Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Finance Committee met Oct. 11.

Here are 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.

The following members were present:

Bret Austin, Chairman

Taylor Rakers

Matt Obert

Dr. Robert Reich

David Hoskins

Others present:

Kent Snider

Travis Cooley

Bryden Cory

Anthony Foster

Drew Zimerman

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Bret Austin.

Bills

The committee reviewed bills and stamped as “Checked.”

Approval of Prior Minutes

Mr. Obert made a motion to approve the September 12th, 2021 meeting minutes. Mr. Rakers seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.

Resolutions

(a) Tax Sale Resolution items “A-J” read as a batch

- Mr. Rakers made a motion to approve the tax sale resolution(s). Mr. Hoskins seconded the motion. The motion carries.

Finance

Fund Appropriation

- None

Mr. Austin talked briefly about the LandBank. Mr. Shane Fee from Bank of Springfield was recently appointed. For the budget, it will work very similar to an ARI Grant with $25K in revenue and $25K in expense being reimbursed by the Strong Communities Grant. Currently researching and will need to put in place E&O liability to protect the board. Inquiring but will probably cost about $5K. Already have parties with two properties in line to be donated.

Transfer of Budget Appropriation

- Item #1 and #2 is actually one item. $6K for Building Maintenance

o Mr. Obert made a motion to approve. Mr. Reich seconded the motion. The motion carries.

- Item #3 A.C.E. Program disbursement of ARPA funds $20K

o Mr. Rakers made a motion to approve. Mr. Hoskins seconded the motion. The motion carries.

- Item #4 $8,500 Fund Appropriation for County Clerk; budget neutral

o Mr. Obert made a motion to approve. Mr. Rakers seconded the motion. The motion carries.

Budget/Levy

- Mr. Foster presented to the committee that the JDC currently has 3 transport vehicles, 2 of which are not dependable. He is asking the county to fund 61% of a new vehicle as he has been authorized by ACSI to use a portion of some “special use funds” to fund 39% of the purchase price. Hoping to spend $35K on a new vehicle. Mr. Austin advised that he may spend what he needs to as long as he has the funds in his budget. Encouraged to continue to explore “Special Use’ money funded by Probation Services fees. Presently have $400K in that fund. Discussion was had about moving vehicles from department to department as long as they are dependable.

- Mr. Austin noted that, at present, Adams County has expected revenues of $16 million with expenses at an expected $18 million, leaving us with a $2 million shortfall.

- The Sheriff’s department and the IT department represent the largest increase. Currently projecting that the Sheriff’s department will have to do with 25% to 40% less than their ask. Discussion was had regarding what specifically was driving the large increase in the Sheriff’s budget. It primarily stems from a request to increase staff in the new jail. In order to be fully staffed, they need at least two more officers per shift. They are also needing new radios and will be required by the state to have body cams for all officers by 2024.

- The IT department is already about $60K over the current year’s budget. The IT budget is a little deceptive as of the $600K increase, roughly $400K is actually coming from allocations from the IT portion of other departments’ budgets.

- The finance committee has some work to do to revise and finalize the Sheriffs budget and the IT budget.

Old Business

- Mr. Austin discussed the ARPA projects

o AC Health Dept HVAC estimate came back 30% higher than expected but the current units are inadequate for this areas climate. Anticipate a 6 year return on investment

o ACE Program needs $50K to get them off the ground. Also working with GREDF and Bellaease. This is a pilot program with 25-30 people/parolees to help rehab. Some push back as there is concern that there are too many social services of this nature

o AC Fairgrounds is a 501C3 organization. They experienced $177K in lost revenue as a result of COVID. Requesting $200K for improved bathroom/water facility. Avid supporter of youth, farmers, and the community. ARPA funds are not levied by the county. These are Federal dollars.

o Villages and Townships were eligible to apply for and access ARPA / COVID funds, but they HAD TO APPLY. If these funds are not used they will be “reallocated” to state of Illinois. No deadline to apply has been set.

o Mill Creek Water district application is being reviewed

- The committee discussed the county’s health/medical insurance. Mr. Austin noted a 31.2% overall expected increase from last year. The individual policy will be going from approximately $680 to $860. Mr. Austin fears employees may drop out of participating in the plan and seek out their own insurance. He also noted that insurance is much cheaper in central Illinois. It is unfortunate that health insurance cannot be sold across state lines. Is a self-funded clinic an option? Most self-funded clinics in the area are closing. The main reasons for the increase are that our “pool” is aging and medical costs continue to increase.

New Business

- Mr. Austin discussed the WIPFLI contract. This is the company that does the audit(s) for the county about $2K per year. Noted that there is not a lot of choice as there are very few competitors.

o Mr. Obert made a motion to renew the WIPFLI contract. Mr. Rakers seconded the motion. The motion carries.

- Mr. Austin updated the committee on the status of the Union Contracts. Negotiations will now be every 3 years instead of 2 years. Topics of discussion include holiday schedules and making them coincide with court holidays, providing phones for law enforcement, COVID hazard pay, 6 months health insurance coverage for 20 year retirees and establishing a legal defense fund for law enforcement.

- Discussion about MOU agreement and opening up geographic applicant pool for jail corrections officers

Mr. Reich made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Rakers seconded the motion. Mr. Austin adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showpublisheddocument/6206/637725722330530000