Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Finance Committee Met April 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Adams County Board Finance Committee held their regular scheduled meeting in the ROE Conference room at 507 Vermont Street, Quincy, Illinois. A Zoom link was provided, but no one joined us via that platform. 

The following members were present: 

Bret Austin, Chairman 

David Hoskins 

Matt Obert 

Taylor Rakers 

Dr. Robert Reich 

Others present: 

Bryden Cory 

Todd Eyler 

Gary Farha 

Anthony Foster 

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Bret Austin. 

Bills 

The committee reviewed bills and stamped as “Checked.” 

Approval of Prior Minutes 

Mr. Rakers made a motion to approve the March 8th, 2021 meeting minutes. Mr. Hoskins seconded the motion.  The minutes were approved.  

Resolutions 

(a) Tax Sale Resolution for #23-0236 located in Quincy Township 

- Mr. Obert made a motion to approve the tax sale resolution. Dr. Reich seconded the motion. The  motion carries. 

Finance 

Fund Appropriation 

- None 

Transfer of Budget Appropriation 

- None 

Mr. Cory shared with the committee that we should be receiving half of the “Cares” money provided by the  American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 by next month. The County’s current cash position is a little tight, but we are  still able to meet our current obligations. The claim check reimbursing the county for damages caused by the  lightning strike to the new jail has been received and applied. Discussion was had with regard to how to track  that in the budget since it is a budget neutral “reimbursed expense.” It was decided that putting it in a Revenue  Line would be appropriate. 

Mr. Cory also shared with the committee that there was an issue with Dental Insurance premiums not being  paid timely which caused some coverage issues, but the glitch had been fixed and the issue resolved with the  carrier.

Budget/Levy 

- None 

Old Business 

Mr. Austin mentioned and further elaborated on the funds made available by American Rescue Plan Act – roughly $12 million payable in two installments. The first coming within a month and the second coming in  about one year. 

- Mr. Austin is the “ambassador” in charge of soliciting ideas for the use of these funds 

o Dr. Reich asked if any could be used for the Ambulance Dept as there are a couple of  stations in need of re-vitalization – an answer to the question is being pursued 

- Ideas for the funds use are to be submitted in writing 

- Some priorities as directed by the Act would be the following: 

o Reimbursement for testing and vaccines 

o Public Health and Safety 

▪ Mr. Austin will be suggesting some of the funds be used to “make whole” non-profit  organizations that help those in our community 

▪ Mr. Farha mentioned the lack of “sober houses” for recovering offenders and wondered about the possibility of using funds to help in that vein 

o Funds can NOT be used for employee wages (excepting overtime related to COVD) nor can  they be used for existing debt repayment 

New Business 

Mr. Austin mentioned several items of note: 

- Riverfront Master Plan 

o Final version available 

o Hope to have the board vote to adopt on Wednesday 

▪ Senses some animosity towards plan 

▪ Money has already been spent to develop 

▪ Approval of the plan does NOT commit the county to any future financial obligations

- Executive Committee discussed Union Contracts 

o The first will need to be renegotiated August of 2021; Circuit Clerk? 

o Contracts have been staggered so negotiations can be handled in-house to avoid paying  outside counsel 

o Finance committee involvement encouraged and needed 

- Open floor space in the old Jail so decisions will need to be made as to the use of that space 

- Landbank agreement between County, City, and Two Rivers still on the radar 

o Greatest impact will be to the Treasurer and Recorders office 

o Further discussion and possible action slated for the May meeting 

▪ Questions have been raised as to equal representation despite the likely majority of  properties being located in Quincy proper 

- Trustee Programs 

o Struggle between Quincy and Trustee Program 

▪ City feels they will be getting calls for “county” problem properties 

▪ We need to find solutions and work together to resolve 

▪ Develop uniform agreements for properties inside city/village limits in an effort to  be fair

Mr. Rakers made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue. Mr. Obert seconded the  motion. The motion carries. 

Dr. Reich made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session. Mr. Rakers seconded the motion. Motion carries. 

Mr. Obert made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Hoskins seconded the motion. Mr. Austin adjourned the  meeting at 7:55 p.m. 

https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showpublisheddocument/5805/637563482734330000