Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Legislative & Judicial Committee met Aug. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Robert Reich, Jon McCoy, Jeremy Farlow, John Gunther

Members Absent: Mark Dietrich

Others in Attendance: Ryan A. Niekamp, Anthony Foster, Erin Wilson-Laegler, LaMarrio Rodgers

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Robert Reich. Following the approval of bills and monthly reports, the minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting were reviewed and approved. No public speakers addressed the committee.

Old Business & County Code Review:

Discussion focused on updates to the Adams County Code regarding commercial energy systems. Ryan Niekamp and Erin Wilson reported on consultations with Bellwether Consulting regarding escrow requirements for solar and battery storage projects. Examples from Hancock County were reviewed, where escrow accounts and decommissioning bonds scaled with project size. The committee agreed to pursue an ordinance addressing escrow requirements and battery storage, with a draft to be brought forward next month. Additionally, application fees were discussed, with consensus to maintain current rates while exploring third-party administrative services.

General Corporate Levy:

Niekamp raised concerns about the county’s maximum general corporate levy, noting current limits under state law. The committee discussed potential ballot measures to raise the cap to better align revenues with expenses. Members acknowledged the importance of timing for a referendum and the need to work with consultants for public education.

Ordinance Updates:

The committee reviewed and approved amendments to Section 5-4-35 of the County Code, which clarifies one-time liquor license fees for nonprofit organizations, fraternal groups, and churches, setting them at $25 instead of $75. The language was also updated to replace “beer” with “alcohol” and extend the application deadline from 5 to 15 days prior to events.

County Board Schedule Adjustment:

Board meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Due to Veterans Day falling on the previously scheduled meeting date, the November County Board meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Liquor Licenses:

The committee approved special event liquor licenses for the Golden Historical Society’s Fall Festival (Sept. 12–14), the Liquid Pony LLC (Aug. 16, with stipulations regarding compliance with state licensing), and the Adams County Bicentennial finale celebration at the fairgrounds (Sept. 6). The committee voted to waive the license fee for the Bicentennial celebration.

Juvenile Detention Center Staffing:

Anthony Foster presented a proposal for six new positions funded primarily through the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts. These included a PREA Coordinator, a Training Coordinator, and four juvenile detention officers. While the AOIC would cover salaries, fringe benefits (estimated at $100,000) would remain a county responsibility. Foster suggested offsetting costs by raising daily bed fees. The committee agreed to forward the proposal to the Finance Committee for further consideration.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:47pm.

https://www.adamscountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11417