Community News
County creates “Rainy Day Fund”
Board Approves Depositing $219,000 into Fund to be Reserved for Restricted Future Purposes
Carlinville – In April, the Macoupin County Board welcomed news from its independent auditors that the county had finished “in the black” to the tune of more than $219,000 in its General Fund. Board Chairman Andy Manar credited the county board and the county officials for undertaking a dedicated and disciplined approach to the spending of taxpayer dollars to achieve the positive result.
At the May County Board meeting, Manar described the creation of a Budget Stabilization Fund as “part two” of a two step process toward paving a way for continued responsible spending practices moving forward in Macoupin County government.
“In April, we welcomed positive news of a budget surplus that showed us we responsibly spend our taxpayer’s money in Macoupin County government,” said Manar. “This month, we are capitalizing on that positive achievement by seeking a solution that will ‘lockbox’ county dollars in an effort to preserve services and reinforce to taxpayers that we understand that spending their dollars should always be considered carefully.”
At the May meeting of the County Board, Manar said action was taken to create a Budget Stabilization Fund and make an initial deposit of $219,000 which was realized as a result of effectively managing the FY 2010-11 budget. The Fund will exist as a restricted fund in the County treasury, only allowing the Board to appropriate to or make expenditures from the Fund with a two-thirds supermajority vote.
Furthermore, Manar explained that additional safeguards will exist with the creation of the Fund such as prohibiting the levying of additional taxes solely to ensure a balance in the fund and a provision restricting the Fund’s balance to be no more than 15% of the county’s total General Fund.
“The idea isn’t to create a fund with an open checkbook so that future county boards can spend recklessly,” said Manar. “By restricting the ability to actually spend this money and also specifically defining purposes for which it can be spent, we are promoting responsible spending and avoiding any possibility of this money ever being used as some type of ‘government slush fund.’”
Manar referred to the fact that on top of the two-thirds supermajority approval requirement for making expenditures, the money will only be able to be used in the future to prevent a reduction in services or employees, to cover a General Fund deficit following an audit, or for costs associated with a natural disaster.
“Ultimately, creating a Budget Stabilization Fund for the County will amount to ensuring that services for our county taxpayers remain at a quality level and that people are able to keep their jobs,” said Manar.
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SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time and part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Part-time students are enrolled in six to 11 credit hours while full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.
Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned President’s list honors. Students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned Vice President’s list honors. The excerpt below features Macoupin County students.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS
Bunker Hill – Logan R. Helling
Carlinville – Reid P. Evans*, Brody M. Reif
Gillespie – Maris E. Brill, Austin L. Grace*
Girard – Max Allen*, Katie Angulo*, Mick B. Downs*, Josh Hagerman, Reed Lewis, Michael S. Prose*
Mount Olive – Jakobb E. Brown*, Georgia G. Kampwerth
Palmyra – Alexis R. Bowman*
Staunton – Paige N. Horstmeyer*, Michael J. Matesa*, Lauren R. Mathis, Brandon Mo
Virden – Zorah E. Austin*, Michaeh N. Barnhouse*, Maddie Carver, Jackson R. Pierce*, Morgan C. Snell*, Grant M. Strickler, Courtney N. Ulinski*
PART-TIME STUDENTS
Benld – Christopher Young*
Carlinville – Alex C. Nance*, Jerry D. Nance Jr.*
Gillespie – Jessica L. Tiek*
Girard – Lindsey J. Ferguson*, Jackson R. Henke*, Natalie Moriconi*
Mount Olive – Kara A. Harmon*, Justin D. O’Neill*, Hayden Wylder*
Virden – Candace L. Carlile*, Lillian M. Carlile*, Natalie M. Little*, Josie P. Patterson, Luciano Pierce*
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The 2:18 Missions Team, a dedicated local outreach group based in Gillespie, is excited to announce its upcoming cookout fundraiser to support its community initiatives. The event will take place on Saturday, June 21st, at Randy’s Market in Benld.
From approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., community members are invited to enjoy delicious homemade food while supporting a worthy cause. The menu will feature pork chops, pork burgers, hot dogs, and refreshing water — perfect for a summer day of good food and fellowship.
“All proceeds from this event will go directly toward our mission efforts to serve and uplift our community,” said a spokesperson for 2:18 Missions Team. “We’re grateful for the support of our neighbors and look forward to seeing everyone there!”
Come out to Randy’s Market in Benld on June 21st to enjoy a tasty meal, support local endeavors, and connect with others in the community.
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CARLINVILLE, IL – On June 14th, concerned citizens are invited to join a coalition of grassroots organizations to nonviolently protest in front of the Macoupin County Courthouse at 201 E. Main St. in Carlinville, IL, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. This protest is one of over 1,400 protests taking place nationwide with millions of participants as part of the NO KINGS National Day of Action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.
Trump’s unconstitutional actions include suppressing free speech, detaining people for their political positions, deporting American citizens, defying the courts, and much more – all while enriching himself and his billionaire allies.
“Now Donald Trump is planning a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14th. This display of might is intended to intimidate opponents and solidify his image as a strongman, while paying for it with taxpayer dollars.”, said Kelley Hatlee, a volunteer organizer with the Macoupin County 50501and Indivisible movements. “Instead of allowing this military parade to be the center of attention, the NO KINGS nationwide protests make action everywhere else the story of America on June 14th: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”, said Hatlee.
“We’re showing up together as neighbors, friends, and fellow community members to say NO to authoritarianism and yes to a government that serves everyone,” said Chelsa Pruden, a volunteer organizer with Macoupin PRIDE and Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible. “We’re tired of watching powerful people trample our rights and our voices. This protest is about reminding everyone, especially those in power, that real strength comes from the people.”
Participants are encouraged to make protest signs that convey their personal messages. Packaged, nonperishable food items will be accepted for donation to local food pantries to help low-income families who will be hit hardest by Trump’s policies.
The NO KINGS protest in Carlinville is organized by a volunteer coalition of the Macoupin PRIDE and the Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible grassroots movements. The coalition has created a Facebook page titled “Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible” for concerned citizens to follow.
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