From a $300,000-plus salary for the president of Illinois Central College to $300,000 for architectural services at the new Dunlap Training Center, you can follow public money here.

Peoria County Board

The Peoria County Board met Sept. 12 with all members present.

Following an unexpected, 30-minute executive session, the board voted 12-5 to lease the remainder of the building currently housing the Peoria County Election Commission.

Capital improvements were unanimously approved, including $186,000 for computer room air conditioning and up to $65,000 to replace carpeting in the courthouse. Zoning cases in Jubilee and Kickapoo townships were approved without opposition. Action on a restated agreement concerning Peoria City-County Landfill #3 was deferred.

Eight citizens’ remarks were received concerning proposed wind energy towers in western Peoria County near Brimfield with four speaking in favor of the towers and four opposed. No action was taken since the proposal has not yet been addressed by the Zoning Board or the County Land Use Committee.

The unanimously approved consent agenda included:

• 4.7% cost-of-living adjustments for the sheriff and public defender.
• Two worker’s compensation settlements in amounts not to exceed $40,000 and $105,000, respectively.
• A $151,000 preliminary engineering contract for resurfacing on Glasford Road.
• 2025 employer and employees medical health premiums and subsidy.
• Capital improvements at the jail for $55,000 and $40,000, and $45,000 to renovate Conference Room #402.
• A $428,000 contract with Terra Engineering for improvements in the courthouse plaza.
• An agreement between the Sheriff’s Department and Brimfield for intermittent police patrols.
• An $392,000 intergovernmental agreement between the county and the Regional Office of Education to supply all truancy services for the county.

On Sept. 24, the board held a special meeting with all members present except Linda Daley.

The sole agenda item was a resolution recommending approval of a new agreement with GFL on Landfill #3. The board approved the resolution 15-1-1, with Member Rob Reneau opposing, and Member Paul Rosenbohm abstaining due to a business relationship with GFL. Before the agreement was final, two additional votes were required — one by the Peoria City Council and another by the Landfill Committee.

The agreement delays construction of Landfill #3 to no later than 2035, subject to permitting by the Illinois EPA. To handle waste during the period between closing Landfill #2 and opening Landfill #3, GFL will construct a transfer station near Pottstown that is expected to be operational no later than March 31, 2026.

One benefit to residents of unincorporated county areas will be a new monthly rate of $42.50 for weekly garbage and bi-weekly curbside recycling services.

Peoria City Council

On Aug. 27 Mayor Rita Ali recognized Chief Craig Harper, leader of the Peoria Native American Tribe from Oklahoma, and presented him with keys to the city. Chief Harper visited Peoria for an exhibit showcasing art of crafting duck decoys at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Councilors:

• Approved appointment of Chet Tomczyk as City Treasurer to fill unexpired term of Stephen Morris through May of 2025.
• Approved consent agenda without discussion.
• OK’d an art display at Niagara Parking Deck, 111 SW Adams, for five years as part of strategic plan for public art.

City Manager Patrick Urich updated Councilors on ongoing discussions with GFL Waste Management. Item was withdrawn from agenda.

Thirteen citizens addressed the council about liquor licenses, homelessness, and the conflict in Gaza.

Councilors went into closed session, adjourning at 7:55 p.m.

On Sept. 10, a quorum was present. Consent agenda was approved as outlined, although an agreement with Wagner Properties and CHIC Flats was deferred for two weeks.

Councilors accepted a $90,000 grant from the Illinois Attorney General’s office to Organized Retail Crime Grant from IL Office of Attorney to increase access to cameras on private property, with consent of home and business owners. The system is cloud-based and uses encrypted software.

Under New Business, Councilor Zach Oyler reported financial irregularities were discovered by the Peoria City/County Health Department (PCCHD) involving Cure Violence Program funds distributed by the city to House of Hope. PCCHD officials discussed findings of an unauthorized fund withdrawal and efforts to recover funds. The health department has severed relationships with House of Hope and hired an independent auditor.

The matter has been reported to the Peoria Police Department and the Peoria County State’s Attorney.

Dunlap District 323

The regular school board meeting was held Sept. 18, with six members present, one via cell phone.

Superintendent Scott Dearman clarified the financial report, comparing Dunlap to other area school districts in relation to salaries, student achievement, budget, transportation, etc. Board President Abby Humbles said she was glad to see a balanced budget.

Board members unanimously approved Budget Option 1.

Dearman said negotiations for architectural services for the Dunlap Training Center continue. During public participation, one woman expressed concern that local firms were not given a chance for the project. Dearman said local services had the opportunity, but are not able to do the work for various reasons. ESTES services, though not local, is willing.

A $300,0000 contract with ESTES Construction for the training center was approved 5-1.

Open session came to a close at 7:45 p.m.

Springdale Cemetery

Springdale Cemetery Manage-ment Authority met Sept. 16 with all nine members present.

During General Manager Mark Matuszak’s report, the authority held two unanimous votes.

The first requested further information from Heyl Royster law firm on the “Decoration Trust Fund” the authority has tried to secure and add to its existing endowment fund. Nearly $270,000 is held in the decoration fund and nearly $200,000 is in the endowment fund. The authority wants to ensure all steps have been followed appropriately, and it is free to merge the funds.

The second vote secured CliftonLarsonAllen to conduct the 2024 financial audit. The five-year agreement will cost $23,000 in the initial year and grow to $27,000 for the 2028 audit.

Matuszak praised cemetery staff for work following the July 17 storm. He reported the oldest private mausoleum erected by the Zotz family was damaged and repairs were beyond staff abilities. Authority members encouraged Matuszak to pursue an insurance claim and secure an estimate for repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage from water or animals.

The “South Center North” area is being developed to provide 300 new burial lots. Additional columbarium benches for cremains in the Prairie Garden have been secured.

Authority members went into executive session for an updated report on the search for the new general manager slated to replace Matuszak next year.

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. For more information, check www.lwvgp.org