per 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)
• Motion to forward Finance Director candidate for appointment to Finance

Sub-Hiring Committee

The Hiring SubCommittee will meet to review employee matters in an executive session, including appointments, compensation, discipline, performance, and possible dismissal of county staff. The session also includes interviews with the Director of Finance and consideration of a complaint lodged against an employee.

• Executive session on employee appointments, compensation, discipline, performance, and dismissal
• Interviews with the Director of Finance
• Review of a complaint lodged against an employee

The Hiring Sub Committee dispensed the minutes of the previous meeting. It entered executive session to consider an employee appointment, then exited the session. The meeting was subsequently adjourned. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Dispensed previous meeting minutes (Carried, All Ayes)
• Entered executive session for employee appointment (Carried, All Ayes)
• Exited executive session (Carried, All Ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (Carried, All Ayes)

Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (E-911)

The board approved the January 29, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the 2024 FY audit. It formed an ad hoc committee to develop bylaws as required by state mandate HB1866. The board also approved the February‑May 2025 bills and financial statements and then adjourned.

• Approved Jan 29 2025 minutes (all Ayes)
• Accepted 2024 FY audit as presented (5 Ayes)
• Created ad hoc committee to draft bylaws (decision, no vote recorded)
• Accepted Feb‑May 2025 bills and financials (5 Ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (E-911)

The board approved the January 29, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the 2024 fiscal‑year audit. Members voted to form an ad hoc committee to develop JETSB bylaws. The February‑May 2025 bills and financials for Ottawa Central Dispatch, IVRD, and the Sheriff’s Office PSAP were accepted. The meeting was adjourned at 10:49 a.m.

• Approved January 29, 2025 minutes (all Ayes)
• Accepted 2024 FY audit as presented (5 Ayes)
• Created ad hoc committee to draft bylaws (decision, no vote recorded)
• Accepted Feb‑May 2025 Ottawa Central Dispatch, IVRD, and Sheriff’s Office PSAP bills and financials (5 Ayes)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:49 a.m. (all in favor)