Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board - Ways & Means Committee met June 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Attendance

Present:

Members: Member Duncan, Member Windish, Member Kelch, Member McCann, Member Williams

Staff & Guests:

Scott Sorrel, Jennie Cordis Boswell, Rachael Parker, Elizabeth Gannon, Chad Jones, Nicole Bjerke, Branden Martin, Mike Brooks, Scott Mettille, Julie Kusturin, Megan Bentley

Absent:

Members:

1. CALL TO ORDER

1.1 Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Duncan at 3:29 pm.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

2.1 April 21, 2025

A motion to approve the Ways and Means Committee meeting minutes from April 21, 2025 was made by Member Williams and was seconded by Member Kelch.

Motion Carried. (5-0)

3. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS / REPORTS / OTHER MINUTES / UPDATES

3.1 Collections & Transactions Report April 2025

Ms. Parker advised she had no additional information to add to the report provided in the packet. Ms. Parker stood for questions; there were none.

3.2 County Election Commission

Ms. Gannon advised they are working on summer projects, most importantly, the voter registration mass mailing whih will be going out in the next 2-4 weeks. She stated there will be a press release going out to educate the public, describing what this is and what voters should do with it if you receive a card and that person doesn't live there anymore. She explained this is their main process for keeping voter rules up to date. Ms. Gannon stood for questions.

Chairperson Duncan asked about the press release to educate the public.

Ms. Gannon advised the press release will go out prior to the mailings going out.

3.3 Supervisor of Assessments/Board of Review

Mr. Jones advised his department has gotten through the bulk of renewals for exemptions. He stated they are wrapping up questions on tax bills. Today, Board of Review begins for 2025, the rules for 2025 Board of Review are on the website as well as the 2025 appeal forms as of today. He advised they will have to seat a new Board of Review member and they are hoping for his appointment in July, he is taking the test later this month up in DuPage County. Mr. Jones stood for questions.

Chairperson Duncan asked if there is anticipation for the number calls and whether they are redirected to the website.

Mr. Jones advised they answer as much as they can. They are directed to the website and Board of Review if they think the assessed value is too high. They then have a couple months to gather evidence and turn in a Board of Review appeal and the Board of Review will begin hearings this fall.

3.4 Treasurer

Ms. Bjerke advised due date tax collection is June 10th, and the first

distribution will be on June 17th. Mobile homes are pretty much done, the due date was May 1st. She stated her replacement, Branden Martin, has been sitting with her and learning as much as he can prior to her departure. Ms. Bjerke stood for questions.

3.5 Veteran's Assistance Commission

Mr. Brooks advised they had 2032 people walk into the office so far this year. He stated they are at $65.9 million for total money brought in for veterans and $10.3 million lump sum payments to veterans. He described how they handle homeless veterans when they come in. He stated he still has 8 slots open for Hero of the Day at the Peoria Chiefs. Mr. Brooks stood for questions.

Chairperson Duncan asked if there were places reserved for the homeless veterans or if they are placed somewhere.

Mr. Brooks advised they do not place them, that is the social worker's job at the VA; they have the money and programs that will assist them. He stated they have the veterans reach out to the social worker directly.

4. RESOLUTIONS

4.1 Monthly Delinquent Taxes

A motion to approve the resolution was made by Member Windish and was seconded by Member McCann.

Chairperson Duncan advised there are four items for the month of May 2025.

Motion Carried. (5-0)

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

5.1 Public Comment

Chairperson Duncan called for public comments.

Ms. Bjerke advised she went to an IACO (Illinois Association of County Officials) conference in mid-May and there were about 70 treasurers there. She stated of those 70, less than about 10 had their tax bills out already, a lot of them were still in the assessor's office or county clerk's office. She gave a shout out to the supervisor of assessments for making her look so good the last couple years and getting the tax bills out on time, especially this year. She expressed her appreciation for them also.

6. MISCELLANEOUS

6.1 Miscellaneous

Chairperson Duncan called for miscellaneous comments.

Member Kelch expressed his gratitude for Vice-Chairperson Williams for giving up her parking spot to help with his health conditions.

7. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Duncan at 3:43 pm.

https://www.peoriacounty.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06232025-1778