Meeting Summary and Briefs: Montgomery County Board Coordinating Committee for May 28, 2026

Montgomery County Board Coordinating Committee Meeting | May 28, 2026

The Montgomery County Board Coordinating Committee met at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, in the County Board Room on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro, with all six members present and no public comments. The committee’s business was dominated by a growth report from Information Services Director Curt Watkins documenting steep increases in his department’s workload since 2020, whose recommendations — including a new tech position — were referred to the Finance & Budget Committee (see full story). The committee also recommended a five-year IEPA delegation agreement worth $75,726.08 annually (see full story), voted to rescind a February CIPT agreement with Shelby County and substitute one with Effingham County (see full story), and saw Chairman Doug Donaldson’s own motion on committee and liaison assignments fail before an amended version passed (see full story).

The meeting also served as a look-ahead session, with the chairs of the county’s standing committees previewing business coming to their June agendas. The committee adjourned at 9:53 a.m. Minutes were submitted by acting secretary Mike Plunkett, deputized by County Clerk/Recorder Sandy Leitheiser.

American Environmental Grant Agreement Recommended

EMA/EPA/911 Director Dan Hough reviewed his monthly report and presented an American Environmental Grant Agreement to the committee. Connie Beck moved to recommend approval, seconded by Dr. Patty Whitworth; all were in favor and the motion carried. The minutes do not record the grant amount, its purpose, its term, or the identity of the granting entity, and no discussion of the item is reflected in the record. As with all Coordinating Committee actions, the vote forwards the agreement to the full Montgomery County Board with a recommendation rather than approving it outright.

Litchfield Move Cancels Elm Lawn Solar Hearing

The record before the Coordinating Committee noted that a public hearing on the Elm Lawn Solar project scheduled for May 27 was cancelled after the City of Litchfield chose to exercise its extraterritorial jurisdiction over the project. Extraterritorial jurisdiction allows a municipality to assert planning and zoning authority over unincorporated land within a set distance of its corporate limits, which would shift review of the project away from the county. The item is listed under the Development & Personnel Committee’s business, chaired by Chad Ruppert. No county action was recorded on the item at the May 28 meeting.

September Move-In Anticipated at 127 N. Main

Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair Mark Hughes reported an anticipated September move-in timeframe for the county’s 127 N. Main property. The minutes provide no further detail — no departments identified, no cost figures, and no explanation of what work remains before the move. Other items appearing under the Buildings and Grounds heading and set for the committee’s review included a maintenance report, options for updating lighting on the Historic Courthouse’s south porch, and an Otis Elevator surcharge.

Hillsboro Decorations for 250th Anniversary Discussed

Under the Buildings and Grounds Committee’s other business, members discussed City of Hillsboro decorations in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The minutes record no action, no cost, and no detail on what the county’s role in the decorations would be, or whether the discussion concerned county property. The nation’s 250th anniversary falls on July 4, 2026.

Roads and Bridges Chair Previews Culvert, Solar Items

Roads and Bridges Committee Chair Ethan Murzynski told the committee he anticipates an Irving Township box culvert project and action on the Plains Solar Road Use Agreement, and that he is planning for a Walshville Bypass update in July. County Engineer Cody Greenwood reported he is not filling the vacant secretary position at the Highway Department. No dollar figures, project timelines or further details on any of the three items appear in the May 28 record.

Tax Bills Coming Soon, Treasurer Says

Under the Finance and Budget Committee’s business, Treasurer Nikki Lohman reported tax bills should go out soon and said she anticipates new state legislation regarding the tax sale process. Lohman also anticipates FY2027 budget packets going out in June. The minutes do not include a mailing date for the bills, installment due dates, or detail on the anticipated legislation. Other Finance and Budget items listed for review included the Supervisor of Assessments office report, Capital Improvement and Coal Fund reports, and Fund 375 purchases.