South West Illinois News

Monroe County Board of Commissioners met March 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting of the County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois was called to order at 8:15 a.m. by Chairman George E. Green.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman George E. Green, Commissioner Vicki Koerber and Commissioner Doug Garmer were present.

Others present included State's Attorney Ryan Webb, Deputy Clerk Kara Etherton, Scot Luchtefeld, Sidney Horn, Pat Kelly, James Crowe, Public Safety Director Kevin Schiebe, Karen Schrader, Gale Mueller, Scott Woodsmall from the Republic Times, and Sheila Wetzler.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the minutes of the closed Board meeting on February 3, 2025, and the regular Board meeting minutes from February 18, 2025. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Chairman Green asked for public comments.

Scot Luchtefeld asked when the budget for 2024 was going to be approved and posted online. Chairman Green stated that it had already been approved, and he was surprised to hear that it was not online. Mr. Luchtefeld stated that it was not available online. Commissioner Koerber said the Board would make a note of that.

Pat Kelly asked the Board why there was no picture of the Governor in the Courthouse and asked why we still have a building that has not had a for-rent sign on it for over a year and a half. He stated that that County was losing money every month from that. Chairman Green replied that the building is strategic to the County and that part of that building is currently being used as storage for election equipment. He also explained that the Assessor's Office will need to utilize the remaining space, for a time, while their office is being renovated. Chairman Green then stated that the plan for the building is to create offices, a common area, and bring the bathrooms up to ADA standards before it can be rented out. Chairman Green then told Mr. Kelly he had been at the Backstopper's Event over the weekend and witnessed Mr. Kelly volunteering at the event and wanted to thank him and all the first responders for their hard work and service. Mr. Kelly thanked him and then again asked why there was no picture of the Governor on the wall. Chairman Green stated that was because we had a picture of our President and of President Lincoln. Mr. Kelly then stated that we have a Governor who supports our County quite a bit. Chairman Green thanked Mr. Kelly for his comments.

There were no further public comments.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to reappoint Eric Sutton as the Monroe County Building Inspector. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #25-14

Public Safety Director Kevin Schiebe appeared before the Board to submit the Annual Report of the Emergency Telephone System Fund. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay, None Absent. Motion carried.

Mr. Schiebe also presented the Board with a 9-1-1 Call Report showing the call volume for Monroe County and Columbia Police Department for the 2024 calendar year.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the invoices of $10,000.00 or greater. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Under unfinished business, Commissioner Koerber made a motion to table the following items:

1. Discussion and approval of Miscellaneous Expense Policy Resolution.

2. Discussion and approval of County Credit Card Policy Resolution.

3. Discussion of Ordinance to Remedy Existing Flag Lot Parcel Access.

Commissioner Garmer seconded the motion. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Karen Schrader and Gale Mueller appeared before the Board to deliver a proclamation for National Ag Day in Illinois which will be March 18, 2025.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the Oak Hill Collective Bargaining Tentative Agreement. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

As there was no need for a closed session, Commissioner Koerber made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 a.m. The next Board meeting will be on April 7, 2025.

https://monroecountyil.gov/departments/board-of-commissioners/county-board-minutes/