Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board - Ways & Means Committee met March 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Betty Duncan – Chairperson; Matt Windish -Vice Chairperson; Daniel Kelch, Terry Ruhland, Sharon Williams
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:	Scott Sorrel – County Administrator; Shauna Musselman – Assistant County Administrator; Jennie Cordis Boswell - State's Attorney's Office; Heather McCord – Chief Financial Officer; Rachael Parker – County Clerk; Chad Jones – Chief Deputy Assessor; Nicole Bjerke – Treasurer; Trisha Collins – VAC
OTHERS PRESENT:

Call to Order 

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Duncan at 3:30 p.m.

Approval of Minutes 

A motion to approve the minutes of January 2, 2024 was made by Ms. Williams and seconded by Mr. Ruhland. The motion carried.

Informational Items/Reports/Other Minutes/Updates 

County Clerk 

➢ Collections and Transactions Report

Ms. Parker directed committee members to the submitted report and stood for any questions. There were no questions or comments from the committee.

County Election Commission 

No report.

Supervisor of Assessments/Board of Review 

➢ Tax Cycle Update

Mr. Jones advised that this time of year the department is working on exemptions and there are lots of seniors coming in to fill out Senior Freeze forms.

Treasurer 

Ms. Bjerke advised that the department is working on getting everything ready for the auditors. Mobile home bills were sent out. They are waiting to hear from the state on the multiplier for tax bills.

Ms. Duncan had a question about the Monthly Resolution List and the items that were listed as removed. Ms. Bjerke stated that the County Trustee is like a regular tax buyer and occasionally properties will be removed for various reasons including municipal liens, a problem with the property, or issues with the name record.

Veteran's Assistance Commission 

Ms. Collins stated that the commission is moving, and they have submitted and agenda brief for the request for additional funds.

Ms. Duncan requested that each department under the Ways and Means Committee give a “Did You Know” about their department for the next meeting.

Ms. Collins stated that she had one for today. The VAC sits on the Veteran’s Treatment Court and they help with claims with the VA.

Resolution 

➢ Monthly Delinquent Taxes

A motion to approve was made by Mr. Ruhland and seconded by Mr. Kelch. The motion carried (5-0).

➢ VAC 2024 Appropriation of funds from fund balance

A motion to approve was made by Mr. Ruhland and seconded by Mr. Windish. Mr. Sorrel stated that the Veterans Assistance Commission is one of the County’s quasi-independent boards, agencies, and commissions. The commission is formed by representation from each one of the veterans’ organizations that physically sit or reside in Peoria County. Mr. Sorrel advised that the resolution is not to approve the new lease agreement, but to approve a budget amendment. Mr. Sorrel advised that the commission will be relocating to 4234 North Knoxville. The vacant space there is very well suited for the commission's mission and services they deliver.

Ms. Collins gave an overview of what the additional budget amount would be used for including, an increase in rent, new counter tops, cabinets, base cabinets, access control, and a camera system.

Mr. Ruhland encouraged Ms. Collins to consult the State’s Attorney’s office on the lease agreement.

The motion carried (5-0).

Public Comment 

There were no public comments.

Miscellaneous 

None.

Adjournment 

The meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Duncan at 3:52 pm.

https://www.peoriacounty.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04222024-1594