Boone County Conservation District
Feb 17, 2026
The lede
- Board approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with Boone County Highway Department for temporary construction work adjacent to Funderburg Conservation Area, including restoration requirements and creation of an eagle’s nest viewing pull-off area
- Approved Resolution 02-2026A and Joint Funding Agreement with Illinois Department of Transportation for LPT ITEP project engineering ($461,540 from IDOT, $46,154 from District)
- Executive Director Josh Sage received a 6% salary increase following executive session discussion
- Board reviewed draft FY2027 budget reflecting increased IMRF contribution rates (10% to 12.2%) and new AmeriCorps compensation insurance costs
- Updated Rules and Regulations Ordinance 91 discussed, including new language addressing drones and micromobility devices
Decisions & votes
January 20, 2026 Minutes - Approved unanimously (4-0, Phelps absent)
Intergovernmental Agreement with Boone County Highway Department - Approved unanimously (4-0). Agreement covers temporary construction easement at Funderburg Conservation Area with restoration requirements, native seed planting, fence replacement, eagle’s nest viewing pull-off, and multi-use gravel path payment.
Resolution 02-2026A and Local Public Agency Joint Funding Agreement - Approved unanimously (4-0). Enables reimbursement for Phase I and Phase II Engineering for LPT ITEP project.
Executive Session - Motion to enter at 4:14 p.m. approved unanimously (4-0); returned to open session at 4:29 p.m.
Executive Director Salary Increase - Approved 6% salary increase for Executive Director Josh Sage unanimously (4-0).
Accounts Payable through February 17, 2026 - Approved unanimously (4-0).
Adjournment at 4:31 p.m. - Approved unanimously (4-0).
Discussion items
Ordinance 91 Rules and Regulations: Executive Director Sage presented updated ordinance from Ancel Glink Law Firm. State’s Attorney reviewed and made recommendations on violation classifications. Sage coordinated with Belvidere Park District to align class structures for Belvidere Police Department enforcement. New language added for drones and micromobility devices. No action taken.
Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Budget: Sage informed Board of IMRF employer contribution rate increase from 10% to 12.2% and new AmeriCorps compensation insurance responsibility creating substantial cost increase. Recommended Board review income sources and planned capital projects. No action taken.
Highway Department Agreement Details: Agreement requires Highway Department to restore disturbances within 20-foot temporary easement, purchase native seed for planting, replace existing fence, use only tracked machines or crane mats (no soil cutting/filling), create eagle’s nest visitor pull-off area, and provide payment for remaining Funderburg South Conservation Area multi-use gravel path.
IDOT Funding Agreement: Documents required for District to receive reimbursement for LPT ITEP project engineering. IDOT contributing $461,540; District responsible for $46,154.
Staff Updates: Staff bios now available on District website. Two major 2026 events: staff/board picnic on Tuesday, June 16 and volunteer appreciation event on Friday, November 6.
Financial / operational notes
- January 2026 financial reports placed on file subject to audit
- IMRF employer contribution rate increased from 10% to 12.2% for FY2027
- AmeriCorps compensation insurance now District responsibility, creating substantial increase
- IDOT funding: $461,540 toward Phase I and Phase II engineering (LPT ITEP project)
- District match: $46,154 for LPT ITEP engineering phases
- Executive Director salary increased 6%
- Accounts payable through February 17, 2026 approved and paid
- Attorney Loos commended District’s restoration work quality