IRS Mileage Rate Increase:
The board voted to increase the Montgomery County mileage reimbursement rate to 72.5 cents per mile, effective Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This adjustment aligns the county with the 2026 IRS business standard mileage rate.

Solar Company Community Agreement:
The board approved a Community Engagement Agreement with Summit Ridge Energy, developers of the “Montgomery First” solar project. The agreement includes a $25,000 donation from Summit Ridge Energy to the South Central Illinois (SCI) training center in Litchfield.

Animal Control Meeting Scheduled:
Development & Personnel Committee Chairman Chad Ruppert announced a Mayors Meeting set for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 5 p.m. to address animal control issues. The meeting comes after eight municipal animal control contracts expired in November 2025, leading to calls from frustrated mayors.

Walshville Trail Road Improvements:
Engineer Cody Greenwood reported receiving a preliminary engineering agreement for improvements on the Walshville Trail. The final draft is expected by late February. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2027 or 2028, depending on right-of-way access.

Fillmore Township Road Engineering:
The board approved a preliminary engineering and construction engineering agreement with Hurst-Rosche for $25,000. The project involves improvements to East 24th Road in Fillmore Consolidated Township, a road that routinely floods as it runs along a creek bottom.

Coal Royalties Update:
Finance Chairman Andy Ritchie reported a coal royalty payment of $139,502.14 for November 2025. This brings the total coal royalties for Fiscal Year 2025 to nearly $1.8 million.

Equipment Purchases from Coal Fund:
In addition to the police vehicles, the board approved several smaller purchases from Coal Fund 375 for the Sheriff’s Office and Treasurer. These included $24,868 for body camera storage, $9,891 for squad car equipment, and $4,149 for a refurbished copier for the Treasurer.

Board Room Upgrades:
The board discussed using a DCEO grant to refinish the historic woodwork in the County Board room. A proposal for $10,750 was reviewed to re-stain the woodwork, judge’s bench, and moldings. With roughly $6,000 remaining in grant funds, the Circuit Clerk is seeking additional funds from the Resident Judge to cover the difference.