Chairman Spangler called the Regular Session, May 12, 2026, meeting to order at 6:31 PM in Courtroom 201 at the Fulton County Courthouse in Lewistown, IL.
Fulton County Clerk O’Brian called the roll and found the following members present: (Present-P; Absent-A):
| David Barbknecht – P |
Daniel Kumer – A |
John Spangler – P |
| James Barclay – P |
Brian Platt – P |
Andy Steck – P |
| Barry Beck – P |
Landon Smith – P |
Matt Vogel – P |
| Susie Berry – P |
Chris Southwood – P |
David Widger – P |
| Laura Hepp Kessel – P |
Lauren Southwood – P |
Karl Williams – P |
STAFF: Halle Tindall – FCB Admin, Audra Miles – Comptroller
ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS:
Patrick O’Brian- Clerk
Staci Mayall – Treasurer
Julie Russell – Supervisor of Assessment
Charlene Markley – Circuit Clerk
Justin Jochums – State’s Attorney
Chris Helle –ESDA- ETSB
Keith Munter – FC Highway Engineer
Kim Mayberry- Zoning Officer
GUESTS: Cole McDaniel – Hometown Consulting Admin, Jeff McPherson – Partner from Gray Hunter Stenn
MEDIA: J.T Doubet– Fulton Democrat
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
A. Regular Session – April 14, 2026
Member Steck moved to approve with a second from Member Smith. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA
Member L. Southwood called to move items “a.”, “b.”, “c.”, from the Finance, Insurance, Personnel, Legislative section to the top of the Action Agenda and to move item “d.” to be item “b.” under the Miscellaneous section. Member C. Southwood moved to amend the agenda with a second from Member Berry. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes. Member Beck moved to approve the agenda as amended with a second from Member Smith. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CORRESPONDENCE
A. Cole McDaniel – Hometown Consulting Admin & Economic Development Report
Cole McDaniel gave an update on the last disbursement of the 2023 CEJA grant cycle. He reported that there will be a 1-year grant extension. He expects the 2024 CEJA grant to go much quicker than the 2023 grant and there are only a handful of items left to disburse. The 2025 CEJA grant to make renovations to the Courthouse should be getting finalized soon. He also reported that last week they had the hearing for the Conditional Use Permit from Buckheart Solar was held over a 2-day period and Assessor Russell reported they are going over the final conditions and encouraged anyone with questions about it to go to her with them. Cole McDaniel also gave a brief update about the DG Building storage and reported that about half of the items were moved out of the 3rd floor and the items left just need to be put into boxes. He expects to have the estimate back for moving the rest of the items by the next committee meeting if possible.
PROCLAMATIONS
A. Linda Fisher Retirement
Fulton County Clerk O’Brian read Linda Fisher’s retirement proclamation and Member Smith moved to approve with a second from Member Steck. The motion was carried by voice vote with all ayes. Chairman Spangler presented Linda with a retirement plaque.
B. Motorcycle Awareness Month
Fulton County Clerk O’Brian read the proclamation for Motorcycle Awareness Month. Member Steck moved to approve with a second from Member Smith. The motion was carried by voice vote with all ayes.
PUBLIC REMARKS: None
CONSENT AGENDA
A. CLAIMS
Claims- Sheriff, Jail, Zoning, Board of Review, County Board, Miscellaneous, County Admin, Public Defender, Merit, Property, Supervisor of Assessments, ESDA, Animal Control, Highway, VAC, Clayberg, Camping & Recreation, Spay & Neuter, Public Transportation, ARPA, Capital Improvement, Election Equipment Bond, CEJA
B. REPORTS
a. Reports– Animal Control, Treasurer, VAC, Zoning, SFY 26 3rd Quarter Transit Report, Campground
b. Other Reports- Public Defender, State’s Attorney/Circuit Clerk, Sheriff, County Clerk
C. APPOINTMENTS
a. Resolution: Appointment of Bryson Bunch, Cuba Fire Protection District
b. Resolution: Re-Appointment – Chad Murphy, Fulton County Housing Authority Board Commissioner
c. Resolution: Re-Appointment – Roger Woodcock, Farmington Sanitary District
D. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, ZONING
E. COUNTY HIGHWAY
a. Resolution: HWY 26-007, Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network
b. Resolution: Authorizing Mutual Aid Agreement
F. EXECUTIVE
G. FINANCE, INSURANCE, PERSONNEL, LEGISLATIVE
a. General Funds Transfers
i. Resolution: $70,000.00 From: #001-021-590100 CONTINGENCY
To: #001-036-580105 CARE OF CHILDREN
b. Other Funds Transfers
c. General Funds Immediate Emergency Appropriations
d. Other Funds Immediate Emergency Appropriations
e. Approval of Fulton County Rural Transit Financials – April 2026
H. HEALTH
I. PROPERTY
J. PUBLIC SAFETY & CAMPGROUND
Member C. Southwood moved to approve the consent agenda with a second from Member Vogel. Motion carried by roll call vote (14,0)
ACTION AGENDA
A. FINANCE, INSURANCE, PERSONNEL, LEGISLATIVE
a. Discussion/Action: FY2025 Fulton County Financial Statements
Jeff McPherson went over the audit and expressed that he hopes to have the final copy by the week of May 18th. McPherson reported what the County’s responsibilities are and what his responsibilities are. He noted that the actuary that the county hires comes up with a number for the other post – employment benefits and that number represents what we would have to pay today to pay for all the health benefits to the promised people down the road. He reported the liability was lowered by 5 million dollars. He touched on the findings of the report. The first was Segregation of Duties and suggested the best solution was county oversight and have the Finance Committee approve the numbers that come out each month. The second was the total revenue of the campground, it did not add up to the usual amount. The third item was the Sheriff’s Commissary Account, the software company went through and found how much was owed to the prisoners. The solution would be to use the software company’s recommendations. He reported on protested money and the interest-bearing account it has been held in, and expressed that a decision needs to be made on what to do with the money. Member Smith moved to approve the county audit, with a second from Member L. Southwood. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
b. Discussion/Action: FY2025 Fulton County GASB 74&75 Actuary Report (Other Post-Employment Benefits)
This item was discussed in item A. a. Member Barbknecht moved to approve the Actuary Report (OPEB), with a second from Member L. Southwood. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
c. Discussion/Action: FY2025 Fulton County Annual Audit of Circuit Clerk Operations
This item was discussed in item A. a. Member L. Southwood moved to approve the Circuit Clerk Audit, with a second from Member Beck. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
B. TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Mayall reported that the revenue is down in the general fund, but it is normal at this time of year. Two ARPA reports will come next month. She reported that tax bills went out on May 12th, the bill should be more user friendly on the county website. Tax bill’s can now be paid by e-check. The online bill now shows a 6-year review.
C. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, ZONING
a. Discussion/Action: Resolution: Updating Zoning Permit Fees in the Industrial District.
Member Steck moved to approve updating Zoning Permit Fees in the Industrial District, with a second from Member Berry. Motion carried by roll call vote with all ayes. (14,0)
b. Discussion/Action: Ordinance: Revoking and Replacing Section 9.2 “Commercial Wind Energy Conservation Systems (WECS) Siting Ordinance for Fulton County.” (Pursuant to Public Act 104-0458)
Assessor Russell went over the Ordinance and expressed it is updating the wind energy system Ordinance to be compliant with the state law. Member Steck moved to approve Revoking and Replacing Section 9.2 “Commercial Wind Energy Conservation Systems (WECS) Siting Ordinance for Fulton County”, with a second from Member Smith. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
c. Discussion/Action: Ordinance: Revoking and Replacing Section 9.3 “Solar Siting Ordinance for Fulton County” with “Behind the Meter Solar Energy System Siting Ordinance for Fulton County.” (Pursuant to Public Act 104-0458
Assessor Russell went over the Ordinance and expressed the changes to the Ordinance and why the changes had to be made. Member Steck moved to approve Revoking and Replacing Section 9.3 “Solar Siting Ordinance for Fulton County” with “Behind the Meter Solar Energy System Siting Ordinance for Fulton County”, with a second from Member Smith. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
d. Discussion/Action: Ordinance: Revoking and Replacing Section 9.4 “Commercial Solar Energy System Siting Ordinance for Fulton County.” (Pursuant to Public Act 104-0458)
Assessor Russell discussed that the Ordinance was updated. Member Steck moved to approve Revoking and Replacing Section 9.4 “Commercial Solar Energy System Siting Ordinance for Fulton County”, with a second from Member Berry. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
e. Discussion/Action: Ordinance: Revoking and Replacing Section 9.5 “Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Siting Ordinance” with “Energy Storage System (ESS) Siting Ordinance for Fulton County” (Pursuant to Public Act 104-0458)
Assessor Russell went over the Ordinance and expressed that the possible reason the state is dropping the “battery” from the Ordinance is because it does not have to be a battery energy source. Member Steck moved to approve Revoking and Replacing Section 9.5 “Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Siting Ordinance” with “Energy Storage System (ESS) Siting Ordinance for Fulton County”, with a second from Member Smith. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
D. COUNTY HIGHWAY
Member Beck reported that everything is going well and that the committee passed a Resolution “HWY 26-007, Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network Mutual Aid Agreement”. Keith Munter reported the $148,000+ reimbursement for the storm clean-up.
E. FINANCE, INSURANCE, PERSONNEL, LEGISLATIVE
a. Discussion/Action: FY2025 Fulton County Financial Statements
b. Discussion/Action: FY2025 Fulton County GASB 74&75 Actuary Report (Other Post-Employment Benefits)
c. Discussion/Action: FY2025 Fulton County Annual Audit of Circuit Clerk Operations
d. Discussion/Action: Approve Settlement of Lawsuit (Coalition Opposing Governmental
e. Discussion/Action: 2026 HRA Reimbursement
Comptroller Audra Miles discussed that for years, the family deductible for health insurance has been $10,000 regardless of how many family members are on the family plan. She went over how the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan that was selected in November of 2025 had a family deductible of $12,000, which was thought to be the same for employee plus one dependent plans. Based on past practice, that would make the individual deductible $6,000, and the HRA reimbursement rates were changed due to the increase ($5,000 to $6,000). Comptroller Miles received information from Mindy Hickle that when claims began to be reimbursed, it was discovered that individual deductibles were still $5,000. Blue Cross confirmed that the $12,000 deductible only came into play for family plans with 3 or more participants. Miles advised that the HRA reimbursement rates need to be revised to reflect that $5,000 individual deductible for employee plus one plans and family plans. For the family plans, the first 2 participants have a $5,000 deductible, and any additional participants will need to meet the remaining $2,000, for a total of $12,000. For employee plus one plans, coinsurance will begin for each participant once they meet their individual $5,000 deductible. Member L. Southwood moved to approve asking to change the employee plus one back to $5,000 for the individual deductible and the rest of the family has to meet the additional $2,000 for a total of $12,000, with a second from Member Steck. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
f. Discussion/Action: 2025 CEJA Grant Agreement and financial overview
Cole McDaniel went over the 2025 CEJA Grant Agreement and Financial over view in the ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CORRESPONDENCE section, item A.
Member L. Southwood moved to approve the 2025 CEJA Grant Agreement and financial overview, with a second from C. Southwood. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
F. HEALTH
Member Platt reported that The Clayberg has a capacity of 49 and are currently at 38. Member Platt also reported that Quick Electric is going to install 2 new outlets in each room to make the rooms more assessable to patients that have medical devices that need to be plugged in.
G. PROPERTY
a. Discussion/Action: A/C for VAC office
Member Kessel reported that Spoon River Mechanical recommended a mini-split system. Member Kessel moved to approve up to $5,500 for an A/C system for the Vac office, with a second from Member Berry. Motion carried by roll call vote with all ayes. (14,0)
H. PUBLIC SAFETY & CAMPGROUND
Member Williams reported there are three vacant spots at the campground. Regarding the audit, he reported at this time last year there was $125,000 in the account and this year there is $175,000. He also reported possibly wanting to put a fence up.
I. EXECUTIVE – None
J. EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5 ILCS 120/2 (11) Pending Litigation
Member Smith moved to enter closed session at 7:35 PM with a second from Member Steck. Motion carried by roll call vote with all ayes (14,0).
Member Smith moved to exit closed session at 7:52 PM with a second from Member Kessel. Motion carried by roll call vote with all ayes (14,0).
K. MISC.
a. Discussion/Action: Approval to pay up to $4,000 to Split Cost of a Commercial Appraisal with the City of Canton for PTAB Docket #25-02776 “Canton City Realty, LLC”
Member L. Southwood moved to approve to pay up to $4,000 to Split Costs of a Commercial Appraisal with the City of Canton, with a second from Member Kessel
b. Discussion/Action: Approve Settlement of Lawsuit (Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, and Judiciocracy LLC, v. D #5 Fulton County), $1,422.60
Member L. Southwood moved to approve Settlement of Lawsuit (Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, and Judiciocracy LLC, v. D #5 Fulton County), $1,422.60, with a second from Member Beck. Motion carried by roll call vote with 13 ayes and a nay from Member Platt.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Member Steck moved to adjourn at 7:38 PM with a second from Member Beck. Motion carried
by voice vote with all ayes.
