South West Illinois News

Monroe County Board of Commissioners met July 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, ILLINOIS JULY 7, 2025

The meeting of the County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois was called to order at 8:15 am. 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, State's Attorney Ryan Webb, County Engineer Aaron Metzger, Executive Director of Economic Development Pam Poetker, Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein, Deputy Treasurer Scott Marquardt, Zoning Administrator Chris Voelker, Steve Wilke, Scot Luchtefeld, Sidney Horn, Pat Kelly, 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 16, 2025. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Chairman Green asked if there were any public comments.

Pat Kelly asked if there was any other search other than Jon's brother for the position. The Board asked for clarification. Mr. Kelly stated that he was talking about the ROE Superintendent position, and he wanted to know if there was a search for anyone besides Jon McLean's brother. It was explained that the new ROE position was filled by Ryan McClellan, and he was not Jon's brother. Mr. Kelly then said never mind and sat back down.

Steve Wilke stated that he was just here to see how the Board would vote on the Ordinance Amendment for Rogers Street and that he hoped the Board would be voting yes so that he could get started on building his home.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The following items were on the consent agenda:

a. Reappointment of Michael Kirk, M.D., to the Monroe County Board of Health for a term of two years to commence on July 1, 2025, and expires on June 30, 2027. Resolution #25-40. Reappointment of Barbara Wagner to the Monroe County Board of Health for a term of two years to commence on July 1, 2025, and expires on June 30, 2027. Resolution #25-41.

b. Multiple Raffle Permit for St. Patrick Tipton to be held on August 3, 2025, and October 26, 2025. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

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.

County Engineer Aaron Metzger appeared before the Board to discuss the property at Old Red Bud Road and Quarry Road. He said that the topographical survey had been completed and wanted to know what his next step should be to proceed. The Board advised that he should speak with John Wagner and any other department that might have an interest in the property and that collectively they should come up with a site plan to present to the Board.

Economic Development Director Pam Poetker came to the Board to discuss a residential option for the Monroe-Randolph Enterprise Zone. She stated that at this stage it was just finding out which entities would be participating and that once that was determined then the next stage would be having all participants come together to work out the guidelines and specifics. The Board said that they were interested in this opportunity and to move forward with the next steps. No vote was needed.

Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein presented an update to the 2024 Real Estate Taxes. He stated that the real estate tax bills went out on June 27, 2025, and that the first installment is due September 19, 2025, and the second installment is due on November 14, 2025. At present approximately 2% of payments have been collected already.

Treasurer Koenigstein also presented to the Board a health insurance update.

State's Attorney Ryan Webb submitted an Ordinance amending Ordinance 15-02 of the Monroe County Code of Ordinances regarding access control for Rogers Street. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the ordinance. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Ordinance #25-6

Jim Schmersahl presented the fiscal year 2024 audit for Monroe County. The audit includes the nursing home and circuit clerk audit. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the audit. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. This audit is available on the county website for public inspection.

Commissioner Garmer made a motion to approve going into closed session for the purpose of sale acquisition lease of real property. Second by Commissioner Koerber. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #25-42

Meeting closed at 10:13 a.m.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to come out of closed session. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #25-43

The meeting was adjourned at 11:43am. The next Board meeting will be on Monday, July 21, 2025.

https://monroecountyil.gov/departments/board-of-commissioners/county-board-agendas-2/