Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Montgomery County Board for December 9, 2025

Montgomery County Board Meeting | December 9, 2025

Meeting Summary
The Montgomery County Board met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, for a session heavily focused on personnel and infrastructure. The board approved new multi-year collective bargaining agreements for employees in the Circuit Clerk and Supervisor of Assessments offices, securing raises for the next several years.

Infrastructure issues also took center stage as the board discussed serious compliance concerns regarding a bridge contractor and approved a $1.2 million Motor Fuel Tax resolution for 2026. Additionally, the board finalized five recommendations to the State of Illinois regarding property tax reform, specifically addressing wooded acreage assessments and the reliance on market values.

News Briefs

Board Room Upgrades: The board approved a quote of $4,023.85 from Double E Upholstery to fabricate new cushions for the bench-style seating in the back of the County Board Room. The purchase will be funded through a DCEO grant.

Training Repayment Policy: The board adopted a new “Training Repayment Agreement.” This policy requires employees to reimburse the county for out-of-pocket training expenses if they resign before completing three years of employment.

Zanesville Street Vacation: The board recommended the approval of a petition to vacate streets and alleys in the town of Zanesville (originally Leesburg). The vacation is contingent on the State’s Attorney having no objections to the petition. The property has been used as one contiguous piece of agricultural land for many years.

Nokomis Road Project: The Roads & Bridges Committee is moving forward with a proposal to increase the capacity of Nokomis Road (CH 7) to divert truck traffic from city streets to Route 16. The committee hopes to secure state grant funding for the project.

Coal Fund Voucher Process: Following an issue where department heads vouchered money from Coal Fund 375 in the final week of the fiscal year, the board voted to require all Coal Fund 375 requests to be approved by the Finance & Budget Committee. Vouchers must be presented before the committee’s November meeting.

County Farm Lease: The Buildings & Grounds Committee is advertising for a new three-year lease for the County Farm. Bids will be opened at the committee’s meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Assessment Office Update: Supervisor of Assessments Tysha Mullen reported her office is caught up on the 2025 payable 2026 tax cycle. Assessment change notices were mailed on Dec. 4, 2025. The deadline to file a complaint with the Board of Review is Jan. 5, 2026.

Appointments: The board reappointed Mark Meisner to the Pitman-Zanesville #2 County Zone #33 Drainage District and Gregory Weitekamp to the Zanesville #3 County Zone #15 Drainage District. Both are three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

M.A.K.E.-I.T. Program Hits Capacity, Announces “Diggin’ It” Summer Theme

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary:The Litchfield School District’s M.A.K.E.-I.T. program reported a successful end to the calendar year with enrollment at full capacity and a...
food

Pana Community Hospital Hosting Interactive Protein and Heart Health Class

Article Summary: LiveWell at Pana Community Hospital will host an educational and hands-on cooking workshop focused on protein and heart health in mid-February. Protein Health Class Key Points: The class...
Litchfield Logo Graphic.4

City Approves 24-Hour Ice Vending Machine and Kayak Kiosk for Lake Lou Yaeger

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: To improve visitor amenities and operational efficiency, the Litchfield City Council approved the purchase of a self-serve ice vending machine...
Litchfield School Logo Graphic.5

Emergency Funds Authorized for Middle School/High School Water Heater Replacement

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education authorized the use of Health Life Safety funds to replace a failed water heater at the...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

City Updates School Resource Officer Agreement to Comply with New State Laws

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Litchfield School District to align with new...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Board Updates School Resource Officer Agreement to Comply with State Law

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Litchfield regarding the School Resource Officer...
snacking

Extension to Host “Smart Snacking” Class at JCH Wellness Center

Article Summary: Local Extension services are partnering with the JCH Wellness Center to host a workshop on Friday, Jan. 30, focused on healthy snacking habits and preparation. Smart Snacking Class...
Screenshot 2026-01-23 at 9.14.13 AM

Water Quality Returning to Normal Following Chlorine Maintenance

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: A representative from CMP reported that the city’s water treatment process has returned to using chloramines, resolving the temporary "chlorine...
montgomery county Graphic Logo.2

Report Warns of “Credible Risk” of Power Shortages in Ameren Territory by 2031

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Montgomery County Coordinating Committee reviewed a state-mandated report warning of electricity shortages starting later this decade. The shortages are driven by rapid data...
Litchfield School Logo Graphic.2

Litchfield Board Approves 2026-2027 Calendar, Opts to Hold School on Casimir Pulaski Day

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education on Tuesday approved a new school calendar that includes...
Montgomery County Highway Committee

Highway Department to Purchase Two Trucks for $615,000

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: Committees approved the purchase of two new Western Star tandem dump trucks for the Highway Department to replace aging vehicles. The total cost for...
Screenshot 2026-01-23 at 9.13.47 AM

Council Rejects Sale of American Legion Building, Plans Future Improvements

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council voted unanimously against declaring the American Legion building as surplus property, effectively halting plans to sell...
Montgomery County Personnel Committee

County Advances Solar Agreement Benefiting Litchfield SCI Center

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Development and Personnel Committee recommended approval of a Community Benefits Agreement with Summit Ridge Energy. The deal includes a direct financial donation to...
Montgomery County Finance Committee

Finance Committee Recommends $30,000 for Fairgrounds Electrical Upgrades

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Montgomery County Finance and Budget Committee voted to recommend a $30,000 donation to the Montgomery County Fair Board to assist with critical electrical...
IL Republicans call for growing tax base, not raising taxes

IL Republicans call for growing tax base, not raising taxes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Statehouse Republicans say it is time for Illinois Democrats to focus on growing the tax base instead...