South West Illinois News

Perry County Board of Commissioners met Nov. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A regular meeting of the Perry County Board of Commissioners convened at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022 at the Perry County Government Building, Pinckneyville, IL.62274

OPENING

Chairman Bruce morgenstern called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited by those in attendance.

Deputy Clerk Lacy Porter called roll. The following members answered Commissioner Folden present, Chairman Morgenstern were present. Commissioner Bigham was absent

The following department heads were also present: State’s Attorney Dave Searby, Treasurer Jodi Koester, Doug Clark, Lee Stanhouse, and the Press Pete Spitler and Travis Lott with the County Journal

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Chairman Morgenstern - Before we approve the agenda, does anyone want to be added to Public Comments? Chairman Morgenstern then called for approval of the meeting agenda.

Commissioner Folden moved the agenda for the meeting be approved. Chairman Morgenstern seconded the motion. On voice vote, the motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Morgenstern asked for the approval of the Board of Commissioners meeting minutes of the November 3rd, 2022 regular meeting. Chairman Morgenstern commented that the Minutes was not presented and will be look at next meeting .

New and unfinished business: Chair man Morgenstern first of all wanted to Thank Dallas Bigham for his time on the Board and all the tough times he had to go through while serving on the board and commissioner Folden also commented on Dallas Bigham’s time on the Board and also wanted to thank him for his time the year he had spent with Dallas.

1. Acting to display fiscal year 2023 Budget on display: Chairman Morgenstern asked Jodi about hanging budget up on display and Chairmen Morgenstern asked for a motion on the budget Commissioner Folden made the motion and Chairmen Morgenstern second the motion on roll call 2 Ayes and Commissioner Bigham absent

2. Resolution: Approve Raffle license Pinckneyville High School Chairman Morgenstern said that the clerk had explained the raffle license that it was a reoccurring license and everything was in order Chairman Morgenstern made the motion Commissioner Folden second the motion on roll call 2 Ayes 1 absent

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chairman Morgenstern commented there was no public comments. Pete Spitler wanted to ask some questions to the Board about will the budget reflect increase’s due to inflation that we are seeing. Commissioner Folden mentioned that he reviewed the budget and was sure there will need to be some changes due to inflation in places and that they are just shy of seeing double digit increases across the board and a 14% increase in other funds because there was a transfer of some funds and Commissioner Folden continued to ask Jodi if she could maybe answer some question on the transfer of funds and the compiling of reimbursements from the state did increase by 400,000.00 yes this what drove the increase in revenues beside a couple of other items Pete Spitler asked the question on a couple of years ago you had filed a declaration of economic distress with the state and was wondering where the county was at on our situation Chairman Morgenstern replied that the county is finally moving ahead with finical instability and is doing a lot better but we are still keeping tight reigns on hiring just to keep everyone in check and of course we are not out the woods yet but we are certainly doing a lot better then what we were in the past. Kudos to Dallas Bigham and the previous commissioners for their due diligence on working hard to bring the county in financial stability. Pete added one more question about the ARPA funds and where is the board on them Chairman Morgenstern said that we had upgrading on software for different departments and in Bobby’s office and we approved 6 new vehicles for different offices meaning for sheriff’s office 2,2 and 2 where two this year and possibly next year are goal is to have newer vehicles for the next sheriff and new roof for the sheriffs department and the Highway department office it has been 40 years since the roof has been replaced. Commissioner Fo0lden explained that there will be on going construction upgrading this building and on the parking lot hopefully we can capitalize on repairing and updating with out using tax payer’s money for the upgrades

EXECUTIVE SESSION

PAYMENT OF CLAIMS

Board members examined claims presented for payment.

Commissioner Folden moved to approve payment of bills Chairman Morgenstern seconded the motion. Chairman Morgenstern requested a roll call vote. Upon call of the roll, the following members voted aye: Commissioner Folden, Commissioner Bigham absent and Chairman Morgenstern. The motion was approved on a vote of 2-0

1 absent

ADJOURNMENT OF COUNTY BOARD MEETING

There being no further business to come before the Board, the Chairman said he would entertain a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Folden made the motion Chairman Morgenstern second the motion all in favor 2 Aye’s. Next special meeting would be November 30,2022 at 5:30 P.M.

https://perryil.com/wp-content/uploads/minutes-agendas-newsletters/Minutes_2022-11-15.pdf