Community News
Ben-Gil Elementary achieves “exemplary” status; Board approves $3.7 million property tax levy
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night, Nov. 25, celebrated BenGil Elementary School’s earning of “exemplary” status from the Illinois State Board of Education, and reviewed a tentative $3.7 million tax levy for 2024 property taxes to be collected next year. The board and school district also recognized BenGil Principal Angela Sandretto upon being named Elementary Principal of the Year within the Illinois Principals Association seven-county Kaskaskia Region.
During a detailed presentation regarding the state’s annual School Report Cards, Superintendent Shane Owsley noted that BenGil Elementary earned exemplary status, the highest level possible, while Gillespie Middle School and High School each earned a status of “commendable.” Exemplary status means BenGil’s performance was in the top 10 percent of schools statewide and that no student groups underperformed state standards. Commendable status goes to schools with a minimum graduation rate of 67 percent with no underperforming student groups.
“We have no underperforming student groups in any of our schools,” Owsley announced. “That’s a huge, huge thing. I’m extremely proud.”
This marks the first time a local school achieved Exemplary status. According to Owsley, BenGil Elementary is the only school in the county to reach exemplary status with this year’s release of School Report Cards.
Upon learning BenGil Elementary was rated among the top 10 percent of elementary schools in Illinois, Owsley said he contacted the State Board of Education, in part to confirm the announcement was accurate but also to explore how the state agency assesses school performance. That information may influence how the district approaches specific issues in order to boost scoring. For example, a small part of the score is based on the number of students who participate in a “climate survey” in which students assess teachers and administrators. Schools earn full value in that category if more than 95 percent of the student body completes the survey.
“They don’t care what the surveys say,” Owsley said. “They just want to make sure a 95 percent of the students complete it.”
Owsley said the complicated formulas used to assess elementary schools emphasizes academic growth in English/Language Arts and Math. Academic growth in those areas comprise 50 percent of the score for rating elementary school performance.
“What’s important is that you’re improving,” Owsley said. “That makes a lot of sense for a school district.” Scoring for high schools, however, “makes no mention of growth whatsoever.”
BenGil Elementary, Gillespie Middle School and Gillespie High School all lost points due to chronic absenteeism.
“Absenteeism is a big thing,” Owsley noted. “If students are in school more, they’re going to score better (on assessment tests).” The district is “working to find ways to address absenteeism,” he said, including programs to reach out to parents and students when a student is chronically absent.
If the emphasis is on growth, board member Peyton Bernot asked, how can a school continue to reach Exemplary Status if more and more students are performing at the level of state standards. Owsley said he asked that question of ISBE representatives who told him they are looking at revising the formula because they “realize there are schools out there that are consistently doing well every year.”
Owsley said he looked into how the Report Cards are calculated because he sees them as sort of a “scoreboard” for school performance. “When there’s a scoreboard, I want to know how they keep score so we can improve our score.”
Owsley told the board that Gillespie Middle School came close to an exemplary rating, missing state averages by only a few points.
“Look at how close those numbers are,” he advised. GMS matched the state average in English/Language Arts proficiency and came within nine percentage points of exceeding the state standard for academic growth. Likewise, growth in math skills came within about eight points of the state standard.
ISBE gave Gillespie High School a score of 60.33 percent—enough for commendable status but about 30 points shy of exemplary status. While no student groups were underperforming, GHS students fell short of state averages in academic proficiency in virtually all subject areas. While the school earned a commendable status, GHS Principal Jill Rosentreter said numbers reflected on the report card were disappointing.
“These numbers lit a fire with the High School staff as far as setting goals,” Rosentreter said. “Teachers saw these numbers and said, ‘We have to change the way we teach.’ We’re not happy with these numbers.”
Rosentreter said the staff is strategizing to address some of the areas in which the school fell short.
The four-pronged approach includes strategies to improve student attendance and behavior, programs to implement mentoring for teachers and professional development, programs to help students prepare for ACT testing which comprising a large part of the state’s overall assessment, and a social/emotional learning component to help students cope with emotional issues.
“If you’re shooting for perfect, you can get great,” Owsley commented. “We have one school that is exemplary and I’m convinced we can get the other two schools there.”
Earlier in the meeting, as part of a District Focus segment, Elementary School Principal Sandretto addressed the board about how her staff achieved exemplary status for the school.
“We are exemplary because I have an exemplary staff,” Sandretto said. She said teachers made a commitment to individualize instruction to meet specific students at their current performance level and bring them forward. “What the staff has done is say, ‘This is where we’re at. I’m going to work every day to bring that kid forward’.”
“We spend a lot of time talking about our challenges,” Owsley said, noting that small rural school districts perceive themselves to be hampered by lack of funding, higher poverty levels, and social/economic factors that would seem to make it impossible for them to compete academically with larger, wealthier school districts.
“What they’ve done at BenGil Elementary is prove 99.9 percent of the state wrong,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what your social/economic status is or how much the state underfunds your schools, if you have the right people in the right places, and they love what they do and they do it every day, you can reach the summit. With every barrier they faced, they simply stepped over it.”
TAX LEVY
Board members reviewed a $3,725,100 proposed tax levy for 2024 taxes to be collected next year. The new levy is available for public review either at the District Office or on the District website for the next 30 days. The levy is expected to be finalized following a public hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 18, prior to the regular monthly meeting of the board.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,464,254 by less than $300,000 but is expected to generate only an estimated $3,590,500 due to the impact of the Property Tax Extension Law (PTELL), commonly known as tax caps and adopted by Macoupin County voters in 1995.
Owsley emphasized that the levy is the amount of money the district is requesting while the tax extension is the amount the district will actually receive. The amount levy typically exceeds the extension in order to capture the maximum amount of money the district can receive. He compared the process to a child’s Christmas list, noting, “if it’s not on your list, you’re not going to get it.”
Taxpayers are protected by PTELL, which limits next year’s extension to five percent or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is less) of the previous year’s extension.
“Because of tax caps we would leave money on the table indefinitely if we don’t overshoot,” Owsley said. The district can ask for more money than it is likely to receive, he said, because tax caps protect taxpayers from being overtaxed.
While the levy must be approved in December, Owsley said there are some factors affecting the levy that will remain unknown until sometime next year. The district’s total equalized assessed valuation (EAV) will not be known until after the first of the year. The average increase in the district’s EAV over the the past 10 years is slightly more than four percent, but reached 8,59 percent last year. To preclude undertaxing, Owsley said he prepared the levy proposal based on a 13.95 percent increase in the EAV, even though the actual increase may be far less.
“If we base the levy on an increase of 10 percent, and it turns out to be 13 percent, we will have lost out on that three percent forever,” Owsley said.
The Consumer Price Index, basically the rate of inflation, for this year is 3.4 percent, meaning next year’s extension will be limited to no more than 3.4 percent in excess of this year’s extension.
Once approved, the tax levy will be submitted to the County Clerk, who will make the necessary adjustments in regard to PTELL and the district’s finalized EAV.
Broken down by various funds, the levy requests includes $1,650,00 for Education, $437,000 for Operations and Maintenance, $180,000 for Transportation, $42,500 for Working Cash, $117,500 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, $105,000 for Social Security, $240,000 for Tort, $32,500 for Special Education, and $920,600 for Bond and Interest.
CROSS COUNTRY RECOGNITION
During a District Focus segment, the board recognized the GHS cross-country team that represented the school at state playoffs this year.
“For those of you who have never been involved, I can tell you this is a group of boys that are like family to one another,” GHS Principal Rosentreter said.
Head coach Jay Weber told the board the team was “dead last” in their conference two years ago.
“We set a mission to improve and get better,” he said. “They’re out running at 7 a.m. every day during the summer and in 10-degree weather in the winter. That’s just a testament to their work ethic.”
Weber said the work paid off about mid-season when the team won the Coal Miner Classic meet, as well as invitationals at Southwestern and Carlinville. They placed sixth at sectionals and qualified for state despite temporarily losing one of their top runners, who suffered a stroke at school.
The team placed 27th overall at state.
“Mathematically, our team should not have made it to state,” Weber said. Marshall Garwood missed sectionals but came back to run at state, Weber said. “It was really just a crazy recovery.”
Chaz Oberkfell ran a three-mile run in 14:31 to become the first state champion in GHS, county and SCC history.
PERSONNEL
Following a 40-minute executive session during which the board discussed personnel issues, board members voted unanimously to accept “with regrets” the resignation of Beth Sies, district speech and languages pathologist, effective Dec. 31. In the same action, the board agreed to post a vacancy for the position.
Board members also voted to post a vacancy for a district GEAR UP coordinator. A grant-funded program, GEAR UP is designed to help prepare for college entry upon graduation.
The board also voted to post a vacancy for a Title I reading teacher position for the 2025-26 school year.
In separate actions, the board:
- Accepted the resignation of Michael Rodriguez as assistant GHS Women’s Soccer coach.
- Hired Cora Schalk as head cook for the GMS/GHS cafeteria.
- Hired Brittany Harrison as a six-hour cafeteria worker.
- Accepted the resignation of Alexi Lumpy as GMS volunteer assistant cheerleading coach.
- Appointed Chase Peterson as head GMS cross-country coach.
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Meeting in their new quarters for the first time, members of the Benld City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve a property tax levy request, approved a first installment payment for work completed at the Benld Family Sports Complex, and appointed a new deputy city clerk.
As of the last two weeks of December, Benld City Hall has been relocated to its new location at 218 East Central Avenue. The new building, the former location of First National Bank and Associated Bank, provides an improved venue for public meetings, a private room for executive sessions, plus office space and a drive-up window for water customers to drop off payments.
On a motion by Ald. Jerry Saracco, the council voted unanimously to approve a property tax levy request of $123,576.03 for 2024 taxes to be collected in 2025. The new levy request is about $3,000 more than the 2024 levy of $120,605.29. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin voters in 1995 limits annual increases of no more than five percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The current CPI, essentially the rate of inflation, currently is 3.4 percent. The levy approved Monday night represents an increase of less than three percent over the previous year’s levy.
Broken down by line item, the new levy seeks property tax revenue of $30,500 for administration, compared with $30,000 last year; $5,900 for the annual municipal audit, compared with $5,800 a year ago; $1,200 for the municipal band, which is unchanged from the previous year; $6,250 for street and bridge maintenance, compared with $6,090 the previous year; $5,350 for parks, compared with $5,250 last year; $44,636 for police protection, compared with $43,169 last year; $5,000 for social security, which is unchanged from the previous year; $1,200 for unemployment insurance, which also is unchanged from a year ago; $2,450 for workers’ compensation insurance, compare with $2,400 a year ago; and $6,500 for liability insurance, compared with $6,386 a year ago.
Additionally, the levy request includes $14,590.03 for the Benld Public Library, compared with $14,110.29 the previous year. Though included in the city’s tax levy request, the library is considered a separate taxing body.
The new levy will be submitted to the Macoupin County Clerk, who is responsible for calculating the appropriate tax rates to generate the levy.
BENLD FAMILY SPORTS COMPLEX PAYOUT
The council voted unanimously to authorize payment of $54,347,94 to J.P. Solutions, Benld, the general contractor for the Benld Family Sports Complex, located on the former site of Benld Elementary School.
The payment covers preliminary earth work at the site, including excavating and grading, sidewalk removal and trenching. City Clerk Terri Koyne reported that workers currently are installing playground equipment.
Community Unit School District 7 transferred the site to the city after a mine subsidence event destroyed the sever-year-old Benld Elementary School. The city secured a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources last year. The city will oversee development of the park, after which management and maintenance will be turned over the Benld Sports Association.
Ald. Saracco noted the city has received half of the grant money and voiced concerns that the city could lose the second half if the facility is not completed by the end of April. Mayor Jim Kelly assured the council that HMG Engineers confirmed the facility will be completed on schedule and if the construction does go past April, the second installment of the grant will not be withdrawn.
Earlier in the meeting, Ald. Saracco reported he attended a meeting at Gillespie City Hall regarding the status of nearly $60,000 in CEJA grant funds due to the City of Benld. Saracco said the money was expected to last November or December but has been delayed. Originally, the city planned to use the money to pay for demolition of the former Tarro Supermarket on East Central Avenue. When emergency circumstances arose, however, the city had to proceed with the demolition before receiving the funds. He recommended using the money, when it arrives, to purchase a new emergency siren or to replace a culvert on East Central Avenue.
NEW DEPUTY CLERK
On a motion by Ald. John Balzraine, seconded by Ald. Lance Cooper, the council voted unanimously to appoint Geir Perkins as Deputy City Clerk to assist the City Clerk with office work. In a separate action, the council approved expenditure of about $125 to have Perkins certified as a Notary Public and to buy a notary stamp for her use.
CITY PROPERTIES AND ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS
No action followed a 20-minute executive session requested by City Attorney Rick Verticchio to discuss a small claims lawsuit filed against the city by Monte Oberman in connection with property at 215 East Central Avenue that Oberman agreed to sell to the city in lieu of abating a public nuisance.
In related property matters, the council directed Verticchio to send notice of an ordinance violation to the owners of the former Benld Senior Nutrition Center, 205 East Central Avenue, for bricks falling from the front wall onto the sidewalk.
Verticchio also was directed to pursue action against the owners of 407 and 409 South Fourth Street for allegedly allowing persons to live in the residences without passing a building inspection. Ald. Balzraine said someone is living in a mobile home at 407 South Fourth and in a home located at 409 South Fourth.
Verticchio said he is working in court to get authorization to enter the mobile home for purposes of an inspection. A hearing is scheduled this Friday to obtain an administrative search warrant that will allow the city’s housing inspector to enter the residence.
CULVERT PURCHASE
On a motion by Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council approved replenishing the city’s stockpile of culvert materials at a cost of $9,506.17.
SNOW REMOVAL COMPLAINT
Ferdinand Girardi appeared before the council to voice concerns about snow removal practices following the most recent snowstorm. Girardi said city workers threw up a three-foot embankment in front of his driveway when city streets were plowed and refused to plow access to his driveway. Ald. Balzraine disputed that there was a three-foot embankment in front of Girard’s home and confirmed that city crews are not responsible for plowing private driveways.
“What do you expect me to do?” Girardi wanted to know.
“I want you to take care of your driveway like everyone else,” Balzraine replied.
“You expect a 97-year-old man to get out and shovel out a driveway?”
“No,” Balraine responded, “I expect you to hire someone like everyone else does.”
Mayor Kelly reiterated that cars must be moved off streets during a snow emergency.
“If there’s a car in the road,” Kelly said, “the police will call you to move it. If you don’t move the car, it will be towed. Cars have to be off the road and plows have to be able to get through when there’s a snow emergency.”
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Southern Street. Emily J. Peper, 42 of Greenville, was issued citations for expired registration, suspended registration for mandatory insurance and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Jersey Street. Tommie L. Jones, 38 of East St. Louis, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was out in the 7800 block of Staunton Road assisting Illinois State Police in reference to a traffic crash.
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to North Macoupin Street and Maple Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to possible fraud in the 400 block of 1st Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with female in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an altercation. Jonathan R. Heiens, 39 of Gillespie, was arrested for aggravated battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Spruce Street in Benld. Amarion L. Saulsberry, 20 of Alton, was issues citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to lane blockage.
An officer was out in the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld for a medical assist.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to residence.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South Jersey Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to 2nd Street in Benld in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Middle School to speak with a parent in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a car verses deer traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to Rice Street and Spruce Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Jaylie K. Jett, 26 of Mt. Olive, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to criminal trespass in the 400 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road and West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of South Street in reference to unwanted solicitation.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake to assist Locust Street Resource Center on a call.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to 8th Street and Eiler Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Middle School and then Gillespie Police Department in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Second Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 South of Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Clark Street. Kimberly L. Henderson, 55 of Mt. Olive, was issued a citation for improper use of registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Edwards Street in reference to a 911 medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm call.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Spruce Street in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Division Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway and 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macoupin County Board members voted unanimously Tuesday night to authorize a $1 million project to resurface about 2.7 miles of Staunton-Bunker Hill Road.
County Engineer Tom Reinhart told the board that the section of Staunton-Bunker Hill Road was selected to expend remaining Rebuild Illinois funds because it could be improved with an overlay without extensive patching or rebuilding. The board resolution approved Tuesday night appropriates $997,904.40, representing the balance of RBI funds allotted to the county, to mill and resurface more than 13,200 feet of Staunton-Bunker Hill Road, proceeding west from the county highway’s intersection with Illinois Route 4 near Staunton. Additionally, the board voted unanimously to approve a resolution entering into a $29,542 contract with Veenstra & Krimm, Inc., Springfield, to provide engineering, consulting and oversight services for the project.
A bid letting for the resurfacing is expected this spring.
In other action, the board agreed to sell 2.5 acres of surplus property and approved a controversial division of one lot in the Gander Subdivision between Brighton and Bunker Hill.
PROPERTY SALE
After an extensive discussion, the board voted unanimously to declare 2.55 acres of county-owned land lying to the east of Poggenpohl Redi-Mix and Construction, north of Carlinville, as surplus property and offer it for sale via sealed bids. Bids are due by Feb. 28.
Board member Todd Armour said at least one potential buyer has expressed interest in acquiring the property but “some members of the committee thought there might be other buyers.”
The board, however, tabled action on another six acres of property located west of the Poggenpohl facility.
“There’s another six acres out there,” Armour said. “The committee wondered if we should get an appraisal on all of it, advertise it for sale and get the county out of the property business.”
The additional six acres is contingent to the Macoupin County Fairgrounds, Armour said. A potential buyer expressed interest in buying it and allowing the Fair Board to use the property for overflow parking during the fair and other events.
Armour reported the committee retained Aumann Auctions to appraise the initial properties. The 2.55 acres now offered for sale was appraised at $60,000, with the initial 5.99 acres appraised at $110,000. A new appraisal would include the initial 5.99 acres, plus an additional six acres. State law requires the county to sell the property for a sum no less than 80 percent of the appraisal.
Board member Holly Klausing commented that selling the first 5.99 acres without including the second six-acre parcel could be problematic. “I’m afraid that if we sell these two parcels,” she said, “no one will be interested in the other six acres because it will be landlocked.”
Armour also noted that a farmer who is renting the land from the county has already added soil amendments for the upcoming growing season. “If we sell it out from under him, we’ll have to reimburse him for that,” Armour said.
Ultimately, the board agreed to offer the initial 2.55 acres east of Poggenpohl for sale while tabling a decision on the remaining property pending an appraisal and additional information.
GANDER POINTE SUBDIVISION
With three dissenting votes, the board approved a plan to subdivide Lot 1 of the Gander Pointe Subdivision near Brighton into three separate lots ranging from one acre to 1.5 acres in size.The issue has been under discussion by the board since December, with some board members questioning whether or not the subdivision owners were attempting to circumvent county ordinances defining the difference between major and minor subdivision developments. Gander Pointe currently is a minor subdivision subject to fewer rules and regulations than a major subdivision.
Aaron Coe, the county’s GIS Manager and Plat Officer, told the board that State’s Attorney Jordon Garrison had researched the issue and found no language in the county’s ordinances that would prevent Gander Pointe owners from further subdividing a lot depicted in the original plat. Further, the cities of Bunker Hill and Brighton, exercising their one and one-half-mile jurisdiction, both agreed to the resubdvision plan.
While the Road and Bridge Committee reviewed the resubdivision plan and recommended approval, a resolution to approve the plan was approved 15-3 with board members Tony Wiggins, Ross Arden and Gordon Heuer voting “no.”
LOTUS WIND FARM AGREEMENT
The board tabled a resolution to approve an engineering agreement totaling $941,000 for work in connection with improving roads to and from the Lotus Wind Farm project in northwestern Macoupin County. County Clerk Pete Duncan said there were numerous questions about the resolution, including the cost of the contract. Scott Jansen, senior development manager for APEX Clean Energy, participated via telephone, telling the board he questioned the $941,000 figure. Questioned by Duncan, Jansen was unable to confirm whether or not the company would pay the cost directly or reimburse the county for the expense.
“I think the best thing to do is to table this agreement tonight,” Duncan told the board. “Let the committee talk about it and come back next month. We’re talking about a lot of money.”
Reinhardt agreed, suggesting the board invite Jansen to the February board meeting to answer questions and provide additional information.
If approved, the resolution would authorize the county to enter into a contract with Cummins Engineering, Springfield, to oversee road improvements to support the weight of heavy equipment used in developing the wind farm.
“This resolution is solely for oversight,” Reinhardt said. “APEX is paying for it all. There’s no county money involved.”
Stretching across North Palmyra and North Otter Townships, the Lotus Wind Farm will have about 50 wind turbines capable of generating 200 megawatts of power—enough to operate 77,500 homes. The company website claims the project will create more than 100 jobs during the construction phase, plus nine permanent jobs when the facility is up and running. The wind farm is expected to generated upward of $57 million in new property tax revenue over the life of the project.
FOUR MONTH REVENUE REPORT
Duncan presented a financial report for the first four months of the current fiscal year, show revenues for the General Fund to be down by $32,000 from a year ago at this time. He said revenue from sales tax, income tax and the personal property replacement tax have been significantly higher in past years.
“Obviously, it’s going to be tight,” Duncan said, “and that’s why I’ll be doing a review every month.”
GREAT RIVERS AND ROUTES TOURISM BUREAU
Board members unanimously approved a routine resolution in support of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau. The annual resolution is assists the Bureau in seeking annual re-certification from the State of Illinois.
“In my opinion, they do a good job for us,” said Armour in moving to approve the measure.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Appointed Dale Lawrence and Joe Perkins, and re-appointed Noah Sisson to three-year terms ending on Feb. 28, 2028, on the Emergency 911 Board, and designated Perkins as an “at-large” member.
- Appointed Duncan as the Freedom of Information Act officer for the county board.
- Approved Chairman Larry Schmidt committee appointments as follows:
- Building and Grounds: Harry Starr, chair; Jim Ibberson, vice-chair; John Blank, Gordon Heuer, Ryan Kilduff, John Trevino, Tony Wiggins.
- Courts: Kristi Dunnagan, chair; Kilduff, vice-chair; John Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Arron Stayton, Blank, Wiggins.
- Economic Development: Holly Klausing, chair; Starr, vice-chair; Blank, Kilduff, Dunnagan, Payne, Rosenterer.
- Finance: Payne, chair; Todd Armour, vice-chair; Ross Adden, Mark Dragovich, Bernie Kiel, Blank, Heuer,
- General Administrative: Kiel, chair; Stayton, vice-chair; Leann Barr, Klausing, Ibberson, Trevino.
- Labor Management: Armour, chair;Dunnagan, vice-chair; Stayton, Dragovich, Heuer, Klausing, Trevino.
- Liquor Commission: Ibberson, chair; Klausing, vice-chair; Barr, Blank Rosentreter, Starr, Wiggins.
- Public Safety: Stayton, chair; Dragovich, vice-chair; Barr, Adden, Ibberson, Payne, Starr.
- Road and Bridge: Kiel, chair; Heuer, vice-chair; Adden, Armoiur, Barr, Rosentreter, Wiggins.
No action followed a five-minute executive session to discuss employment in the State’s Attorney’s office.
