Board - Regular Meeting

[Music] There's the right to me and you, I guess, cuz And I thought, yeah,

are we double or nothing on that beverages? I still think it's easy. [Music] All right. Good evening. I've got 7:00. I'm going to call to order the September 11th, 2025 Shelby County Board of Beauty. You pledge. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Dear heavenly father, thank you for a wonderful day. Bless all those in attendance here tonight. Guide us to make good decisions in case in and for the county and let us all have safe travels home in God in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. And if you could just have a moment of silence. Um September 11th um in honor of the day, please.

Thank you. [Music] Roll call, please. Teresa Bank, Tim Brown here, Carol Cole here, Julie Edwards, Chrissy Grant here, Jeff Greg here, Clay Hardy, Keith McCormick, Christine Matloff here, Ted Mahal here, Trisha Miller here, James Mitchell, Tim Moors here, Jean Price here, Austin Pritchard here, Sunonny Ross here, Larry Cipher here, Don Tate here, Christy Walker here, Brett Wallace here. Judy Wood here. Chad Janice

here. Thank you. Move on to item four, discussion of vote to approve board minutes from the August 14th, 2020 file meeting. Have a motion on this. Okay, Mr. Y in the back. I've got Miss Flock in the corner. Any discussion on the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion passes. Item five, move on public public body comments.

On Monday, Tim Morris came into my office to discuss my fiscal year 26 budget. I told him my budget was straightforward and didn't require much discussion. He asked about the number of employees I had and then brought up the line item for deputy clerks. That's when I became frustrated and told him that this line item wasn't up for discussion. The county board passed a union contract giving my employee a 17.19% raise over 15 months. And that doesn't include the additional increase from the county paying 100% for health insurance premiums, which brings that raise to 19.43%. The truth is, I sent an email to this board and the state's attorney on December 16th, 2024 attaching an attorney general opinion that clearly states the county board does not have the authority to negotiate a union contract for the treasur's office. Ruth Woolery responded by, but she only mentioned that department heads would be notified of the negotiation dates, something I was never told. The AG opinion S-487 makes it clear a county board does not have the power to enter into a collective bargaining agreement wherein the rate of compensation of employees of the county treasurer is fixed. The relevant statute 55cs 5 back slash3-10003 states that the treasurer shall appoint their own deputies and personnel and set their salaries subject to budgetary limitations set by the county board. Not one of you responded to my email and this AG opinion and state statute were ignored and my ability to be fiscally responsible was undermined. For anyone on this board to question my budget line item that you increased without any discussion with me, nor with my consent is unacceptable.

Tim Brown was the only board member to vote against the outrageous raises given to county employees. I told Tim Morris that none of you are looking people in the eye and taking the hard-earned money of taxpayers and hearing their complaints about their rising property taxes. I looked at property tax increases over the past two years for one property in each community and here's what I found. Calen 6.96% increase Windsor 11.17 Sigle 11.38 Strawburg 15.62 Shelbyville 16.29 Oak 17.42 Heric 2021 Stewartson 20.64 Mikwa 20.05 005 Finley 22.89 Tower Hill 32.96. Property taxes have increased dramatically so we can give county employees 18% raises over a 15-month period. The union contract also locked in taxpayers covering 100% of the health insurance premiums and the employees covering zero, which adds even more to the wage increase. while the people we are supposed to be serving are paying increased insurance premiums. This is nothing more than pension spiking on the back of taxpayers. You are out of touch with the hardworking people of this county. I told Tim Morse that the people we serve are not getting 18% wage increases. He said he wasn't involved in the negotiations and when I asked if he voted for the contract, he said probably. Did he vote on something without fully understanding the consequences? How many of you read the con read the contract and truly understood what you were approving? How many of you think it's acceptable to take 18% or more from the taxpayers and give it to less than 100

employees? One employee in this county has received a 57% raise in two years. Who's questioning that? No one. I'm I am angry that my responsibility as an elected official to be fiscally responsible was taken away from me. As a taxpayer, I am furious that this board passed a contract that is not only fiscally irresponsible, but also burdens future generations. It's time for the people of Shelby County to know the truth. Thank you. Thank you. Public body comment.

Thank you. There's been ongoing criticism directed at the current county treasurer alleging she has not generated sufficient interest income on county funds. These criticisms are perplexing particularly given the lack of concern during the previous treasur's tenure despite the fact for years all county funds were kept solely in a basic savings account yielding minimal returns. To put it in perspective, in the final three years of the former treasurer's term, the total interest earned was just $40,91053 cents. That's a three-year total. After assuming office, the current treasur conducted a thorough review of the statutes governing her responsibilities and began diversifying investments beyond a traditional savings account. As a result of this change in approach, the county earned $278,762.97 in interest over her first three years in office, an increase of approximately 680% compared to her predecessor. This significant improvement was acknowledged in the first two county audits conducted under her leadership. To date, just under seven seven years into her tenure, the current treasures investment strategy has generated a total of 1,32,83540 in interest. Let me repeat that number. 1,32,83540 [Music] in earned interest that directly benefits the county. In contrast to these results, it is troubling to hear that at least two current county board members approached a former county clerk office employee during work hours and in the courthouse to encourage her to run against the treasurer. I won't name names, but you know who you are. This

kind of behavior amounts to electioneering and is both unethical and inappropriate, especially in the government workplace. It raises further concern that the county clerk did not intervene to stop this activity in her office. When the employee declined to run, citing her belief that the treasur was doing a good job, those same individuals reportedly floated plan B, backing Don Deolt to run for treasur with an understanding that he would retire after 2 years so they could appoint this employee to the position. Is it any wonder that she chose to leave employment by the county given that she faced workplace pressure, political maneuvering, and criticisms for simply maintaining professional relationships with colleagues. She would be more than willing to speak directly with anyone interested in hearing about her experience, including those in the public, those watching via video. You can see me after the meeting or contact me for her contact information. Lastly, in response to Erica's comments regarding the recently ratified union contract, I must ask, who is representing the taxpayers at the negotiating table? Union employees were backed by their stewards and legal counsel. Taxpayers, on the other hand, rely on this board, our elected official and the state's attorney, to advocate on our behalf. So, who is advocating for the for the people footing the bill? Who worked to find a reasonable middle ground rather than conceding to every demand? who thought it was fiscally responsible to approve 15 to 20% pay raises over just 12 to 18 months while shifting 100% of employee health insurance premiums onto the taxpayers. Let's be honest, very few of county taxpayers have received pay increases anywhere near that magnitude in the past year and a half or have their entire health insurance premiums covered by their employer. And yet, this board has placed that very burden squarely on the taxpayer port. Did anyone research or put pencil to paper to determine the long-term financial implications of

these decisions, particularly the impact on the county's IMRF and Social Security obligations? Again, all on the back of taxpayers. I do want to say thank you to County Board member Tim Brown for having the integrity, courage, and courage to vote no on what was clearly a one-sided contract. Thank you, Tim.

Public body comment. I'm going to speak. I want to make it very clear. When I was told that somebody had been asked in the county clerk's office to run for treasurer, I said this is the elections office and I don't want to hear that in here. Now, I don't sit out and hover over the employees, but I was told about that. And once again, I said to all my staff, this is the elections office. We do not discuss that in here. And I said, "Whatever you do, you do. I don't want to hear it." And there's, you know, I'm gonna say this. Yes, there were things put out there, but there are two sides to every story. I was never approached about this employees concerns or anything about her employment. And that's all I'm going to say about that. But I did, as soon as it was mentioned to me that she had been talked to, I I shut that down because that's not appropriate in the elections office.

Public body comment. Public body comment. Public body comment. Okay. Moving on to item six. uh Kinsey Stewart who's the manager of Shelby County Farm Bureau. Discussion and vote to approve the Allies and Agriculture resolution have emotional. [Music]

Hi, my name is Kenzie Stewart. I am the manager of the Shelby County Farm Bureau. Um I have with me a couple of board members this evening that wanted to discuss with you the allies of agriculture. Um that you have all been given the resolution beforehand and I do have paper copy if you would like one as well. Um let me know and I can bring it around. But um Austin Rer will introduce himself. Um maybe the other board members too and go in a little bit more detail about this.

Yeah, good evening. It's good to be here. I serve on the Shelby County Farm Bureau Board. I'm here with Jim Hampton and our president Steve Kesler. As I said, I serve on our county board. I've been a director there for over 10 years. The Shelby County Farm Bureau represents over a thousand farms in our county. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity of sharing our thoughts and going through this this evening. I'm here to ask for your support of agriculture of the agricultural resolution on our agenda. Passage of this resolution states the significance of agriculture to our county and it shows the county's support to our industry. Agriculture is one of the oldest industries in our county. It provides fuel and food to our community, nation, and world. In total, there are more than 71,000 farms in Illinois and 1,199 of those farms reside within our great county. Multi-generational families take care of the land within the county. I am myself a fourth generation farmer. We care about what we do and how we do it and how it impacts our neighbors and environment. A few figures that I think are worth me mentioning. 26% of the jobs are supported by agriculture here right in Shelby County. That is an estimated 2,150 jobs. Agriculture and related industries generate total sales and output estimated at 335 billion and farm and property provide 50.6% of taxable value to this county. This revenue provides services to all residents within the county. In closing, I believe this resol resolution significance signifies the county board's support of Shelby County agriculture and farmers. It recognizes the contributions of agriculture to our county and it further signifies the county is open to and welcoming welcoming of agriculture to the county. Thank you and I I would appreciate your support this evening.

Thank you. Anybody have any comments or questions, discussions on this? Anybody get a chance to go through? Okay, we'll see none. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Resolution passes. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Moving on to item seven is county highway uh engineer report to send. Um item seven is discussion of vote to approve the following items. A supplemental engineering agreement with HLR engineering for structure 087-3198 over Richmond Street in Clarksburg Township on TR 313 estimated cost of $45,000. Item B is engineering agreement with Gonzalez engineering for structure 087-3069 over sorghum branch creek in flat br flat branch township of TR 49 estimated cost 70,500. Item C is the permitted fee schedule. D, authorization to utilize Oxcart permitting system. And E, begin the bid process pending result of a grant application for repairs on the Finley Bridge bearings, which is structure 087-30001. Have a motion on these items, please. And Mr. Wallace has Mr. Morris. Yes, sir. Um, as far as details on these, uh, 7A is a structure around the Hidden Springs area and this will be paid through township bridge program. It is fully reimburseable to to the county and um, this is a project that we've already that's been started years ago by my predecessor and it's progressing very well and hope to construct it hopefully next year. But um the it was started and it was stopped because we just were without an engineer for a few years. And so it to bring it back up to speed and everything is going to take some money to to get everything

up to policy, switch everything over to different to the current way things are going to be and how it's funded. So asking for approval to move forward with that engineering agreement. Let me go through all those. Okay. The engineering agreement with Gonzalez engineering for structure 083069 over branch is a structured flat branch township. Um just a dilapidated structure that is weight posted and just in need of replacement. Happy to entertain any questions you have regarding it. This is the same funding source township bridge state program that will reimburse the county 100% for the costs. There's a permit fee schedule. uh you guys have it just looking for uh just recouping some of the costs. It it takes time for me or my team to go out and look at all these permits or road use agreements and stuff like that. So, we're just looking to recoup a little bit of that is is what that is about. An authorization to utilize ox cart permitting system goes along with the permit P schedule. They will monitor and track and and and actually keep a record of our permits online in this system. It's a very good system that uh both of these are built on other counties other surrounding counties have the permanent fee schedule as well as the permanent system. Number of counties are doing these same things. I'm just trying to kind of replicate what's going on around us. And E um is a bid process for Finley Bridge bearings. They are just getting rusty after well the bridge was construction that's constructed in 1966 and it's there's some parts of it that are just getting rusty underneath. Everything is perfectly fine and safe

but just it just is in need of a little attention after so many years. So, any questions? Any questions, Mr. Pador? Okay, thank you. Any other questions or discussion? Okay, seeing none, roll call vote on items A3, please. Brown, yes. Cole, yes. Grant, yes. Greg, yes. Matwa, yes. Yes. Mayhal, yes. Miller, yes. Morris, yes. Price, yes. Critchard, yes. Ross, yes. Cipher, yes. Tate, yes. Wa,

yes. Wallace, yes. Wood, yes. Janice, yes. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. Move on to item eight. Close session of the county board pursuing the 5CS120/2C11 pending litigation. Have a motion on this. Mr. Ross, Mr. Put the picture in the back. Please. Brown. No. Cole, yes. Grant, yes. Greg, yes. Matwa, yes. Mayhal, yes. Miller, yes. Morse, yes. Price, yes. Pritchard, yes. Ross, yes. Cyford, yes. Tate, yes.

Waford, yes. Wallace, yes. Wood, yes. Yes. Yes. Motion passes 16 eyes, one nay brown. Thank you. [Music] said there's four of us and then I mean everybody that's fine you guys don't mind the boy. [Music]

I agree. Should have chairs these chairs. report. What am I looking for? I think everybody's back [Music]

roll.

All right. What are we voting on, Mr. Chairman? To come back. Yes. Cole, yes. Grant, yes. Greg, yes. Mhm. Yes. Mayhoff. Yes. Miller, yes. Morse, Price, yes. Richard, yes. Ross, yes. Cyber, yes. T, yes. Wford, yes. Wallace, yes. Wood, yes. Janice, yes.

Have note, no action was taken in close session. We move on to item nine, discussion of vote to engage the law firm of Klein Thorp and Jenkins uh limited to assist with preparation, negotiation, review and revision of road use agreements for solar and wind farm projects at Shelby County motion price. Mr. Gantis session questions seeing none. Roll call, please. Brown. Yes, Cole. Yes, Grant. Yes, Greg. Yes, Matt. Yes, Mayhal. Yes, Miller. Yes, Morris. Yes, Price. Yes. Pritchard, yes.

Ross, yes. Cipher, yes. Tate, yes. Waford, yes. Wallace, yes. Wood, yes. Janice, yes. Motion passes. Thank you. On item 10, discussion to vote to participate in the secondary manufacturers National Opioid Settlement and Purdue Bankruptcy Plan. We have a motion on this Mr. Ross motion. I've got Miss Wood on the second. Any discussion or questions on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor say I.

Opposed. Motion passes. Thank you. Moving on to item 11, which is discussion of vote to approve a resolution in support of CFS and the federal program services CFS provides to the residents of the county. have a motion on this please from Miss Matlock and I have Miss Miller. Um the resolution was sent out uh in advance of the read aheads. Um did you have anything that you'd like to add while you're here? No. Miss Miller, you have anything you'd like to add on this?

CFS is a good program that services uh Shelby County and several counties. This isn't the only county board this resolution has been sent out to. that's been out to sent out to seven county boards uh that CFS serves and basically um the funding helps in all kinds of areas, heat and electric, um transportation. It's it's uh I in my opinion a very needed program for our county. And so, uh, it's been sent out to the boards so people will show support that the funding that that we are hoping to receive the full funding for CFS that they have received in the past.

Thank you. Just an overview um of the items that that that do support here in the county. uh community services block grant, lowincome home energy assistance program, the home weatherization assistance program, Head Start, Housing and Urban Urban Development, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Rural Public Transportation, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, the Senior Nutrition and Transportation, and the Senior Health Insurance Program. So with that any other discussion or questions? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. Any opposed? Thank you. Resolution passes. Move on to item 12, which is discussion of vote to approve the proposed budget amendments, amendments, and appropriation transfers in the CFS budget to fund the PE composition. Have a motion on this. I've got Miss Matlock, Mr. Prinard. Any additional discussion or questions carried over from last month on this topic?

Yes, sir. What is the PCON position? Uh it's the uh oversight management position for the CFS public transit system. Okay. We hired that uh four months ago maybe. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Any other discussion questions? Seeing none, roll call, please. Brown, yes. Cole, yes. Grant, yes. Greg, yes. Matlaw, yes. Mayhal, yes. Miller, yes. Morse, yes. Price, yes. Pritchard, yes. Ross, yes. Cipher, yes. Yes. Waford, yes.

Wallace, yes. Wood, yes. Yanis, yes. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. On item 13, which is discussion of vote to approve the surplus for disposal of a 2003 Falcon F360 rigid hole inflatable boat, which is as an HIN of UA-QRK 3089 L203 due to separated seam that cannot be repaired. Have a motion on that. Mr. Walls, Mr. Price. Any questions? Yes, sir. If it's busted at the scene, why what? How are we going to sell it? It's for disposal.

Just disposal. Started say we wouldn't be liable if somebody took it out. They drowned and it's our boat, you know. Okay. The camera's off. Sorry about that. Ran. I'm not sure why it would be off because everything appears to be on. I got a I got an image here.

Somebody else. I think dog. Uh my images I have an image. Is it sound? Cuz everything seems to be no sound's working. Okay. Cuz everything seems to be I can hear myself.

Okay. Any other discussion on the seamless? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. I.

Oppose. Motion passes. Thank you. Moving on to item 14. Discussion of vote to approve the resolutions to transfer parcels from the county of Shelby as trustee to the new owners as listed. 0723-16-14-304-010 to Stoneway LLC Valeria Espinosa for $2,100. Item 0723-1614-312-006 [Music] to Piggy Bank Investment Properties LLC for $2,523 and partial 128-3-5-112-7 to the village of Finley for $890. [Music] I have a motion on this item, please. Mr. Tate, Mr. Matlock, any questions? [Music] Okay, seeing none.

Yeah, roll. Okay. Brown, yes. Cole, yes. Grant, yes. Greg, yes. Matlock, yes. Mhm. Yes. Miller, yes. Morris, yes. Bryce, yes. Fidget, yes. Ross, yes. Cybert, yes. Tate, yes. Waford, yes. Wallace, yes. Wood, yes. Janice, yes. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. Moving on to item 15, committee reports. Any updates from committees? Yes, sir.

Um, I recently attended the regional office of education. I sit on that uh board. I have um 21 copies of their annual report. If anybody would like to have a copy, I brought them for you. Uh it's just an annual report of what the regional office of education does for Shelby County and its regions.

Thank you. Anybody else? Any report? Nope. Okay. I want to move on to then item 16, which is chairman updates and correspondence. Um the the clerk, Mr. Greg and I met with the health insurance provider last week. Um it was kind of a year review. You know, our contract is due for signing. Um it was very insightful. A lot more information than than I expected to get. You know, kind of the idea where the claims of where claims come from. Um the insurance being self-insured, I got an education on what that process looks like for myself. Um in the course of the conversation though they did bring to light um a series of cost containment options and opportunities um that have existed and they presented those to us again um to to consider those those cost containment opportunities. And so um I believe we received an email yesterday to to come back to the table to to revisit what some of those cost containments are. Um but in summary, uh I was explaining to Mr. Mr. Ross the other day. Um one of them was an expansion of providers that could actually reduce the out pockets for not only the employees but also reduce the claims amount for the county just by expanding some of the providers available. Um the the gist of it was these are providers, Springfield Clinic, some others that already have prenup rates that if they bring them into the fold, it could reduce the cost. And we gave some examples of what that could look like. Um and the other was bringing in another co-insurer that would actually reduce the county's out of pocket on claims. Um, and that was immediate and the number that was tossed out there was 12%. On the reduction of our outpocket cleanings cost from the county

standpoint. So, um, I'm not sure does that be everything that they'll they'll bring, but um, certainly seemed as if there were some some opportunities there to expand options and reduce costs not only for uh, our employees but also the the county on the the self-insure side of it. So, um, we did we did, um, have a conversation last week with Lonn Brock and Aan as well as Sikach, um, as it relates to the the progress on fiscal year 23 audit and they have begun the handoff uh, from the pre- audit firm which is Sikage to the audit firm which is Labbak and Aman and so uh, I believe that they said they were going to start making contact with most department heads that's almost immediately. So, some have actually probably already been contacted uh to begin their fieldwork on the fiscal year 23 audit. Um accompanying with that which has become the norm is the monthly check-in from ID do and so um looped into that process now are both firms and they have been very helpful in responding back to I do on the progress and where we stand on the audits. um just to see where we have a gateway on getting our audits up to speed. The intent is as soon as Sikage has passed off everything to Larbach and Aman for 23, they will immediately begin engaging for 24 to begin the pre- audit work to get the receivables from there. Once Larbach is done in 23, they will immediately move into 24. Um the intent was to be somewhere around the first of the year to begin uh the the the completion and the handoff on the second loan. So ideally we get close to being caught up with fiscal year 25 in a

timely manner. Um but Sikitch has has gone ahead and request an extension for for 24 and for for 25 just in case. So um they went ahead and got those those taken care of for us. And then fiscal year 26 budget planning is is underway. Um I I want to thank the the committee for the work they've put in. Um it was decided that the committee members would then reach out to other board members and the other board members that joined the committee members to to visit with the department heads. It was appreciated. Um, I've heard from several department heads just thank you for the engagement, you know, thank you for the touch points and coming out and showing an interest in their process and what it is that they need. So, I've heard from a lot of folks saying thank you on that. But again, I want to express my gratitude. Um, you know, we actually had a a joint visit this week and both of us can commiserate just a little bit based on the process that we went through last year that this is uh much easier to to begin that process and to do it in, you know, August and September versus waiting till uh late October and coming in here before Thanksgiving. So, um, we appreciate that. The intent is to bring the budget to the board in the October meeting to to put it out there for public viewing with the hopes of getting it passed in November. um in the early part of November since it goes into effect December 1st. So um for the board members that didn't have a chance to to team up with one of the committee members on this, I would I would reach out to one of the committee members. Um if you want to know what the committee list is, I I can definitely get it to you. Um just just to get an idea where we stand based on the different departments. Um also take a look at the revenues which I believe were sent out again last Friday. just anticipated revenues on the general fund as well as the special funds to give an idea of what the anticipated numbers are entered

in. Um, again, departmental questions, you know, I'll begin with one of the the committee members and I have a list and it was in the minutes from our meeting the other day of which committee members met with which department heads. And so those of us that met with those are pretty uh pretty well verssed on where their budget stands and the items that they had in there. Um and then revenue side of that um question specific would be you know for the treasurer for sure on her estimates for for where we stand for the fiscal year 26. Um but that will be coming to the board through committee um next month and so if you do have questions in advance just to help make sure that we're there by all means reach out to one of us and and we'll help that um understanding as well. Um, with that, we'll move on to item 17, which is chairman appointments. And those are Jolene Buyers, uh, commissioner of open drainage district trustee for a three-year term. Joshua Cullenberg, commissioner of combined drainage district number two in the town of Tower Hill for a three-year term. El Curtis Morzine, commissioner of the union drainage district number one, townships, flat branch, and assumption for a three-year term. Peter Dove, commissioner of combined Clarksburg and Shville Townships DRist number one for a three-year term. Michael Wheeler, commissioner of combined Clarksburg and Shville Township Draist number one to a two-year term. Tammy Cool to the mental health 708 board to replace Robin Carwell who resigned term to expire 131 of 2028 and John Weber Airport Landing Fields Commission to replace Paul Candidate who

resigned term to expire 6:30 of 2028. Have a motion on these appointments please. SM block, Mr. Printer. Any discussion or questions on this block? Okay, see none. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Pass. Thank you. Uh, moving on to item 18. Any old business? Yes, sir.

You touched on it in uh chairman updates. I just wanted to put a pin on it. The 22 is finished. 22 audit is finished. Okay. And so they're Sikitch is combining the information to start the they're engaged in the 23 to have it done. Yeah. So so so is is done with the pre- audit work that we're actually for 23. I guess as a side note 23 is not a 12-month audit is the 15. M that's the year that we extended the the fiscal year by three and they got approval from the state to incorporate through a letter to do it as one as opposed to a 12 month and a 3 month

and so they're done with that pre-auto service so Lauderbach is picking that up and then Sikage has moved on to 24. Yes, they're gathering that information. Okay. And the 24 was due July 25. Yes. And so the 25 will be due July 26. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. So they will like I say they asked for extension on 24 as granted and then they will be you know likely asking for an extension on that as well. Thank you.

Okay. We move on to 19. I'm sorry business on we'll go on to item 19. Uh payment of the claims. Got a motion of Mr. Ross. Have a second. Mr. Ray, this thing is not here. So, oh, since you were in the room the most over the past couple years. Um, yes. No, everything there were a few questions about some things, but we got those answered. Uh, one cover sheet was uh not proper, but we got that addressed and so everything seemed to be in order. So, any questions? Bills? See none. Roll call, please. Brown. Yes. Cole, yes. Grant, yes. Greg,

yes. Matlock, yes. Mayhal, yes. Miller, yes. Mors, yes. Price, yes. Richard, yes. Ross, yes. Cyber, yes. Tate, yes. Waford, yes. Wallace, yes. Wood, yes. Yes. Motion passes.

Thank you. Move on to item 20. Public body comment. Public body comment. Yes, sir. I just got a few things I want to cover. Um, Miss Miller, I want to thank you. Uh, our discussion after the meeting out in the parking lot. I give you credit for being honest and admitting you're a hypocrite. I do appreciate honesty. Chairman, last month I asked you why you didn't disclose to the board the meeting you had with the bank president. This was over the finances and investments of the county. Initially, you played dumb as if you had no clue what meeting I was talking about. After calling your bluff to confirm the meeting but claimed it was private and not for public dissemination. I called your bluff again because you know you were told matters needed to be addressed in a public meeting, not behind closed doors. After asking you for comment on matters in an email, you appear to have falsely claimed an article is coming about the bank president along with a claim to the bank president that the reason you did not share the discussion with the full board is that Robert's rules prevent you from doing so. I'm curious, what's the reason for not sharing that conversation with the full board? Is it because it was a private meeting or Robert's rules prevent you from doing it? Because you can't have it both ways. Any comment? Okay, next item. Is there any status on the recovery of the funds that were allegedly stolen and given to the former assistant states attorney cuz several of this people in this room said it was illegal that that agreement, settlement agreement and severance was illegal. So, what's the status of the recovery of that money? Haven't seen anything being done to recover this money, but we sure heard a lot of people saying that it was a crime. So, what's going on with it?

Any comments? No comments. I typically read this next paragraph, a portion of the paragraph to new board members, county board members, school board members, because it applies to both the same languages in both statutes. And it's the second paragraph that's important. At each regular and special meeting, which is open to the public, members of the public and employees of the county shall be afforded time subject to reasonable constraints to comment to or ask questions of the board. The legislative intent is to get answers to those questions. And that's separate and distinct from the Open Meetings Act. It's a completely separate statute. It's specific to the county code. I don't expect answers on the spot. Some you may be able to, maybe you can't, but the public deserves to have answers to questions. And the reason that law is there is so they can get answers. And it would be nice to get some answers to those questions. I don't have anything else. Thank you.

Thank you. You get all that, Jake. Public body comment. I don't. Cool. I don't. Your time is done. Your time is done. Pardon? Do you have comment? What's that? public body of comment. Yeah. Okay.

Yeah. Uh I don't know about other people, but I never did say that when they gave Ambrosia 74,000 or whatever the amount was was illegal. I just believe that that wasn't the right thing to do. Uh no one has explained to us what we got for the $74,000 plus social security. I as far as I'm concerned, we got nothing. So that's all I got to say. Public body comment. Public body comment. Public body comment. Okay. Have a motion to adjourn. Mr. Ross, have a second. Miss Cole. All those in favor of journal say I.

I. We are journ. Thank you. [Music] See, I You know,