Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Finance Committee met Aug. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Travis Cooley, Tim Finlay, Ryan Hinkamper, Brad Poulter Members Absent: Marvin Kerkhoff

Others in ABendance: Ryan Niekamp (County Clerk), Anthony Foster (Director of Court Services)

The Adams County Board Finance CommiBee held its monthly meeJng on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Adams County Board Room, Quincy, Illinois.

The meeJng was called to order by Chairman Travis Cooley at 5:04pm. Minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeJng were approved, and there were no public speakers during the public comment period.

Under resoluJons, the commiBee discussed the recommendaJons for the Adams County GROW II Program. A detailed scoring matrix was reviewed, showing how applicants were ranked and recommended for funding. There was $448,000 available in Round Two, with $360,000 recommended for funding. The discussion included applicants who had already received $100,000 in Round One, limits on awards, and whether to reconsider certain projects from Round One that could benefit from remaining funds. Concerns were raised about pending state demands for funds to be returned and uncertainJes regarding ARPA interest amounts. The commiBee agreed to table the resoluJon unJl September to allow Jme to review all applicaJons from both rounds and ensure funds are allocated to projects that create new housing units in Adams County.

County Clerk Ryan A. Niekamp presented three appropriaJon resoluJons to establish revenue and expense accounts for the HVAC bond project. This included $9 million for the HVAC bond revenue, $2,182,215 transferred from HVAC bond repayment into the county general fund, placeholder amounts for bond interest and bond payments, and allocaJons for project design and expenses. These measures were intended to streamline accounJng and keep all HVAC-related transacJons within the appropriate fund. The moJons were approved.

Discussion turned to the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget cycle. Department heads will be asked to submit their first-round budget requests by September 1, 2025. The commiBee emphasized the importance of seeng standards for salary increases, requiring jusJficaJon for increases beyond 2-4%, and controlling expenses over 4-5% to address upcoming financial obligaJons. Department heads will be expected to jusJfy any budget increases beyond current spending levels.

An insurance update noted that the county is currently about $470,000 over plan. A meeJng was held with a potenJal new broker on July 21, 2025, to explore plan changes. AddiJonally, the state of Illinois passed nine new HR-related laws in the latest session. The county will ensure compliance with these laws, and a loss control review is expected soon.

Under new business, the commiBee reviewed and approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Office of EducaJon Number One to provide funding for fiscal years 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028. This agreement carries a 0% increase request and is already included in the budget.

County Clerk Niekamp informed the commiBee that his office will be switching to a new voter registraJon vendor. While the new system will cost about twice as much, it offers improved customer service, higher security, and will enable the use of electronic poll books for early voJng. The cost will be covered by state funds, but elecJon contract line items will increase.

Other maBers included discussion of inspecJon procedures for GROW Program projects, ensuring proper documentaJon before releasing funds. With no further business, the meeJng was adjourned at 5:48.

https://www.adamscountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11415