Jo Daviess County, IL

Executive Committee

The Jo Daviess County Executive Committee will meet to discuss strategic goals and FOIA requests. The body may take action on a resolution regarding the Property Tax Code and the 2027 holiday schedule.

• Resolution calling on the Governor and 104th Illinois General Assembly to amend Public Act 104-0553/House Bill 4537 regarding the Property Tax Code
• Approval of the 2027 Jo Daviess County Holiday Schedule
• FY2025/FY2027 Strategic Goals
• FY2027 standing committee schedule options

Emergency Telephone System Board

Liquor Commission

County Board

Legislative Committee

Law Enforcement & Courts Committee

County Board

Ethics Commission

Information & Communications Technology Committee

Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals

Social & Environmental Committee

Public Works Committee

Development & Planning Committee

Finance, Tax, & Budgets Committee

Emergency Telephone System Board

Board of Health

Liquor Commission

708 Mental Health Board

Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Emergency Telephone System Board

Finance, Tax, & Budgets Committee

The Finance, Tax, & Budgets Committee will review reports from the Treasurer and Grants Administrator. The body will discuss a natural gas purchase agreement for county buildings and the renewal of property, casualty, and workers compensation insurance.

• Possible action on a natural gas purchase agreement for county buildings in Galena and Hanover
• Possible action to recommend FY2027 insurance renewals with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT)
• Update and possible action on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Presentation from the CCAO on how property values become property taxes
• Review of FY2025/FY2027 Strategic Goals

The committee approved a 36-month fixed-rate natural gas contract with Spark Energy for multiple county facilities. Members also recommended renewing the county's property, casualty, and workers' compensation insurance with ICRMT for $588,589, which includes reducing excess liability coverage from $15 million to $10 million. Additionally, the committee approved minutes from four previous meetings held in August and September 2026.

• Approved minutes from August 27, 2026 meeting (voice vote)
• Approved minutes from September 14, 2026 joint meeting (voice vote)
• Approved minutes from September 17, 2026 joint meeting (voice vote)
• Approved minutes from September 24, 2026 joint meeting (voice vote)
• Recommended 36-month fixed-rate natural gas contract with Spark Energy (voice vote)
• Recommended $588,589 ICRMT insurance renewal with reduced liability (voice vote)

Information & Communications Technology Committee

Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals

The Jo Daviess County Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public meeting to consider two land-use requests and a proposed amendment to the county zoning regulations. The board will review a special use permit for a helipad on agricultural land, a variance for access to a new parcel, and a text amendment referred back by the county board. Public comments will be taken on matters not on the agenda.

• Special Use Permit (Case 26-45) for a helipad at 7170 W Guilford Rd, Galena, zoned Agricultural (AG)
• Variance (Case 26-46) for access to a 5-acre parcel via private easement at 8782 N Elizabeth-Scales Mound Rd, Scales Mound, due to lack of 150-ft frontage
• Proposed amendment to Title 8, Chapter 3 zoning regulations on non-agricultural accessory areas on parcels under 5 acres in AG district
• Approval of draft minutes from September 23, 2026 meeting

Development & Planning Committee

The Development & Planning Committee will review monthly reports from building, zoning, and economic development agencies. Members will discuss the Revolving Loan Fund's interest rates and maximum loan amounts, as well as various economic development planning initiatives.

• Update on short-term camping
• Whiteside County Economic Development Business Innovation Grant Program
• New Markets Tax Credits
• Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) maximum loan amount and interest rate
• FY2025/FY2027 Strategic Goals

The committee approved the minutes from the August 25, 2026, meeting. Members also reviewed various economic development reports and discussed potential future initiatives, including grant programs and tax credits, but took no formal action on these items.

• Approved August 25, 2026, meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:29 PM (voice vote)

Public Works Committee

County Board

The Board will review and potentially approve expense budgets for the General Fund and several Special Funds for FY2027. Members will also discuss unfunded requests and establish minimum year-end fund balance policies. The meeting includes appointments to the Planning Commission and various committees.

• Appointment of Steve McIntyre as Chairperson of the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals
• Appointment of Sabrina Schultz-McClain to Public Works, ICT, and Law & Courts committees
• Approval of General Fund (001) expense budgets for 27 departments and offices
• Proposed FY2027 General Fund minimum year-end balance of $4,007,040
• Special Fund balance policies for Social Security ($261,033) and Illinois Municipal Retirement ($513,183)

The Board approved numerous expense budget targets for various county departments to be included in the FY2027 comprehensive budget. It also approved a $200,000 unfunded request for Sheriff's Office building projects and appointed new members to the Planning Commission and county committees.

• Appointed Steve McIntyre as Chairperson of the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals (voice vote)
• Appointed Sabrina Schultz-McClain to Public Works, ICT, and Law & Courts committees (voice vote)
• Approved 28 departmental expense budget targets for FY2027 (voice votes)
• Approved $200,000 Sheriff's Office unfunded request for PSB building projects (voice vote; 2 nay)
• Approved $200,000 increase to 001-49197 Contingency revenue and expense (voice vote; 1 nay)
• Approved FY2027 Schedule of Interfund Transfers and Interfund Transfer Policy (voice vote)
• Approved Special Funds 012, 013, 016, and 042 for FY2027 (voice votes; 2 nay on Fund 042)
• Scheduled special meeting for budget and tax levy adoption on Nov 16, 2026 (voice vote)

General

The Board of Review is meeting to conduct final tentative hearings for completed 2026 assessment complaints. The meeting includes a period for public comment on agenda items.

• Final tentative hearings for completed 2026 assessment complaints

General

The Board of Review is meeting to conduct continued tentative hearings regarding completed 2026 assessment complaints.

• Continued tentative hearings for completed assessment complaints 2026

Social & Environmental Committee

The Social & Environmental Committee will hear a presentation on EMS concerns in Jo Daviess County. Members will also discuss and potentially recommend an amended contract between Jo Daviess County Transit and Crescent Community Health Center.

• Presentation of EMS concerns by Chris Justice
• Proposed contract amendment between Crescent Community Health Center and Jo Daviess County Transit
• Review of FY2025/FY2027 Strategic Goals

The Jo Daviess County Social and Environmental Committee held a meeting on October 15, 2026, but determined a quorum could not be established because one of the four participating members attended electronically. As a result, the committee only discussed unfinished business, heard presentations and departmental reports, and adjourned without making any formal votes or decisions.

• Adjourned meeting at 7:01 PM

County Board

The County Board will review the FY2027 budget process and consider actions on the 2026 payable 2027 tax levy. The board will also discuss General Fund revenues and the approval of numerous special fund budgets.

• Proposed 2026 payable 2027 tax levy amendments, including $3,625,469.32 for the General Corporate Fund
• Proposed FY2027 Round 2 General Fund Revenues estimated at $11,476,109.00
• Proposed $109,396.72 increase to County Highway Fund for a new Staff Engineer
• Proposed $48,229.25 increase to County Motor Fuel Tax Fund for a new County Engineer
• Proposed $7,531.32 increase to General Fund Courthouse budget for a Building/Grounds/Maintenance II position

The Board approved the FY2027 Round 2 General Fund estimated revenues and amended the 2026 payable 2027 Tax Levy. Multiple special fund budgets were approved for the comprehensive budget document, and funding was increased for three new staff positions.

• Amended 2026 payable 2027 Tax Levy (voice vote; 2 nay)
• Approved FY2027 Round 2 General Fund estimated revenues of $11,476,109.00 (voice vote)
• Approved FY2027 General Fund Target Amounts (voice vote)
• Approved 64 Special Fund Budgets and descriptions (8-3-1 roll call)
• Approved $50,000 transfer within Economic Development fund to Small Business Stabilization (6-5-1 roll call)
• Increased County Motor Fuel Tax Fund by $48,229.25 for County Engineer salary/benefits (voice vote)
• Increased County Highway Fund by $109,396.72 for Staff Engineer salary/benefits (voice vote)
• Increased General Fund Courthouse budget by $7,531.32 for Building/Grounds/Maintenance II position (voice vote)

General

The Board of Review is meeting to review 2026 exemption forms and certificates of error. The body will also make tentative decisions regarding completed 2026 assessment complaints.

• Review and approval of remaining 2026 exemption forms
• Review and approval of remaining/new certificate of error forms
• Tentative decisions for completed 2026 assessment complaints

Liquor Commission

County Board

The County Board will review several bridge repair bids and a proposed policy regarding large-scale data centers. The board is also considering multiple property deed conveyances and updates to county staffing positions and compensation.

• Bid from Helm Group for repairs to Rocky Hill Road, S. Ridge Road, and W. Culvert Road bridges for $308,595.00
• Bid from Louie's Trenching for Rawlins Road bridge repair in Guilford Township for $144,200.00
• Approval of claims totaling $1,711,090.00
• Proposed Policy Statement Regarding Large-Scale Data Centers
• Resolution to participate in the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor service program for $10,000.00

The board appointed Sabrina Schultz-McClain to District 10 and approved several bridge repair contracts totaling $452,795. The board also approved a policy statement regarding large-scale data centers and executed multiple property deeds of conveyance.

• Appointed Sabrina Schultz-McClain to County Board District 10
• Approved $308,595 Helm Group bid for three bridge repairs
• Approved $144,200 Louie's Trenching bid for Rawlins Road bridge repair
• Approved Policy Statement Regarding Large-Scales Data Centers (8-7)
• Approved $1,736,683.57 in claims
• Approved $10,000 for State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor program
• Approved deeds of conveyance for seven parcels in East Galena, Thompson, West Galena, and Woodbine Townships
• Approved restructuring of custodial and facilities staffing

Legislative Committee

Law Enforcement & Courts Committee

The Law Enforcement & Courts Committee will discuss strategic goals for FY2025/FY2027. The body is considering a recommendation to approve a one-time setup and implementation fee for the RapidSOS Communicator & QA Bundle.

• Recommendation to approve RapidSOS Communicator & QA Bundle cost not to exceed $14,500.00
• Discussion of FY2025/FY2027 Strategic Goals

The committee approved the purchase of the RapidSOS Communicator and QA Bundle for enhanced 911 call transcription and translation. Members also updated the status of the full-time courthouse custodian initiative to active for the budget process.

• Approved RapidSOS Communicator & QA Bundle not to exceed $14,500.00 (voice vote)
• Updated FY2025/FY2027 strategic goal for courthouse custodian from pending to active
• Approved September 8, 2026, meeting minutes (voice vote)

Emergency Telephone System Board

The Jo Daviess County Emergency Telephone System Board will review August 2026 financial reports and discuss several new business items. The board is considering expenditures for staff training and a software vendor switch.

• Possible approval of RapidSOS Communicator & QA Bundle for up to $14,500.00
• Possible approval of $480.00 registration and up to $602.86 for a dispatcher to attend APCO training in Plainfield, IL
• Discussion regarding $808,576.93 in Certificate of Deposit funds maturing October 8, 2026
• Possible approval of FY2027 meeting dates

The board approved October accounts payable and allocated over $808,000 into two new Certificates of Deposit. Members also approved funding for a dispatcher's certification course and recommended a software bundle purchase for the Law Enforcement & Courts committee.

• Approved October 2026 accounts payable claims of $6,416.06 (5-0)
• Approved FY2027 meeting dates (voice vote)
• Approved $1,102.86 for one dispatcher to attend APCO training course (5-0)
• Recommended approval of RapidSOS Communicator & QA Bundle not to exceed $14,500 (5-0)
• Allocated $808,576.93 into two CDs: $404,288.46 (9-month at 3.78%) and $404,288.47 (16-month at 3.93%) (5-0)
• Approved September 2, 2026, meeting minutes (voice vote)

Board of Health

Liquor Commission

The Jo Daviess County Liquor Commission meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5:45 PM in the County Board Room at 330 North Bench Street, Galena. The main item is discussion and possible action on issuing a county retailer liquor license to Orchard Landing Co., doing business as Galena Cider Company, at 6629 W. Beaty Hollow Rd., Hanover, IL 61041, Class X2, for an event date of October 10, 2026. The agenda also includes approval of the September 8, 2026 minutes, public comment periods, and member concerns.

• Possible action on a Class X2 retailer liquor license for Orchard Landing Co., dba Galena Cider Company, 6629 W. Beaty Hollow Rd., Hanover, IL 61041, event date October 10, 2026
• Review and approval of the September 8, 2026 Liquor Commission meeting minutes
• Two Citizens' Comments periods; speakers must give name and address and are limited to three (3) minutes
• Unfinished Business listed with no items specified
• Meeting held at the Courthouse, 3rd Floor County Board Room, 330 North Bench Street, Galena, IL 61036, with Zoom option

The Jo Daviess County Special Liquor Commission approved a one-day retailer liquor license for Orchard Landing Co. (dba Galena Cider Company) for an event on October 10, 2026. The commission also approved the minutes from the September 8, 2026 meeting.

• Approved Class X2 retailer liquor license for Orchard Landing Co. dba Galena Cider Company (voice vote)
• Approved September 8, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)

Executive Committee

The Jo Daviess County Executive Committee meets Monday, October 5, 2026, to review unfinished business and consider several recommendations to the full County Board. Items include clarifying a Planning Commission referral on accessory-area limits in the AG zoning district, a $10,000.00 agreement with the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor for FY2027, and multiple personnel changes recommended by the Personnel Review Committee. The committee will also review closed session minutes and may take action afterward.

• Clarify September 8, 2026 referral on maximum non-agricultural accessory area in the AG district (Title 8, Chapter 3, Section 8-3A-4 B), including a possible 10% cap for parcels under five acres
• Recommend a Resolution to participate in the Office of the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor service program for FY2027 at $10,000.00
• Recommend a Resolution requiring County Board approval for appointment and removal of non-elected department heads
• Recommend amending Grade 17 starting wage in the P2026-14 Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan to $47.00 per hour and removing Grade 18
• Recommend adding or revising several positions: Program Compliance Oversight Monitor/Administrative Services Manager, Transit Operations Director, Transit Training & Safety Manager, Facilities Manager, and Building/Grounds/Maintenance II

The committee recommended revisions to multiple staff positions and the non-represented employee compensation plan. It also moved to clarify zoning standards for agricultural accessory areas and approved participation in a state prosecutor service program.

• Approved August 31, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Recommended expanding the review of non-agricultural accessory area standards for all AG zoning parcels (voice vote)
• Recommended $10,000 resolution for State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor service program FY2027 (voice vote)
• Recommended creation/revision of Program Compliance Oversight Monitor/Administrative Services Manager position (voice vote)
• Recommended revision of Transit Operations Director position (voice vote)
• Recommended revision of Transit Training & Safety Manager position (voice vote)
• Recommended revisions to Facilities Manager and Building/Grounds/Maintenance II positions (voice vote)
• Recommended increasing Grade 17 starting wage to $47.00 per hour and removing Grade 18 from compensation plan (voice vote)

Personnel Review Committee

The Jo Daviess County Personnel Review Committee meets on October 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Courthouse Board Room in Galena. The committee will discuss and possibly act on requests to recommend adding or revising several positions, including a Program Compliance Oversight Monitor/Administrative Services Manager, a Transit Operations Director, and a Transit Training & Safety Manager, along with revisions to Facilities Manager and Building/Grounds/Maintenance II positions. It will also consider amending the starting wage for Grade 17 and the P2026-14 Non-Represented Employee Classification/Compensation Plan, and recommend appointments to fill committee vacancies. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the June 18, 2026 meeting and public comment periods.

• Request to recommend addition/revision of Program Compliance Oversight Monitor/Administrative Services Manager position and grade placement
• Request to recommend addition/revision of Transit Operations Director position and grade placement
• Request to recommend addition/revision of Transit Training & Safety Manager position and grade placement
• Request to amend starting wage for Grade 17 in the P2026-14 Non-Represented Employee Classification/Compensation Plan (current Grade 17 titles are Assistant States Attorney)
• Request to recommend appointments to fill committee member vacancies

The committee recommended several revisions to transit and facilities position descriptions and grade placements. It also proposed increasing the starting wage for Grade 17 employees to $47.00 per hour and removing Grade 18 from the compensation plan.

• Recommended addition/revision of Program Compliance Oversight Monitor/Administrative Services Manager position at Grade 11 (voice vote)
• Recommended addition/revision of Transit Operations Director position and grade placement (voice vote)
• Recommended addition/revision of Transit Training & Safety Manager position and grade placement (voice vote)
• Recommended revision of Facilities Manager position and description (voice vote)
• Recommended revision of Building/Grounds/Maintenance II position and description (voice vote)
• Recommended increasing Grade 17 starting wage (Assistant State's Attorneys) to $47.00 per hour (voice vote)
• Recommended amending P2026-14 Non-Represented Employee Classification/Compensation Plan to remove Grade 18 and incorporate changes (voice vote)
• Approved June 18, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)

Public Works Committee

The Jo Daviess County Public Works Committee meets Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the County Highway Department in Hanover to review minutes and consider new business. Members will discuss and possibly recommend approval of a $308,595.00 bid from Helm Group to repair three bridges on Rocky Hill Road, S. Ridge Road, and W. Culvert Road, split 50/50 between townships and the County. They will also consider a $144,200.00 bid from Louie's Trenching for the Guilford Township Rawlins Road 50/50 bridge repair and an agreement for snow removal and ice control at Jo-Carroll Depot not to exceed $6,500.00. The committee will also hear a County Engineer report and take public comment.

• Helm Group bid of $308,595.00 for repairs to three bridges (Rocky Hill Road, S. Ridge Road, W. Culvert Road), split 50/50 between townships and the County
• Louie's Trenching bid of $144,200.00 for Guilford Township Rawlins Road 50/50 bridge repair (26-08135-00-BR)
• Snow removal and ice control agreement for roads at Jo-Carroll Depot, cost not to exceed $6,500.00
• Approval of minutes from June 9, 2026 and July 14, 2026 Special Public Works Committee meetings
• FY2025/FY2027 Strategic Goals under unfinished business

The Public Works Committee recommended approval of two bridge repair bids: $308,595.00 from Helm Group for three bridges (Rocky Hill Road, South Ridge Road, West Culvert Road), split 50/50 between townships and the County, and $144,200.00 from Louie's Trenching for the Guilford Township Rawlins Road bridge. It also recommended a snow removal and ice control agreement for Jo-Carroll Depot roads at a cost not to exceed $6,500.00. All motions carried by voice vote; the minutes note they are not the official record until approved at the next meeting.

• Approved minutes of the June 9, 2026 Special Public Works Committee meeting (voice vote)
• Approved minutes of the July 14, 2026 Special Public Works Committee meeting (voice vote)
• Recommended approval of Helm Group bid for repair of three bridges (Rocky Hill Road, S. Ridge Road, W. Culvert Road) at $308,595.00, split 50/50 between townships and the County, paid from 011-43145-890 Other Improvements (voice vote)
• Recommended approval of Louie's Trenching bid for Guilford Township Rawlins Road 50/50 Bridge Repair (26-08135-00-BR) at $144,200.00, paid from 011-43145-890 Other Improvements (voice vote)
• Recommended approval of snow removal and ice control agreement for roads at Jo-Carroll Depot at a cost not to exceed $6,500.00, paid from 002-43141-701 Maintenance Service (voice vote)
• Adjourned at 6:19 PM (voice vote)

Joint Committee Budget Review Meetings

The Jo Daviess County Joint Committee (Finance, Development & Planning, and Executive) is meeting to discuss and possibly recommend resolutions for seven deed conveyances of county-owned parcels, and to review FY2027 budgets for several departments. They will also consider necessary expense requests, including a $98,760 increase for potential retroactive union salary costs and a $32,000 increase for treasurer training, plus an unfunded request for $200,000 toward a future Public Safety Building.

• Deed conveyance of parcel 06-000-210-90 (East Galena Township) to Jacob Evans
• Deed conveyance of parcels 18-000-292-00, 18-005-020-00, 18-008-254-00, 18-012-002-00 (Thompson Township) to Rain Weis-Sickler and Rapid Alliance LLC
• Deed conveyance of parcel 22-100-790-10 (West Galena Township) to David Pinch
• Deed conveyance of parcel 23-000-129-31 (Woodbine Township) to Mysa Homes LLC
• Necessary expense request to increase General Fund Miscellaneous budget by $98,760 for potential retroactive union salary/benefits

The Joint Committee reviewed and approved numerous General and Special Fund budgets to move forward into the draft budget document. The committee also recommended seven deeds of conveyance for county-owned parcels and approved several necessary expense requests, including funding for union contract obligations and temporary staffing for the Treasurer's office. Additionally, a $200,000 transfer for a future Public Safety Building was moved to the unfunded list.

• Recommended seven deeds of conveyance for county-owned parcels
• Approved 25 department and special fund budgets for the draft budget
• Approved $8,300 increase for Extension Education Fund (023)
• Approved $98,760 for potential retroactive union salary/benefit obligations
• Approved $32,500 for Treasurer's office staffing as a non-recurring expense
• Moved $200,000 Public Safety Building transfer to the unfunded list

Finance, Tax, & Budgets Committee

Special

The Jo Daviess County Board is holding a special meeting with a closed session to discuss transit-related personnel matters, including appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel. The board may take possible actions as a result of the closed session. Public comment periods are scheduled at the start and end of the meeting, with a three-minute limit per speaker.

• Closed session under Section 2(c)1 of the Open Meetings Act for personnel matters
• Topic of discussion: Transit
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per speaker, with name and address required

The Jo Daviess County Board met in special session on September 24, 2026, and voted 15-0 to enter closed session at 7:33 p.m. to discuss personnel matters under section 2(c)1, with the topic listed as Transit. The board reconvened to open session at 9:27 p.m. and recorded no action resulting from closed session. No unfinished business, new business, committee reports, or citizens' comments were brought before the board. The meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

• Entered closed session at 7:33 p.m. to discuss personnel/transit (15-0)
• Reconvened to open session at 9:27 p.m. (15-0)
• No action taken as a result of closed session
• Adjourned at 9:28 p.m. by voice vote

Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals

The Jo Daviess County Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a regular meeting to consider one variance request. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and hear public comments. No unfinished business is listed.

• Case 26-41: Variance to allow 15.77-foot front-yard setback where 30 feet is required for a detached garage at 2 Whisperwood Pt, Galena (zoned Planned Residential).

The Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for a property at 2 Whisperwood PT to allow a detached garage to be built closer to the property line than normally permitted. The board found that topographical conditions and an earth berm created practical difficulties for the owner.

• Approved variance for 15.77-foot front-yard setback instead of required 30-feet at 2 Whisperwood PT (5-0)
• Approved minutes of August 26, 2026 (5-0)

Information & Communications Technology Committee

Development & Planning Committee

Special

The Jo Daviess County Board is holding a public hearing to consider applying for Illinois Department of Transportation financial assistance to purchase 10 paratransit medium-duty buses and 4 minivans, totaling $1,600,000. The project would be part of a state Consolidated Vehicle Procurement program using federal funds, and all vehicles would meet ADA accessibility requirements. The hearing allows for public written and verbal comments before the board decides on the grant request.

• Public hearing on $1,600,000 paratransit vehicle grant request
• 10 medium-duty buses and 4 minivans proposed for purchase
• Project to be included in state Consolidated Vehicle Procurement (CVP) Program
• All new equipment to meet ADA accessibility requirements
• Next County Board meeting scheduled for October 13, 2026

The Jo Daviess County Board held a public hearing to consider a grant application for 10 medium-duty buses and 4 minivans. The project, totaling $1,600,000, is intended for the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program. No substantive votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting was adjourned following the public comment period.

• Held public hearing on $1.6M paratransit vehicle grant
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Joint Committee Budget Review Meetings

The Jo Daviess County Joint Committee will review FY2027 budgets for Public Works, Information & Communications, and Social & Environmental departments, and consider eight necessary expense requests. These requests include increases for road and bridge repair, equipment replacement, IT infrastructure, custodial services, and mental health services. The meeting is a budget review session, not a final adoption.

• Increase Federal Aid Matching Fund (008) by $2,500,000 for road and bridge repair
• Increase Highway Capital Investment Fund (059) by $800,000 for equipment replacement
• Interfund transfer of $186,250 to Capital Equipment Fund (048) for IT infrastructure reserve
• Interfund transfer of $70,000 to Capital Equipment Fund (048) for SAN and server replacement
• Increase Mental Health Fund (014) by $109,036.89 for mental health services, requiring tax levy increase

The committee approved several budget items for the draft budget document, including significant funding for highway infrastructure and IT reserves. It also approved restructuring the Facilities Manager position and adding a Mental Health Coordinator.

• Approved $2.5M increase to Highway Capital Investment Fund for road and bridge repairs (voice vote)
• Approved $800,000 increase to Highway Capital Investment Fund for equipment (voice vote)
• Approved $186,250 non-recurring and $70,000 recurring transfers for IT capital reserves (voice vote)
• Approved $109,036.89 increase to Mental Health Fund for a coordinator and resource directory (voice vote; 2 nay)
• Approved budget increases for custodial services in Highway, Public Health, and Transit funds (voice vote; 2 nay)
• Approved General Fund budgets for Information & Communications ($606,416.89), Clerk & Recorder ($492,218.08), and Elections ($165,961.40) (voice vote)
• Approved various Special Fund budgets for Public Works, GIS, and Social & Environmental services (voice vote)
• Confirmed Election Equipment Fund (049) was dissolved in FY2026

Social & Environmental Committee