Community News
Financial issues top discussion at County Board meeting
A month after approving an austere budget for fiscal 2026, the focus remained on government finances during the Macoupin County Board’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday night.
In addition to discussing county finances, the Board voted 14-4 to approve a controversial wage increase for Supervisor of Assessments John Bresnan, and renewed a health insurance policy for county employees with a premium increase of about 10 percent.
Eleanor Harms, a Carlinville resident and organizer of an informal group called Together, addressed the board, asking that the board consider tapping into surplus funds to ensure county departments are adequately staffed and county employees are adequately compensated. The board unanimously approved an exceedingly tight $10.3 General Fund budget that is projected to end the year with a meager $14,660 surplus. Meanwhile, the county government holds $6.8 million in surplus General Funds and $1.35 million in Budget Stabilization funds.
Harms said she and others in the community are concerned about the impact of the austere 2025-26 budget may have on services and county employees.
“Departments are visibly under strain, union contracts have been expired for well over a year, the office of the State’s Attorney has been understaffed for years, and while the Sheriff’s Department is fully staffed, the deputies are strained in these trying times,” Harms said, reading from a prepared statement.
The budget approved by the board, she said, “does little more than maintain the status quo, with no cushion for new initiatives or unexpected costs.”
The financial situation has many employees working extended hours under pressure, according to Harms. “It risks burnout, diminished morale, and delays in criticial services,” she said.
Harms said the board’s failure to resolve long-expired union contracts is unfair to workers, as well as hampering recruitment and retention. Competitive wages, she said, will help retain current workers and attract new talent.
While commending the financial prudence displayed in the new budget, she urged the board to consider using surplus funds to bolster the budget to ensure employees are fairly paid and critcal services remain available to the public.
“If your house is falling down, you can’t just say fixing it isn’t in your budget,” she said. “You use some of your savings to fix the problem.”
Later in the meeting, County Clerk Pete Duncan defended the fiscal 2026 budget he presented to the board and the board accepted last month. As of Tuesday, Duncan said, the county had about $8.6 million in the General Fund. A total of $1.25 million of that amount is committed to an ongoing HVAC project at the Courthouse and another $1.19 million is invested in certificates of deposit, leaving only about $6.2 million of truly unrestricted funds.
Despite the current $8.6 million balance, Duncan said, “the County’s fiscal position is far more limited. Once commitments, prudent reserves, and projected deficits are considered, the truly available funds are modest — and shrinking.”
The county’s auditors recommend keeping six months of operating funds in the General Fund, Duncan reported. For the current fiscal year, that target is $5.17 million. Accounting for the $5.17 million reserve leaves only $1 million in unrestricted funds. Coupled with the $1.35 million Budget Stabilization money, the county’s truly unrestricted fund balance totals no more than $2.35 million.
Over the next five years, Duncan is projecting extremely small increases in revenue while expenses continue to exponentially grow. Revenue from property tax collections may grow a modest two percent per year while money from intergovernmental sources may grow by only one percent. He projects personnel costs to grow by three percent annually, while other operational expenses remain flat.
“Three percent is extremely conservative,” Duncan said. The most recently negotiated union contract called for a four percent increase in wages, and health insurance coverage will go up by more than 10 percent this year.
He said the county is inordinately dependent on funding from state sources, and those funds can fluctuate wildly. A few years ago, the county received $700,000 a year in personal property replacement tax distributions. After the Department of Revenue determined it made a “mistake” in the formula, that payment dropped to $250,000.
“At any given time, the state can make adjustments, and we are very reliant on state funding,” Duncan said.
Starting in fiscal 2027, the General Fund budget deficit will reach a projected total of $118,000. By fiscal 2031, expenditures are expected to outpace revenue by about $713,000. At that rate, Duncan said, the Budget Stabilization Fund will be depleted, leaving a balance of only $5.4 million in unrestricted funds against a budget of $11.6 million.
Duncan said the board was able to balance the budget for the past two years by rejecting significant amounts of budget requests from various county departments. Last year, the board denied $339,109 in budget requests and $289,311 this year. Had those additional expenditures been included, the County would have entered fiscal 2026 with a deficit budget rather than a small surplus, and the unrestricted balance would fall to about $4.8 million against a General Fund budget of $12.2 million, “leaving the County with significantly less flexibility to absorb future shortfalls.”
Duncan commended the board for approving budgets that have allowed the county to build up a reserve.
“I’ve been through years when there were across the board budget cuts,” Duncan said. “I don’t want to go through that again.”
SUPERVISOR OF ASSESSMENTS SALARY
Board members voted 14-4 to approve a 5.9 percent increase in the $73,404 salary of John Bresnan, Supervisor of Assessments. Bresnan had originally requested a raise of 13.6 percent last month, and the board approved the fiscal 2026 budget conditioned upon resolving the Supervisor of Assessments salary issue the following month.
Bresnan said he had foregone raises in past years and now asked for an increase that would bring his pay in line with his professional peers in elected offices.
The Finance Committee’s recommendation to raise Bresnan’s salary by 5.9 percent was met with opposition from some board members. Molly Rosentreter sharply questioned Finance Committee Chair Jon Payne.
“He said he has not been getting raises but that’s not true, is it?” she asked.
Later, Todd Armour said Bresnan had received the same incremental increases given to lower level employees, but had foregone increases for longevity which would have brought his salary in line with other county executive officers.
Kristi Dunnagan’s motion to approve a four percent raise in opposition to the Finance Committee’s recommendation failed with a vote of 12-6. Ryan Kilduff quickly moved to approve the committee’s recommendation, and that motion passed with a vote of 14-4.
Board Chair Larry Schmidt said the 5.9 percent increase was offered because a six percent increase would have triggered an Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund penalty.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Board members voted unanimously to renew the county’s employee health care policy with Blue Cross-Blue Shield with a premium increase of slightly more than 19 percent. Finance Chair Payne told the board the committee was able to negotiate a 15-month coverage period so the policy’s expiration coincides with the end of the calendar year rather than the fiscal year.
Under the new policy, insurance costs per employee will increase form $946.75 to $1,049.35. The county covers 90 percent of the cost for employees. In addition to the remaining 10 percent, employees are responsible for the total cost of adding spouses and/or children to their policy.
Payne said the committee has switched to Dowland Financial, Carlinville, as the county’s insurance agent for the convenience of employees. The agent advised the committee that Blue Cross-Blue Shield is not offering new policies with prescription coverage but the county was grandfathered to retain that coverage for employees.
“If we left the prescription plan, we wouldn’t be able to get it back,” Payne said.
We more than 190 workers in the Courthouse, Highway Department and Department of Public Health eligible for health care coverage, last year’s expenditures for health care coverage was nearly $2.2 million.
BRIDGE ENGINEERING AGREEMENT
On the recommendation of the Road and Bridge Committee and County Engineer Tom Reinhardt, the board voted to enter into a contract with Cummings Engineering Corp., Springfield, to design a replacement 1,100-foot bridge to carry Carlinville Cut-Off Road over the east fork of Otter Creek. Total cost of the contract is $162,934.
The Illinois Department of Transportation plans to build the bridge in 2029.
“It’s basically free money,” Reinhardt told the board.
In separate actions, the board approved two 50/50 project petitions.
The county will cover half of the $11,000 cost to replace a 66-inch, 50-foot, culvert on Pike Lane in Dorchester Township, and the $9,500 cost to replace as 60-inch, 46-foot culvert on Hettick Road in Western Mound Township.
MASS TRANSPORT GRANT
The board took action to approve three separate documents related to the county’s eligibility for a $156,169 in federal matching funds administered the Illinois Department of Transportation to help fund the Macoupin County Mass Transportation Program. Specifically, the documents authorize the county to apply for the grant, agree to the terms of the grant, and certify that no one lobbied any public officials to secure the grant award.
COURTHOUSE CLOSURE
State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison informed the board that the courthouse will be closed at 2:15 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22, for a planned power outage. Ameren is expected to cut the power at 2:30 in order to connect the building’s main power supply to an emergency generator.
Garrison said the Courthouse will close at 2:15 to give members of the public time to finish their business and leave the building. Closing the building is necessary because security systems and elevators will be inoperable during the outage.
No action was required on the part of the board, Garrison said. The Sheriff’s Office and Presiding Circuit Judge will issue administrative orders to authorize the closure.
CARPET AND LIGHTS
The board gave the Building and Grounds Committee power to act on securing and accepting a bid to replace carpeting in the Traffic and Criminal Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Committee Chair Harry Starr said the carpeting is starting to form ridges that pose a tripping hazard.
Starr also advised the board that ceiling tiles and supporting grids were removed on the ground floor of the Courthouse for the ongoing HVAC project. The committee originally planned to tackle new lighting at a later date, but an electrician advised it would be more cost effective to do it while the tiles are down.
The estimated cost to install LED lighting on the ground floor is $7,215, or $16,520 for the entire building.
Starr said Ameren may have grant money available or incentives to help defray the cost.
BUNKER HILL APPOINTMENT
In other action, the board approved appointment of Mark Vaughn to the Bunker Hill Fire Protection District Board to complete the unexpired term of Jacob Schwegel, ending April 30, 2026.
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Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night approved two zoning variances for David Wycoff and Ben Maracacci but decline to override the Zoning Board’s decision to deny a petition for a zoning reclassification on the city’s east side.
Amanda Yeager appeared before the council, hoping the council would override the recommendation of the Benld Zoning Board regarding reclassification for a parcel of property on the east side of Illinois Route 138 across from the Cabin Bar and Restaurant. Yeager was referred to the Zoning Board in January after she appeared before the council hoping to have the parcel reclassified from residential to agricultural use. At that time, she told the council she wanted the property rezoned to make it more sellable. On Monday night, however, she indicated that she plans to build a house on the property a keep one to three farm animals—horses, goats and/or sheep.
Yeager pointed out that the property is surrounded by property already zoned for agricultural use. Two out of five property owners neighboring the Yeager property objected to the Zoning Board regarding the reclassification. One of those property owners, Yeager pointed, lives on property that already is zoned for agricultural used.
“It’s not a democratic process,” City Attorney Rick Vericchio explained. Even though a majority of the neighbors either supported or have no opinion on the matter, the Zoning Board could base its recommendation on other factors.
According to Yeager, some members of the Board told her privately after the hearing that if they had known about the number of neighbors who supported or had no objection, they would have voted to recommend reclassification.
“You want this council to override the Zoning Board?” Mayor Jim Kelly asked Yeager.
When Kelly called for a motion to reclassify the property, none of the aldermen responded. “I would need more information before I vote on this,” said Ald. Jerry Saracco. With no motion on the floor, the matter died.
Ald. Norm Emmons advised Yeager to reapply to the Zoning Board and restart the hearing process, after which the council could vote on the Board’s recommendation.
The council was unanimous in granting a zoning variance for Ben Marcacci to build duplexes on two of three lots at 311 W. Central Avenue, 208 West Spruce and 210 West Spruce. Marcacci reportedly plans to build a home on speculation on the third lot.
The council also was unanimous in granting a variance to David Wykoff to bring in a mobile home for 18 months while he builds a new home on 4.83 acres of property just off Cahokia Street. Wykoff said he will consult with the Macoupin County Department of Public Health to advise him on installing a septic system to service the new home.
In other housing action, the council voted unanimously to declare 206 South Second Street a public nuisance—a formality that authorizes the City Attorney to send a letter to the owners demanding they clean up the property within 60 days. The home reportedly is vacant and needs to have the grass mowed.
Council members also discussed an ongoing public nuisance case against property at 306 Park Avenue. Brian Komanetsky, owner of the house, is pursuing an eviction action against the occupant and has promised the city he will clean up the property once the tenant is removed. An eviction hearing is set for April 28.
“By our next meeting we’ll have a better handle on when she will be out,” Veritcchio advised. “Does he intend to clean it up? He says he does.”
STOP SIGN
On the recommendation of Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council voted 5-1 to install a stop sign on Short Street at Willow Street. Fletcher said residents in the area complained about speeding vehicles on Short Street.
Ald. John Balzraine cast the single “no” vote.
ANNUAL AUDIT
The council gave the Mayor power to act to retain Scheffel Boyle Public Accountants to complete the city’s annual audit at a cost not to exceed $20,000. The accounting firm had not submitted a formal proposal before Monday night’s meeting. Last year, the audit was completed at a cost of $18,500.
City Clerk Terri Koyne reminded aldermen the firm already has been retained at a cost of $5,000 for a special audit of IDNR grant funds expended on building the new Benld Family Sports Complex.
CEJA PROJECT
Council members voted unanimously to spend about $5,000 in Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant money to install a new floor and paint in the former City Hall when the CEJA grant funds become available. The renovated space will be offered as a community meeting venue for civic group meetings.
GOLD STANDARD AWARD
Ald. Balzraine announced that the DeStefane Events Center was recognized as a Gold Standard award recipient by the Macoupin County Department of Public Health for compliance with food handling safety regulations. The Events Center was one of 33 recipients recognized by the Health Department.
Balzraine said Sue McCoy is in charge of ensuring the Events Center is in compliance and “she does a fantastic job.”
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FELONIES
Rusty S. Menge, 54 of Hettick, is charged with reckless discharging of a firearm in connection with an April 12 incident.
Brandon L. Allen, 41 of Port Orange, FL, is charged with two counts of unlawful commercial use of game ($500+), two counts of outfitting service without a permit, hunting on others land without permission, five counts of obtain license/revoked in a another state, using license issued to another, and loan/transfer license in connection to an April 16 incident.
Michelle D. Heaton, 51 of East Alton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 14, 2025 incident.
Tanner L. Wolff, 24 of Litchfield, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 13, 2025 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mount Clare, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an April 11 incident.
Kenneth W. Bennett, 69 of Carlinville, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with an April 14 incident.
Gregory A. Swift, 43 of Virden, is charged with heft of lost/mislaid property (<$500) in connection with an October 18, 2025 incident.
Brandon P. Bellm, 33 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 18 incident.
Joseph S. Augustine, 50 of Staunton, is charged with tossing/throwing a jackrock on property in connection with an April 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Casey C. Trebing, 28 of Worden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
Ayman Y. Omar, 51 of Lake Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
John M. Steward, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Kylie T. Hunter, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Diana C. Hardison, 60 of Bunker Hill, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 12 incident.
Jimmy Monroe, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and improper traffic lane usage.
Richard A. Stuckey, 70 of Brighton, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with an April 9 incident.
Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 14 incident.
Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis/driver and driving 1-10 mph above the limit.
Keith M. Steele, 27 of Auburn, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 11 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Marshall Emery versus Maurissa Emery
- Coltan Milton versus Chelsea Milton
- Micah Gotter versus Pamela Gotter
- Katie Ritter versus Thomas Ritter
- James A. Donaldson versus Cheryl A. Donaldson
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Cristopher C. Miller and Yvonne M. Rendon, both of Carlinville.
- Earl W. Tiepelman and Maria J. Goth, both of Mount Olive
- Phillip L. Randazzo and Trisden M. Haggett, both of Gillespie.
- Christopher T. Bertolis and Jordan R. Ryan, both of Mount Olive.
- Robert A. Lee and Dawn M. Hilderbrand, both of Maryville.
- Jason T. Daube and Jamie M. Goble, both of Brighton.
- Gabriel E. Bliss and Grace A. Hobson, both of Virden.
- Matthew G. Weidner of Bunker Hill and Claire A. Wilton of Carlinville
- Michelle L. Dettwiler of Litchfield and Heather N. Geary of Vine Grove, Kentucky
- Hunter Gl. Niemann of Litchfield and Hannah M. Ward of Pawnee
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SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Park Street and South Trolley Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a medical issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of 2nd Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
The school resource officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School Office in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping.
Douglas D. Davis, 59 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. A 16 year old male from Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Francis Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Gillespie Street.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Dorsey Road in Benld. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Street and Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment in the 300 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference to a well-being check.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Lester W. Harvill, 56 of Benld, was arrested for improper lane usage and driving under the influence.
Catherine A. Brister, 50 of Staunton, was arrested on a Calhoun County warrant for failure to appear for violation of a court order.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Stemmi Street in Wilsonville to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issue on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer spoke with an officer at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to child abuse.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Osie Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Jersey Street. Amy L. Vollintine, 31 of Sorento, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Garage in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Oregon Street. Daniel L. Harpole, 31 of Brighton, was issued a citation for speeding.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to an issue with a parent.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street with an Alderman in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 600 block of West Osie Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld speaking with a male in reference to suspended registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
John E. Wenzel, 74 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer assisted Macoupin County Sheriff Department at South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Meadowlark Drive in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Western Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
