Committee of the Whole Meeting - Finance
May 14, 2026
The lede
- Highway Department successfully saved $380,000 (36%) on Stone Quarry Road bridge replacement by switching from design-build to traditional bidding method; project awarded at approximately $1.06 million
- Courthouse automatic door operators approved ($25,814.61 change order) after city adopted new 2021 building code mid-project; board expressed frustration with lack of notice from City of Belvidere
- Health Department fees approved with gradual 7%-8%-9% increase over three years for food establishments plus immediate 40% increase for well/septic permits
- Major transportation grants secured: Over $4.3 million from R1 for Spring Creek Road improvements and $1.2 million for Poplar Grove Road expansion; first significant R1 funding for Boone County in years
- Rumble strip noise complaints addressed: Highway engineer committed to adding paint layer to reduce noise at Caledonia/Orth Road intersection following resident concerns
Attendance & housekeeping
Present: Carl Johnson (Chair), Ryan Curry (arrived 6:05 PM), Brian Schneider, Dave Wilty, Josh Shoemaker, Tom Wahlberg (remote, joined by motion), Alisa Patterson (arrived 6:24 PM), Dana Logson, Matt Reggano, Rodney Riley, Marian Thornberry
Absent: Dave Cordray
Meeting called to order at 6:02 PM. Agenda approved as presented.
Decisions & votes
Motion to allow Tom Wahlberg to participate remotely
Moved by Wilty, seconded by Schneider. Approved unanimously by voice vote.
Change Order #23 - Courthouse Auto Door Operators ($25,814.61)
Moved by Wilty, seconded by Shoemaker. Approved by roll call vote (11-0).
Significant discussion about City of Belvidere adopting 2021 IBC code in January 2025 after project was designed under 2015 code, requiring ADA automatic door operators not originally specified. Board members (particularly Curry) expressed frustration that city didn’t provide advance notice despite multiple meetings. Architect Marco confirmed city required compliance with new code for permits issued after January 1, 2025. Board requested accountability from city building officials but ultimately approved due to timing (brickwork starting) and ADA compliance merit.
Resolution 26-15 - TARP Grant Application Support (Hunter Road & Poplar Grove Road)
Moved by Riley, seconded by Thornberry. Approved unanimously by voice vote.
Supports approximately $2.2 million grant application for truck access route improvements.
Ordinance 26-13 - Health Department Fee Adjustments
Amended motion by Riley, seconded by Wilty to adopt Option 1: Gradual food fee increases of 7% (Year 1), 8% (Year 2), 9% (Year 3), plus immediate 40% increase for well/septic permits. Approved unanimously by voice vote.
Extended discussion about balancing user fees vs. levy increases. Health Department presented three phased-in options after previous meeting feedback. Board declined to charge fees to nonprofit organizations. Potential $40,000 levy increase to be considered during budget season (not voted on). Health Department committed to pursuing grants to reduce taxpayer burden.
Discussion items (no vote)
Treasurer’s Report (Kurt):
- Check fraud attempt successfully blocked via positive pay system; fraudulent check for $58,450 caught and rejected
- Investment pool balance down $1.8 million due to construction spending
- CD rates holding at ~3.8% for 2-year terms; money market rates declining slightly
- Property tax bills sent late April; first distribution expected late May
- Bond fund (Series 2026) balance approximately $5.26 million after spending nearly $2 million
- Tyler software reporting issues for new bond fund being addressed
Administration Financial Report (Tolman):
- 42% through fiscal year (5 months); revenues and expenditures trending appropriately
- Sales tax outperforming budget
- Building permit revenues low but expected to ramp up through summer
- Comcast franchise revenues declining as subscribers drop cable; may need further budget reduction
- Gaming revenues lower due to fewer establishments
- Total construction project spending to date: $13 million ($7.2M courthouse, $2.5M campus, $2.2M McKinley, $800K+ PSB)
- Audit delayed to June board meeting (extension requested)
Highway Department Report (Chrome):
- Stone Quarry Road Bridge (24-00119-00-BR): Design-build bid in November came in at $1.44 million; rejected and redesigned in-house, re-bid at $1.06 million—saving $380,000 (36%)
- McKinley storm sewer system completed successfully; handled 4-5 inch rain without overflow
- Village of Poplar Grove committed $87,200 toward Poplar Grove Road widening project
- Paving delayed this year; Rock Road (low bidder) has backlog, won’t start until later than usual August 7th deadline
- Major bridge work ramping up: 13 bridges over next 3 years
- North Boone School bridge (east of Beaverton) started with utility delays
- Shadic Road bridge starting after July 4th
- Rumble strip noise study conducted: Caledonia Road rumble strips measuring 78-82 dB (south side 78, north side 82) vs. 80+ dB for standard strips; mumble strips at Squaw Prairie/Poplar Grove measure 73-74 dB. Chrome committed to adding another paint layer to reduce noise to 73-74 dB range. Depth currently 1/16 inch; additional paint will bring closer to zero. Noted that noise pattern (intermittent vs. constant) affects perception as much as decibel level.
Planning & Building Fees - Battery Energy Storage Systems:
New fees required for BESS applications per state statute; will accompany zoning code text amendments at full board meeting.
Courthouse Masonry/Tuckpointing:
Original voluntary alternate bid averaged $300,000; re-bid came in ~$50,000 less. Final numbers for board vote next week.
PSB Brick Repair:
Bricks above new window locations need replacement before window installation. Waiting for quotes; will tie into courthouse masonry contract for better pricing.
McKinley Well Water Line Upgrade:
Existing 3/4” line to EMA building must be upgraded to 1-1/2” per plumbing inspector. Ringland Johnson quoted ~$50,000; Highway Department will handle excavation and pipe laying to reduce costs to under $25,000. Discussion about using poly pipe instead of copper for significant cost savings (~$1,000 in materials vs. $20/foot for copper). Considering directional drilling to avoid disturbing new parking lot.
Jail Cooling System Replacement:
Two RFP responses: Helm (higher, less detail) and Cerrone (detailed breakdown, phased approach to maintain continuous cooling). Cerrone proposal ~$500,000 (will use full budgeted amount from reserves). Four vendors attended pre-bid site visit. System requires phasing to ensure no jail downtime.
Grant Awards Accepted:
- Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program: Grant for Bonus Township bridges (Prairie, Moringo, Lawrenceville over Kishwaukee)
- Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) & Transportation Alternative Program (TAP): Over $4.3 million for Spring Creek Road (roundabout to town hall); $1.2+ million for Poplar Grove Road expansion. First significant R1 funding for Boone County in years; City of Belvidere also received $600-800K. Federal funding will reduce county match to ~20%.
IDOT Contribution:
IDOT committed $300,000 from road fund for Hunter Road widening (76 to McHenry County line) in exchange for using it as 173 detour route.
Public comment
Steve Higgins (12236 Arrowwood Lane, Belvidere):
Reported results from surveying 20 households near Caledonia/Orth Road intersection. Residents universally happy with tree removal (improved visibility) and new four-way stop (increased safety), but universally opposed to rumble strips due to noise. Requested removal or substantial noise reduction measures. Characterized rumble strips as excessive response given other safety improvements already made.
Bill Brunner (1221 Arrowwood Lane):
Lives east of Caledonia Road; can hear rumble strips from inside home with windows open and from deck on east side of house. Noise especially problematic during 5-6 PM peak traffic hours. Requested action to address noise issue.
Notable moments
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Treasurer’s check fraud catch praised: Multiple board members and Highway Engineer Chrome commended Treasurer’s positive pay system for catching $58,450 fraudulent check attempt, highlighting importance of financial safeguards.
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Board frustration with City of Belvidere building code process: Ryan Curry delivered pointed remarks about city charging “a ton of money for building permit fees” while failing to notify county of impending code changes despite three meetings. Called for public accountability and said “the gloves have to come off at some point” and “it’s not the city because we have a great city. It’s the mayor.” Chairman Johnson agreed to contact city for explanation at full board meeting.
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Design-build lesson learned: Chrome’s detailed explanation of why traditional design-bid method saved 36% over design-build became teaching moment for other agencies; Chrome noted he shared results with IDOT as one of first local agencies to test recently-granted design-build authority.
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Rumble strip technical discussion: Extensive discussion of decibel levels, logarithmic sound measurement, ambient noise (50-60 dB), vehicle noise (70 dB), OSHA hearing protection thresholds (upper 80s), and how intermittent noise patterns affect perception more than constant noise. Chrome’s detailed noise study and willingness to add paint layer defused potential conflict.
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Health Department rapport: Chairman Johnson acknowledged he and Health Department Director Amanda Mails “don’t always agree on things… especially politically” but praised her passion and willingness to challenge him when needed. Called department heads like Mails and Chrome “reserved about coming and asking for money” but always prepared.
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Major grant success celebrated: Chairman Johnson publicly thanked and congratulated Highway Engineer Chrome for “hard work and diligence” in securing over $5 million in R1 grants, noting Boone County was “overdue” for this funding after years of other jurisdictions receiving awards.
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Nonprofit fee exemption preserved: Board quickly shut down any discussion of charging nonprofit organizations for health inspections, with Johnson recalling past attempt created “consternation” (example: “preventing the quilting group from having their quilting sessions because they can’t have their potluck”).
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Marian Thornberry’s terse question: Asked “Isn’t there a law against rape?” in response to fee discussions; Chairman noted comment was “probably just over the line.”