Community News
County board eyes tax collection/distribution, budget negotiations
A public comment from the CEO of the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service led to a larger discussion during Tuesday night’s meeting of the Macoupin County Board about delays in collecting property taxes and paying disbursements to local taxing bodies. Ultimately, the board referred the issue to committee after spending several minutes discussing the matter.
Josh Ross, CEO of the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service, told the board his agency and other local taxing bodies have suffered as a result of delays in receiving their share of property tax revenue.
“There has developed, over a couple of years, a troubling pattern of poor communication, a lack of transparency, and at the very least an outward appearance of inefficiency and an apparent lack of urgency when it comes to the collection and distribution of property taxes,” Ross said, reading from a prepared statement.
He said he reached out the the County Treasurer’s Office and several county board members about the issue but received no satisfactory explanation for the delays.
Ross said state statute requires the county to make disbursements to local taxing bodies within 30 days of the due date. For 2023 taxes payable in 2024, the ambulance service received its first distribution on Aug.19, 2024. A second payment due on Sept. 27, 2024, did not arrive until Feb. 27, 2025. A final distribution for interest arrived on June 17, 2025—303 days after the first disbursement and after the state of the agency’s fiscal year.
Ross said he’s been told to expect similar delays this year in regard to 2024 taxes payable in 2025. Macoupin County tax bills have not gone out this year while Sangamon County sent its bills in April with the initial due date set for June 6. Macoupin County residents are expected to receive tax bills in August, with a first installment due date of Sept. 19 and the second installment due on Oct. 31—just 39 days before the county is required to set levies for the 2025 tax year.
Ross said the delays negatively impact local taxing bodies, including fire protection districts and other agencies that provide critical services. Moreover, since COVID recovery funds are no longer available to cushion the impact, some agencies are forced to dip into interest-bearing reserves to meet their obligations.
“The unpredictability and inconsistency we have been experiencing for these last several years have made budgeting for six months, let alone a full fiscal year, nearly impossible,” Ross said.
Acknowledging that tax collection and distribution are the responsibility of independent county officers, he asked that the board exercise oversight to get to the root of the problems and offer a solution.
“Is what he’s saying true?” Board Member Holly Klausing asked. “Are we out of compliance?”
County Treasurer Amber McGartland told the board delays in disbursing 2023 tax funds in 2024 resulted from faulty software that forced her office to hand process distribution of tax funds. She said the software has since been replaced, which should result in more timely processing. She noted, however, that she can only send out tax bills after the County Clerk provides her with the amount of tax due for each taxable parcel. The clerk’s office is responsible for finalizing the levy for each taxing body and the county, and applying that levy to the current equalized assessed valuation for each and every parcel in the county. She said tax bills are expected to go out “no later than August. 19,” with a first installment due on Sept. 19. Final disbursement to local taxing bodies will occur after the county tax sale, which is set for Jan. 12, 2026.
The County Clerk said his office can be hamstrung by delayed reporting from the Supervisor of Assessments to confirm the equalized assessed valuation for each taxable property.
John Bresnan, Supervisor of Assessments, said he can only submit his report to the County Clerk after local assessors provide him with updated assessments.
“The last couple of years there have been difficulties with the tax system,” Bresnan said. “We expect things to be a lot better going forward but it take time.”
Further exacerbating the issue is a dearth of county assessors. Bresnan said it’s difficult to find people willing to do local assessments. As a result some assessor positions in the county are vacant. “When you have two assessors doing 20 townships, that’s not a good situation,” he said. Filling assessor spots is a statewide problem, he said. “In my opinion, it’s at a crisis level now.”
“Are we expecting 2026 to be back to being in line with other counties?” Klausing asked.
“We expect things to go forward better now that we’ve converted to a new system,” Bresnan said, reiterating that much depends on how quickly a handful of assessor can complete their assessments.
In answer to another question, County Clerk Pete Duncan said accountants hired by the county to audit county accounts are four years behind on auditing the county’s tax collection and distribution.
“Someday, I’m going to come in with a very larger bill (for four years of audits) that we have to pay,” he said.
Board Chair Larry Schmidt cut the conversation off, adding that the issue should be further investigated at the committee level.
BUDGETARY BELT TIGHTENING
Duncan presented an extremely tentative budget, noting that it is subject to change as the board continues to wrestle with balancing expenditures with anticipated revenues. Currently projected revenue is $10,335,742, which is up $251,000 from last fiscal year. If the board approved all department requests as submitted, the budget would be $204,746 in the red.
The tentative budget anticipates $10,318,790 in expenditures, leaving a tight surplus of $16,952. The expenditure projection was reached by basically eliminating department requests that were not related to salary increases and reducing the Capital Outlay budget from $250,000 to $175,000.
“I put this proposal together to show you that after adding just the salary requested, there is basically no room for additional funding for the other requests, Duncan said. He said he has already asked the county’s newly hired Grant Manager to look into potential grants to fund some of those non-salary department requests.
Duncan also told the board that final budget numbers are due to him by Aug. 5 in order for him to update the budget and have it ready for approval at the board’s Aug. 12 meeting.
“If we don’t meet that timeline, some people aren’t going to get paid,” he said.
Duncan added that the board might be able to accommodate requests from the Sheriff’s Department by “sweeping” some unspent line items and further reducing Capital Outlay expenditures allow for the purchase of two vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department and begin setting aside money for a $500,000 upgrade to the jail’s door system. Reducing the Capital Outlay Budget, Duncan warned, could leave the county unable to pay for unexpected expenditures related to county buildings.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
The board took several actions involving the County Highway Department, including approval of a resolution giving power to act on bids for improvements to Staunton-Bunker Hill Road. County Engineer Tom Reinhart said having the power to act would allow work to start as soon as possible after the bid letting on Wednesday.
The board unanimously approved a three-year contract with non-union workers employed by the Highway Department calling for an 8.5 percent increase in the first year, and increases of four percent in the second and third years. Reinhart said the contract will bring non-union salaries in line with union wages.
Three 50/50 petitions were approved obligating the county to subsidize half of the cost of culvert replacements in Barr, Bird and South Palmyra townships. The county will pay half of the $6,000 cost of replacing a culvert in Barr Township, half of the $7,000 cost to replace a culvert in Bird Township, and half of the $7,500 cost of replacing a culvert in South Palmyra Township.
GRANT MANAGER
The board was briefly introduced to newly hired Grant Manager Joseph Amazuwa Chirwa. Chirwa said he has many years of experience with writing grants. “It’s what I do,” he said.
He said he will need the support and involvement of the board and county office holders to clarify the specific need for various grants to improve the chances of securing a grant award.
“He started work on day one,” said Klausing, Economic Development chair. “I’m really excited to see what he can do for the county.”
In a related matter, the board approved a resolution to increase the Community Development budget by $15,000 to defray a portion of Chirwa’s salary.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Approved bidding specifications to seek a new contract to provide health insurance for county employees.
- Authorized 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.
- Approved increasing in the County Sheriff’s salary to $176,460.50 and the Public Defender’s salary to $197,393. Duncan said approval was necessary for the county to be eligible for partial state reimbursement for the Sheriff and Public Defender’s Salaries.
- Approved a plan recommended by the county’s auditors to all payments and disbursements for various county offices and agencies through the county’s centralized computer accounting system, which will enable the County Treasurer to reconcile all county accounts in lieu of having those accounts managed by individual offices.
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FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
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 Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
