Let's get going with the meeting administration legal affairs committee, Wednesday, June 10th at 5 PM Two-point prayer, if Steve, if you want to go ahead.
Okay, thank you.
We just thank you for this day you've given us.
We ask that you would be with us here this evening, help us to accomplish the business of our county in the best manner possible.
We thank you for each one of the members here and ask that you would bless them as well.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Thank you for the ring.
All right, let's go on to approval of agenda 2.0.
Move to approve.
And I'll set this up to Frisch.
All those in favor say aye.
Aye. 4.0 Approval of meeting minutes from May 13th, 2026.
Mootkoop Root.
I'll second.
Sades, Sasades.
All those in favor say aye.
Aye.
Managers.
Okay, little flames, I've got a cash requirements of $42,293.29, and that's the total.
It's the pleasure.
You will approve.
Okay.
I'm second.
Yeah, second, all right.
All those in favor say aye.
Aye.
Okay, final public comments that's seen today.
And let's jump down to 7.1, County Treasurer.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
So that plate's number, this is my biggest month of the year.
So $11,572 of that was just postage for tax bills.
So this is the biggest amount you'll see coming from my department in a year.
It will go up next year, just laying the groundwork for that now.
Financial reports, so I hope you all had a chance to review the financial report.
I sent that out Saturday afternoon.
If you compare month over month, if you're looking sales and income tax receipts are steady.
As the monthly report indicates, you were up 70,000 plus over the previous month and so far for the year, we're in a little over 4 million in receipts and sales and income taxes.
As of the end of the month, overall funds, county funds were down just 1.79%.
Again, a tiny number in a month where there are no property tax distribution.
So all good news there.
So that was just a difference of 442,000 in change.
Only four investments matured in May, 18,000, almost 19,000 in interest earnings.
At the end of May, I had 17 investments in place across nine funds, maturing between this month and next April.
The first mill race bond payment of the year was made last month, it was just interest on both of the debt certificates.
Total was a little over $31,000.
After that payment, 45.99% of all the total refinance and the total refinance in 2020 has now been repaid.
So I was kind of looking at that number as kind of the guidepost to look at.
Just remember that that certificate A actually matures really soon, 2028, and B comes into polymer only paying interest on right now.
That one matures in 2031.
Any questions about the financial report itself?
I have a comment.
Yes ma'am.
I love the tax bill.
Do we, I'm going to talk about that next.
Okay.
Cause my, yeah, my friends, I mean, people have stopped me.
I said, do you see what we're paying for school?
No one really saw this before.
And it was really hard for them to understand when it was just a fraction, just when you see it visually, cause everyone is very visual and when you see it, it's like, Oh my goodness.
So I think that was a really good thing to do.
I think they need to know.
We need to.
A lot of good stuff out there.
I think it's just a move toward greater transparency.
Right.
And if you'll notice too, I was going to say that we've had outstanding feedback.
So thank you for adding to that.
We did have one older woman who didn't like it because she had to unfold it twice.
But other than that, it was great.
For the reasons that you mentioned, the transparency is I mean we've always listed where the dollars go but it's like I said it's it's a small print it doesn't really but when you see it you know graphically represented like that I think that's a lot more impactful um one of the other benefits for us is that that penalty ladder I don't know if you ever notice if you pay late there's a there's a you know a ladder there that shows what your penalty would be if you pay a certain date people were always paying an amount and Matt instead of the amount that was due.
So by using color, you're able to highlight the actual amount due, but the other stuff in black and white.
And so this time last year I had 35 refunds because of that.
So far this year I've had one.
And those are such a labor intensive task.
So that's saved us hours and hours.
So we're really happy with the redesign.
It seems like most people are too.
So we're going to keep doing it like that.
So thank you.
Thank you.
Also, so we are an equity into property tax collections, traffic's constant, person by phone, mail, online, usual mail complaints, of course.
There's been a use of color, like I said, it allows us to highlight a lot of stuff on our bills, so we're really happy with that.
Electronic payments, I want to mention this, have always been, they've been steadily rising every year.
Through Monday, they had 1.3 million submitted electronically.
And thus far EFT or electronic checks are three to one over credit and debit, which I thought we were on the rise there, but I was very surprised when I ran those numbers.
I think it's probably largely due to the fee, because if you use a card, even a debit card is a three and a quarter percent fee.
But if you use EFT, you pay a flat $2.95 and you can pay up to 99 parcels for that fee.
So a lot of the mortgage holders that we're doing so people who have larger portfolios, certain recent property owners who have acquired more than 200 parcels have started to do that so that's been great I think so you know you're not bouncing those checks so those are great so just a couple reminders that first installments due June 26th so I'll be able to give you a report on that next month second September 4th and the first distribution to all the taxing districts will be Monday Monday, July 13th.
I am still hoping to schedule a tax cycle, a public presentation to spend a challenge finding a date in a place that kind of aligned, but it's going to happen this time of summer, just probably not before that first due date, as I had hoped, but still want to do that.
Cause there's still a lot of questions, a lot of misinformation, no matter how much information you put on the bill, there's still a lot of misunderstandings that it would be nice to be able to help address.
That is all, unless you have any questions.
I have a question.
Sure.
When did the kittens come?
You know, we do not need the kittens this year because I think for the most part, people have been very civil.
Although, from what I understand though, animal control has a lot.
They do.
They had another 11.
So, you know, we might do it anyway.
I mean, it was a great way to expose people to adoptable kittens I'm all in favor of that.
It's a, it's a great thinking outside the box kind of partnership.
So we'll probably do it more toward the second installment.
We'll see.
But yeah, did you Do you want to add something to the kitty condom?
Yeah, yeah, we found kittens in our garage, so.
Please go.
Yeah.
Even our top is minus for all this happy faces.
So yeah, so let's, I mean, hopefully, I mean, you know, that, if you remember, Mr. Zimmerman, before that, we brought in kittens one year to kind of earn the temperature down of people when they were coming.
Because if we had a rough year, a couple of years ago, the verbal abuse, we were taking Thank you, Chair.
You'll see the recordings were up on in May versus April, but last tax for the tax dollars are brought in, so just for comparison, we are getting more reporting that varies on the property that is being sold for the tax dollars are brought in there.
Tearing up for the November election, still a little bit away, but there's a lot of preparation at times.
Election judges have been in contact with both of the party chairs.
They're aware that in July, the election judges will be before the board for approval.
And then once approved by the board and we'll go to the servant part of the judge.
So we send out over 200 letters to election judges that have served in the past or ones that may be interested in serving.
So when you get that list in July, hopefully we hear back and it's updated with people we know.
And it's updated with people we know that want to participate in the training in August, but know that if that list seems like a lot of people, there's people that drop out last minute, emergencies arise, so it's not like we have a great abundance of election judges, so but I think we're in good shape.
If you know anyone that wants to be a judge, have them reach out to our office, the training will take place August 4th.
We have two sessions at Highland at 2 and 6 PM When we did it two years ago at Highland, it was a great location.
I think one of the sessions we had over 100 judges in, so a great location on it.
I have a question about it.
Is it possible to do assimilation at the training of closing out at night?
Like physically, like like who signed what, where does this go, how does this box go, just physical simulation of that, because I think that is where our group got discombobulated that night.
We can do a physical simulation, a lot of it's in the instructions that usually aren't read, but I understand everyone learns differently, some people can read instructions, some people want to physically do it, the way I learned wouldn't be best doing it.
So that is something we plan to incorporate more this year is I just think it's a call.
And I know at the end of the night, it's been a long day.
So actually going through a replication of that and where the ballots go.
So they are coming back to us in the right box.
Yes, that's something important that we want to incorporate this year.
Good.
Thanks.
All right.
The other.
I will be out of office on Friday.
I'll be in late afternoon.
I will be at the Zoom meeting and start a company with other programming folders within ourselves.
All right.
Very good.
Thank you.
All right.
Let's move on to 7.3.
I'm going to start with apologizing of not getting our report out.
I had my zone meeting and we did zones one and three on Friday so I did not get my agenda to or my little letter to Georgia.
What's happening in my office obviously is I'm taking the blunt of the phone calls of being not happy.
For the most part, it has been fairly calm.
I've only been spore out twice this year and I've been cried on three times, so not too terrible.
A lot of people I understand are struggling, but as long as they understand the process, it's better that it's a whole big thing.
It's a whole big thing.
And the tax bills have helped immensely.
Like Stephanie says, I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from the tax bill also.
Not that I have anything to do with it, but it was a good thing because like people are more visual and, and things like that.
So in doing that, unfortunately, I started the 26th tax year off.
So whatever, I think we discussed this before.
I have seven townships, our office, my office ended up with all seven of them instead of having Sandy Davis do four of them, which has helped immensely.
We have four of them already done, the field work already done.
Three of those four have been already valued so we are ahead of schedule.
And so we're just plugging away at that.
And with that being said, Freeport's going to do some of their revaluing because unfortunately of the values and things going.
So as it stands right now, by the fall, I will be sending out about 13,000 assessment notices this year.
It's about half, because the county has 27,160 or extra taxes.
I didn't realize that.
All right, I guess, thank you.
We'll keep moving here.
Thank you.
Land Bank, there were surveys sent out to the participants for any identifiable properties to be sent back in.
We don't have a meeting currently scheduled, but the notice came out for, you know, a survey of when we would be available.
So I assume we'll have one coming up here shortly.
So, working on wrapping up a lot of information and hoping to work with the nursing home on getting their information completed, I'll be able to call with them on Friday, so hopefully that will get wrapped up shortly.
I did attend the GFPs Rise and Shine at the Winnipeg Playhouse.
They did a presentation on some of the programming that they are rolling out.
Seems like they are really trying to get more youth programming and involvement.
So I don't be surprised if we saw maybe a youth diversion application coming from them next year, but they do have a lot of summer programming and a few things going on in the fall specifically for youth.
So it's interesting.
I learned a lot at that one because I haven't been really involved with much had a conference call with a vendor that is saying they can lower our website and internet costs.
We're doing some research and Nate and I will probably talk to you before I follow up with them, but it's that time of year when a bunch of vendors are reaching out trying to do things.
Yeah.
Um, our next Greater Free Partnership meeting is on the 24th.
Um, I did have the wrap up call from the wellness screenings.
Um, they saw some pretty good trends of things being identified through the wellness screenings.
So we went over that, uh, report that they went, um, that has been sent to Gary McBrite and we'll discuss that at times, probably in the next month.
So, um, We had the representatives from Integrity Financial, which is who has two of our deferred compensation programs for the county.
They came and met with Ryan and I and are doing an on-site check-in for any employees that maybe have questions about that.
Want to make any changes in their things, so they will be set up here all day on July 29th to meet with employees.
Department Head meeting this morning.
I shared with them a benefit that is available through our health insurance.
There is every now and then members look at postcards of, you know, hey, you might want to reply to this or scan this QR code and there's a supplemental program that can offer you.
So I was selected as one that is called Twin Health.
And I would say a few people know what it is, but the resources that are sent to you and offered to you, if you take part in it, were really kind of amazing to me.
It came included with a biometric digital scale, an activity tracker, glucose monitor, blood pressure cup that will read and send to them so they monitor everything for you.
There's a free app for like a food journal and logging.
But you know, you could take a picture of your family, confirm what it is, usually things you would have to pay a subscription to be able to have as long as you couldn't do it through the insurance program that is free and then of course the Cross Blue Shield knows that they don't get any of the information but they know that a participant in this plan is taking part in this benefit, also sent me a free subscription to the Peloton app through it too.
So there's a lot of Perks involved with our health insurance, but I got that letter also, but it said you had to be diabetic in order to take advantage of that program.
So I think you do have to go through a screening because I have talked to people that were turned down.
I am not diabetic, but I have precursors, so and family history.
So that allowed it to, but it also requires you to go in for work.
Yes, you do have to go to Rockford and they pay for it.
But you do have to have that.
Yeah, that was something I'm like, nope, nope.
Did you have folks with that?
Everyone, nope.
So, you know, that kind of led to a discussion but I have heard a lot of positive feedback about the stuff problems.
Really seem to get people moving.
Yeah, we had a lot of conversation.
You know, you look outside You look outside and see someone walking.
So you're like, Oh, I got to go out and walk or I got to get my steps in.
And a lot of people have said that, you know, they haven't been moving or doing that and have not that they did it for a month.
It's kind of a habit.
So they're trying to stay on those healthy habits.
We did discuss, I had some challenges and some things that I spoke to a couple people about the logging in and syncing process.
And apparently there is a shortcut that was not shared with me, but I think the STEP program overall will be something, hopefully we will continue because it did really seem to garner interest, but but they have to do some research on maybe apps for that or different things.
But all in all, a couple of the department heads shared comments from their teams for employees and it seemed like everyone was really excited about it and enjoyed it.
So, good.
Keep moving.
About 7.5 to 90 inches.
So I just want to share, I took a walk last night with my family and my watch said I set a new record.
So I don't know what that means.
I must not walk very else.
I was so happy with the progress.
I went and celebrated with a blizzard.
So get healthy every month.
Some of the projects we currently have going on and I say we history rock ourselves with some of the stuff.
So animal control paperwork was signed today by the landlord.
So we are finally able to move forward with an install date for the fiber arrow has to get some permits and stuff approved.
And once they do, we will get an install date hammered down.
And I hope to get all that done the same day that they're installing.
We'll see what that looks like and how much digging they have to do for the fiber.
The AI policy we'll talk about here in a little bit.
The ADA compliance I shared last month, they moved that out a year.
So that's just going to give us the opportunity to review multiple vendors and try to find the best fit for the County.
So I've got a few vendors that are hitting me up.
I just don't want to start the process too early here.
So that's still in the works.
The jail has a key box project that got added to our list this week.
That is they have key boxes that require network connectivity.
So there's an audit and a log of who's getting what keys out and when they're using them.
That way if something goes awry, they have reports and things and I think they have to do state reporting as well that this will help with.
So we're currently in the middle of that.
We had to spin up a new server for that because it's going to run on its own box.
So that's in the works.
County Boardroom, been working on that the last couple of months.
There have been improvements and we haven't had the meeting drop out on video.
So So, we're making progress.
The next thing that I did is I hardwired both spots up there for the PC so they can be hardwired that way they don't lose connectivity.
And I'm still trying to figure out what some of the Wi-Fi interference is.
Sometimes it works great and then other days it's just cranky, so I've been working through different frequencies and kind of testing that out and seeing if I can just stabilize it.
So, I don't know that I'm there yet, but I test it probably once or twice a week and and I just run different tests and have multiple laptops and iPads and stuff in there just to see what's going on.
So, still moving forward with that.
The BreakFix, which is our everyday stuff, was pretty quiet for a little bit, but I feel like it's being made up for now.
We've had a lot of tickets here lately, just with different things that are going on.
We had a website issue on Friday that caused some posting issues that had me on the phone with a revise at like 10 o'clock at night, trying to get something resolved.
I learned that their help desk is not very proactive on the weekends, so I had to go through some of my email contacts and hunt people down, and then I finally got a call back, and I think we got it resolved about 7 AM on Saturday.
Now, I did sleep, it's not like I was up all night, so when I got up, they had let me know they thought they had it, so I went out there and everything seemed to be working, and we got the stuff posted, but the annual goods update for the courthouse was done in the last month.
That's our annual big system update for everybody that runs the PC gyms, softwares, public defender of the state's attorney, judges, everything operates on those modules or programs over there.
So we got that done.
There were some hiccups that came with that, but, uh, was able to work through those, uh, for the most part the day after just about everything was up and going, uh, did have an issue with some of the public defender module that took us a few days because we had, it just wasn't agreeing with the updates.
So other than that, um, just full speed ahead with, uh, you know, our normal break fix, we got some health department projects coming up in the things of that nature.
So, uh, it seems like, uh, there's never a shortage of profit projects.
So any questions?
All right, let's go down to 8.1, Approval of the AI Use Policy.
Do you want to speak to that, Amy?
Did you go, Ray?
Yeah, according to, that's the most flawless reply I've gotten from that yet.
And I do have to thank our Treasurer here because there was another county that had this already approved.
So I was like, well, if we got approved for them, you know, and it touched all the same bullet points that we had before.
So if it's not broke, don't fix it.
I went through and submitted it on our behalf and it works.
I think I had one question.
Did I answer your question for the most part?
Yep.
So to me, it's pretty flawless.
They do want me to make sure that I extenuate some of the points like in a training.
So I'm going to figure out how to roll that out or how to do that because the county is not something that you can specifically pull everybody in for training all at once so I don't know if I'm going to try to do a video of some sort I don't know yet I got to figure out how to do an interactive training that everybody touches you know at some point um if that's scheduling times with each department then that's what it will be but we'll figure that out any questions on that The biggest thing to get people to understand is that it's not foolproof and even when you get the information back you need to be double checking the information and not just taking it at its word.
You know, there's still a responsibility to verify and kind of do your homework.
So it's a very helpful tool.
And the other thing is, is not putting any personalized information out there whatsoever.
So it's pretty much just for generic instances or different things but no personal information should ever be entered into it.
I know a lot of our previous concerns were where's the vagueness that can be exploited but like the email said you it has a really nice definition and I think that's that more than most this other stuff is going to be.
Yeah unfortunately you still it still comes down to the user error that's the biggest thing and there's so many different modules and I mean they're all helpful.
You just have to be and I've been I sat in a webinar today with the state cyber unit and they were kind of going over the different things of what AI could do but it's all they said sometimes users are their own worst enemy.
There's just certain things they shouldn't do and that's why you need a policy to cover.
So I'll make a I make a motion to approve it as submitted here in one second, if it's okay.
Any further conversation?
All those in favor say aye.
Aye.
Thank you.
All right.
This is a new business and tends to point out any comments from the committee.
All right.
Let's go to 11.0.
I make a move to a motion.
I'll second it.
All those in favor say aye.
I'm that man.
Thanks everyone.