South West Illinois News

Monroe County Board of Commissioners met June 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting of the County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois was called to order at 8:16 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 County Clerk Jonathan McLean, Deputy Clerk Kara Etherton, County Engineer Aaron Metzger, Public Safety Director Kevin Scheibe, Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein, Deputy Treasurer Scott Marquardt, Alicia Emmerich, Sidney Horn, Pat Kelly, James Crowe, Scott Woodsmall from the Republic Times, and Sheila Wetzler.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the minutes of the open meeting held on June 2, 2025. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Chairman Green asked if there were any public comments.

Sidney Horn asked about the Board Meeting Minutes not being up to date. Sheila Wetzler said that she had posted the minutes through May 19, 2025. County Clerk Jonathan McLean told Mr. Horn that anytime he has trouble locating the minutes he can contact his office and someone will help him. Mr. Horn also commented that he was waiting for the County audit to be completed because there had been a lot of debate about the Safety Act and its impact on the Sheriff's budget. Commissioner Koerber stated that he might be able to get that information by calling the Sheriff's Office.

Pat Kelly asked about the previous meeting's financial reports approval of invoices $10,000.00 or greater and the payment made on behalf of the Sheriff's Department. Mr. Kelly stated he wanted to know specifically what the payment for the Sheriff's Department was for. Commissioner Garmer stated that it was paid to Data Electronics for the setup of technology in a new police vehicle.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The following item was on the consent agenda:

a. Resolution for Reappointment of John Conrad to the Monroe County Flood Prevention District.

Resolution #25-38

Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay, None Absent. Motion carried.

Alicia Emmerich appeared before the Board to present the Oak Hill Monthly Report.

Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein appeared before the Board to review the quarterly financial report, a copy of which was submitted to the Board. A copy of the semi-annual collector report was also presented to the Board. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the reports. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Mr. Koenigstein also informed the Board that the real estate tax calculations would be completed this week and that tax bills could be mailed out as early as the first week of July. The first installment payment will be due September 19, 2025 and the second installment due November 14, 2025. County Clerk Jonathan McLean wanted to note that despite criticism by some, the County has reduced taxes and did not have to levy the full amount allowed. Mr. Koenigstein agreed and stated that the total tax amount will be around $100,000.00 less than the previous year. Mr. Koenigstein presented a history of CPI's used for the PTELL.

Lastly, Mr. Koenigstein requested that the Board approve a transfer of $100,000.00 from the general fund to the capital improvement fund. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the transfer. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

County Engineer Aaron Metzger presented the mid-year semi-annual report. A copy was submitted to the Board.

Public Safety Director Kevin Scheibe gave an update on the 9-1-1 addressing project. He stated that to date they had sent out 351 letters to homes in the county that are not properly addressed. They are planning to focus on three private drives per month. This is a situation where there are three or more houses on a private road that needs to be named. This is all being done to ensure that all homes are properly addressed with reflective numbers so that first responders can quickly find a home when there is an emergency.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the Oak Hill June 2025 refund requests, in the amount of $19,101.44. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #25-39

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the Oak Hill financial statements. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the following financial reports:

b. Monthly Nursing Home Distribution Report.

c. Invoices $10,000.00 or greater.

d. Monthly County Distribution Report.

Motion to approve the financial reports was Seconded 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. The meeting adjourned at 9:32 a.m. The next Board meeting will be on July 7, 2025.

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