South West Illinois News

Monroe County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 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 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, Public Safety Director Kevin Scheibe, Lynden Prange, John Conrad, Bruce Brinkman, Chuck Etwert, County Engineer Aaron Metzger, Courtney Schweickhardt, Brad Hausmann, Joe Menner, Pat Kelly, Sidney Horn, Donna DeWilde, Scott Woodsmall from the Republic Times, and Sheila Wetzler.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular and closed meetings from August 18, 2025, as well as the minutes from the Special Meeting on August 26, 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 and Donna De Wilde both spoke on topics related to Oak Hill Nursing Home. There were no other comments.

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

a. FirebirdFest 26 Courtyard Bandstand Application Request to be held on May 16, 2026.

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

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the following Financial Reports:

a. Approval of Invoices $10,000.00 or greater.

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

John Conrad, Bruce Brinkman, and Chuck Etwert presented the Flood Prevention District Council of Southwestern Illinois's Annual Report. The annual report was tabled and will be added for approval at the next Board meeting.

Courtney Schweickhardt appeared before the Board to present the Probation and Court Services CFY 2026 Annual Plan. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the annual plan. Second by Commissioner Garmer, All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Public Safety Director Kevin Scheibe and 9-1-1 Telephone System Board Member Lynden Prange presented an ordinance to repeal or abolish an old 9-1-1 ordinance regarding surcharges. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the Ordinance Abolishing Chapter 36, Article 7 of the Monroe County Code of Ordinances Regarding 9-1-1 Surcharge. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Ordinance #25-8

Brad Hausmann from Mapping and Platting presented a subdivision plat for approval. He explained that the property owner wants to split off a piece of property from Parcel ID: 04-17-200-001 and create a single lot subdivision on the east side of the parcel along Bluff Road. The property is within a mile and 1⁄2 from the City of Columbia and the City has approved the division. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the proposed subdivision plat. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve going into closed session for the purpose of purchase, sale, or lease of real estate and personnel. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Meeting closed at 9:18 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.

The meeting adjourned at 10:31 a.m. The next regular Board meeting will be on September 15, 2025.

https://monroecountyil.gov/download/702/2025/251774/09-02-25-county-board-meeting-minutes.pdf