Chairman Spangler called the Regular Session, August 11, 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 – A |
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 |
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
STAFF: Halle Tindall –FCB Admin, Audra Miles- Comptroller
ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS:
Patrick O’Brian- Clerk
Staci Mayall – Treasurer
Julie Russell – Sup 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, Renea Stuckey
MEDIA: : J.T Doubet– Fulton Democrat
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTE
A. Regular Session – July 14th, 2026
Member Beck moved to approve the previous minutes with a second from Member Smith. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA
Member Kessel moved to approve the agenda with a second from Member Platt. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CORRESPONDENCE
A. Cole McDaniel – Hometown Consulting Admin & Economic Development Report
Cole McDaniel from Hometown Consulting provided updates on courthouse renovations and CEJA grants. McDaniel requested to be placed on property and finance committee agendas to discuss funding sources for courthouse renovations, including ARPA dollars, general fund, and CEJA dollars dedicated to the project. The goal is to identify the most easily reimbursable projects. McDaniel reported that the 2023 CEJA closeout will be completed immediately after final check copies are sent. The approval for 2024 CEJA related funds will appear on the next finance committee meeting agenda, including distribution of taxing bodies and architecture and engineering for the courthouse. Priority is to close out both grants before the end of the year and coordinate the property finance piece for actual courthouse renovations to run through the State Historic Preservation Office.
PROCLAMATIONS
A. Renea Stuckey Retirement
Fulton County Clerk O’Brian read Renea Stuckey retirement proclamation recognizing her for 26 years of service to Fulton County.
Member Smith moved to approve with a second from Member C. Southwood. The motion was carried by voice vote with all ayes. Chairman Spangler presented Renea with a retirement plaque.
PUBLIC REMARKS:
Michelle Johnson, Vice President of Institutional Resources at Carl Sandburg College, introduced herself and her new role in legislative affairs. Johnson explained that Sandburg wants to know what the counties want and need, and will be attending more meetings and reaching out to build partnerships. She emphasized the longstanding partnership between Sandburg and Spoon River College and the importance of working together to share resources.
Brian Dodge from Midwest Wood Specialties presented a packet for an adjacent site next to the ethanol plant for a combined cycle power system. The project would use excess power and steam to carbonize and activate additional biomass. Dodge stated the power, water, and gas have zero dependence on the local municipality, with power created and used by them and water coming from the Illinois River.
Board members questioned whether work has started on the ethanol facility. Dodge confirmed work has begun and funding should be figured out by mid-September. When asked about conversations with zoning administrators, Dodge stated he was told not to speak about the data side until the moratorium is possibly lifted and he is presenting about a power facility for now. Assessor Russell clarified there has been no formal request, application, or payment made to appear before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Board members expressed concerns with the process. The discussion concluded with direction to follow the proper zoning process.
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, CEJA
B. REPORTS
a. Reports – Animal Control, Treasurer, VAC, Zoning, Campground, SFY26 4th Quarter Transit PCOM Report
b. Other Reports – Public Defender, State’s Attorney/Circuit Clerk, Sheriff, County Clerk
C. APPOINTMENTS
a. Resolution: Appointment – Janet Bradley – Board of Health
b. Resolution: Re-Appointment – Eric White – Thompson Drainage and Levee District
c. Resolution: Appointment – Susie Berry – Fulton County Rural Transit Board
d. Resolution: Appointment – Ryan Baker – Farmland Assessment Review Committee
e. Resolution: Re-Appointment – Warren Wolf – Liverpool Drainage & Levee District
f. Resolution – Appointment – Israel Crotzer – Fulton County Emergency Telephone System Board
D. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, ZONING
E. COUNTY HIGHWAY
a. HWY 26-009 Resolution, Authorizing Purchase of Heavy Highway Tandem Truck
b. HWY 26-010 Resolution, Local Appropriation for Structure 029-3215,
26-00002-00-BR
c. HWY 26-011 Resolution, Local Appropriation for Structure 029-3205, 26-00020-00-BR
d. Award of County Highway 2 Crack Sealing, 26-00000-00-GM
F. EXECUTIVE
G. FINANCE, INSURANCE, PERSONNEL, LEGISLATIVE
a. General Funds Transfers
b. Other Funds Transfers
c. General Funds Immediate Emergency Appropriations
d. Other Funds Immediate Emergency Appropriations
e. Approval of Fulton County Rural Transit Financials – July 2026
f. Trustee Resolutions
g. Resolution Authorizing Execution and Amendment of Downstate Operating Assistance Agreement (FY27)
h. Resolution Authorizing Application for Capital Assistance Grant for Paratransit Vehicles (FY26 CVP)
H. HEALTH
I. PROPERTY
J. PUBLIC SAFETY & CAMPGROUND
K. LIQUOR
a. 2026 – 2027 Gaming Permits
Member Kessel moved to approve the consent agenda with a second from Member Beck. Motion carried by roll call vote. (13,0)
ACTION AGENDA
A. TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Mayall reported a small distribution last month compared to the previous significant distribution. Of the approximate $60.8 million to be collected and distributed this year, $38.6 million has been distributed to date. For July, the general fund had revenue of $1,296,081.68 and expenditures of $1,241,048.66, resulting in a net positive of $55,033.02. The general fund is now at $182,791.81 in surplus. Revenue is at 61.85% of budget and expenditures are at 57.65%. ARPA is almost done, with two projects near completion and an allocation approved for campground computer equipment and office supplies. Treasurer Mayall discussed upcoming property tax code changes signed by the governor in Public Act 104-0553 on July 10th. Three documents were sent to board members for review: the 35-page Public Act, a 13-page UCCI summary, and a one-page snapshot about the County Trustee Program contracted agent. Treasurer Mayall will provide a financial snapshot of tax sales, redemptions, and distributions next month. The States Attorney will provide legal recommendations, and representation from the contracted agent (Joseph E. Meyer & Associates) will attend to answer questions.
B. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, ZONING – None
C. COUNTY HIGHWAY
Member Beck reported that the County Highway is working on road patching, gravel roads, and general maintenance. County Highway Engineer Keith Munter reported that culvert replacements are being done in the near future and oil and chip sealing throughout the county and townships is complete.
D. FINANCE, INSURANCE, PERSONNEL, LEGISLATIVE
a. Discussion/Action: Allocation of remaining ARPA funds
Member L. Southwood explained that the allocation includes approximately $4,100 in remaining ARPA funds and $900 from interest-earning funds. Treasurer Mayall added that the equipment will support the campground superintendent with modern office tools and set her up for success.
Member L. Southwood moved to approve to allocate $5,000 of ARPA funds to the campground for office equipment, computer, printer, and software, with a second from Member Vogel. Motion carried by roll call vote with all ayes. (13,0)
b. Discussion/Action: Resolution – 2026 Civil Clerk Fee
Member L. Southwood explained that this is a state mandate update that adds five dollars to the filing fee to go to the guardianship advocacy fund for the state.
Member L. Southwood moved to approve, with a second from Member Smith. Motion carried by roll call vote with all ayes.
E. HEALTH – None
F. PROPERTY – None
G. PUBLIC SAFETY & CAMPGROUND
a. Discussion/Action: Electric Disconnection For Lack of Payment
This item will be discussed further at a later date before taking action.
Member Williams reported that the campground is currently full with 223 campers. The electric bill for three months was $61,000 across multiple electric suppliers. Some campers have not paid their electric bills. The Safety/Campground Committee discussed implementing a disconnect and reconnect fee for people behind on bills and moving to 30-day billing cycles instead of three-month cycles. MSD donated a couple days of work to fix boat ramps with their equipment.
H. EXECUTIVE
Chair Spangler reported that the negotiations committee has met with the highway, courthouse, and circuit clerk’s office regarding contracts. Negotiations are going well with new personnel.
I. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None
J. MISC. – None
K. ADJOURNMENT
Member Steck moved to adjourn at 7:12 PM with a second from Member Smith. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
