Development & Personnel Committee: County Awarded $1.1 Million DCEO Grant; Monitors State Control of Energy Zoning

Montgomery County Development & Personnel Committee | October 2025

Article Summary: Montgomery County has secured nearly $1.1 million in energy transition grants to support local projects. However, the committee is wary of new state legislation that could override county authority on renewable energy zoning.

Development & Personnel Key Points:

• Grant Award: DCEO awarded the county $1,092,450.34 in Phase 3 of the Energy Transition Grant.

• Legislative Watch: House Amendment 3 to SB 25 could strip counties of control over solar and wind ordinances.

• Assessment Leadership: Tysha Mullen has passed the state exam and is qualified for appointment as Supervisor of Assessments.

The Montgomery County Development & Personnel Committee on Monday, November 3, 2025, celebrated a significant grant award while preparing for potential legislative challenges to local zoning authority.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) informed the county it has been awarded $1,092,450.34 in the third phase of the Energy Transition Grant. An ad hoc committee meeting was scheduled for November 10 to determine which specific projects will be funded by this grant.

On the regulatory front, the committee reviewed a summary from the United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI) regarding House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 25. This “Energy Omnibus” legislation, if passed, would mandate changes to county solar and wind ordinances and create a uniform assessment for commercial energy storage, potentially reducing local control.

Additionally, Committee Chair Chad Ruppert announced that Chief Deputy Tysha Mullen passed the required state examination with a score of 88% on her first attempt. She is now fully qualified to be appointed as Supervisor of Assessments, and the committee intends to recommend her appointment to the full board.

Development & Personnel Committee Briefs

• Insurance Negotiations: The committee reviewed communication regarding ongoing negotiations between Blue Cross Blue Shield and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS). If a new contract is not reached, HSHS hospitals and doctors could leave the network on January 1, 2026.

• Animal Control Hours: Warden Tricia Papin reported that calls were down for the month and many cats have been adopted. She is considering changing facility hours to Tuesday through Saturday starting November 1, 2026, to better serve the public on weekends.

• Solar Agreement: The committee reviewed changes to the proposed “Montgomery First Community Solar Benefits Agreement” suggested by Summit Ridge Energy and requested feedback from Local 1084 and the State’s Attorney.

• MCEDC Update: Executive Director Kaitlyn Fath reported that the economic development corporation has developed 10 priorities and a new 20-page promotional booklet. There are currently three open seats on the MCEDC board.