South West Illinois News

Monroe County Board of Commissioners met June 2.

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 Vice Chairman Vicki Koerber.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Vicki Koerber and Commissioner Doug Garmer were present. Chairmen George E. Green was Absent.

Others present included Courtney Schweickhardt with Probation, County Engineer Aaron Metzger, State's Attorney Ryan Webb, Deputy Clerk Kara Etherton, Dr. Sean Lattimore, William Rebholz, Steve Wilke, Craig Brauer, Pat Kelly, Scott Woodsmall from the Republic Times, and Sheila Wetzler.

Commissioner Garmer made a motion to approve the minutes of the open meeting held on May 19, 2025. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. Chairman George E. Green Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Vicki Koerber asked for public comments. There were none.

Dr. Sean Lattimore and William Rebholz from the Monroe County Community Mental Health 708 Funding Board appeared before the Board to give an update on the one-year and three-year strategic plan. The one- year goals include identifying unused money and funding, request proposals from organizations that provide mental health care, fund or participate in networking opportunities, and creating a centralized source for access and awareness. Three-year goals include increasing access to services, increasing coordination and collaboration among providers, establishing a system to build overall awareness of services and resources, and creating or participating in a method to measure Monroe County's mental health status.

On the financial report for the invoices $10,000.00 or greater, Commissioners Garmer and Koerber inquired about the five payments to the Regional Office of Education. It was clarified that the payments were for general fund disbursements to the ROE. Commissioner Garmer made a motion to approve the invoices $10,000.00 or greater. Second by Commissioner Koerber. All voting Aye. None Nay, Chairman George E. Green Absent. Motion carried.

Steve Wilke and Craig Brauer appeared before the Board along with Zoning Administrator Chris Voelker. Mr. Wilke is requesting the approval of the County Board to have access to Rogers Street at Parcel #08-19- 100-007. Currently County ordinance prevents a private driveway off Rogers Street. Mr. Wilke cited a Court ruling by Judge Doyle on May 24, 2004, in a case in between the County of Monroe, Plaintiff and the Kolmer Family, Defendants. The ruling in part stated that despite any city or county ordinance or resolution to the contrary at any time in the future and as such time as determined by the defendants, defendants shall be entitled to right of way 50 feet in width, 300 ft from center line to center line east and west sides of Rogers Street. County Engineer Aaron Metzger pointed out that Mr. Wilke could put in a street and that option would not require approval from the Board. Otherwise, an ordinance amendment would need to be made, meaning going through the Planning Commission, then the Board of Appeals, then back to the County Board. Mr. Wilke stated he was not sure which option he wanted. The Board decided to table this request and allow Mr. Wilke to choose which direction he wanted to go. Commissioner Garmer made a motion to table the issue. Second by Commissioner Koerber. All voting Aye. None Nay. Chairman George E. Green Absent. Motion carried.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, ILLINOIS JUNE 2, 2025

Courtney Schweickhardt from Monroe County Probation appeared before the Board to discuss Probation Fees and the upcoming Annual Probation Plan. She explained that they were wrapping up the fiscal year concerning the State's funding for Probation and she would be presenting the Annual Plan next month. She also explained that the Illinois Supreme Court approved changes to the Probation Services Fee Policy but that those changes would not affect Monroe County. A new officer has been hired for the Drug Court Program and is currently splitting her time between Monroe County and Washington County until the Monroe County Drug Court receives final approval from the State.

As there was no need for a closed session, Commissioner Garmer made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Second by Commissioner Koerber. The meeting adjourned at 9:36 a.m. The next Board meeting will be on June 16, 2025.

Minutes approved on June 16, 2025, and filed for record in the County Clerk's office.

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