Ella Tinsley was there for WROY/WRUL News and has details…
The Hamilton County Board convened on July 15, 2026 for its regular meeting, beginning with standard procedures including the call to order, the pledge of allegiance, and roll call. The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting.
During public comments, Paula Hatfield of the 4-H program introduced Austin Tucker, a young member recognized for finding a passion in welding and planning to compete at the state fair. “So my project is the American flag for welding, and that’s the career I want to pursue. And 4-H has gave me a lot of chances to continue on that career. And SIC has had a, joining a Swiss 4-H Welding Spinning Club. And I’ve gotten the chance to be able to enhance my stick welding skills and be able to make a project for the general show. I get the chance to go to the state fair with it, which is really cool. And also, I’m continuing on my learning of welding to TIG welding right now and my new project is, with my own tools, is to make a cannon for the 4H club that will hopefully shoot confetti.” The board congratulated him for his dedication to the organization and to the trade.
Several department updates were given from residents of the community, including County Clerk Heather Bowman who updated the board on an upcoming bulk mailing of vote-by-mail information ahead of the general election. Heather explained, “Every two years before the general election, we have to send a mass mailing on permanent vote by mail, letting people know that it’s available. It’s an unfunded mandate, but last year we added an opt-out to that form, and I think we got somewhere around 600 to 700 back.”
Additionally, ETSB, 911/Dispatch, director Dorothy Smith highlighted several operational and technology updates, including the successful start of a new dispatch class and GPS integration for all four county ambulances. Her associate also noted that the dispatch system marked its 10-year anniversary, along with major upgrades made through the years that have made it one of the most advanced in the state. These integrations include digital logs, text-to-911 features, grant funding for new equipment, and near full next-generation compliance. Administrative Services (Bellwether LLC) reported ongoing work to comply with Illinois EPA waste management reporting requirements in order to avoid potential fines. The department also distributed FY27 budget packets to departments and reviewed a variance report showing expenses on track and healthy cash flow. The board additionally discussed allocation of opioid settlement funds through a partnership with the Southern Illinois Recovery Network.
In a closing section of the meeting, the board approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included items like an acceptance of checks from various government agencies and grant reimbursements, along with reviews of items such as the trustee program, sheriff salary reimbursement, the regional education office, and the school facility tax schedule. In new business, the board approved Southern 14 Workforce Investment Board’s FY26 funding submission, adopted an ordinance amending the FY26 county budget to align with previously approved road work, and approved a resolution establishing expense procedures for the Coal Fund special projects line item. The board also approved EMA participation in the Illinois Mutual Aid System through an intergovernmental emergency management agreement and approved all claims lists, including general, late, and highway claims.
New business for the board included approval of miscellaneous project estimates to complete a new Highway Department office building, with added ADA parking and storage components included. Road Commission notes included discussion of estimates for an ADA parking lot, a concrete ledge, and an overhead door project, though these estimate numbers have not yet publicly released. Road improvement bids were solicited but not awarded, and officials discussed projected costs for a new storage area of and estimated $25,000, with the full facility estimated at $40,000 and those costs expected to rise with the finishing stretch of the project.
The board scheduled its next meeting for August 19, 2026 and adjourned after all votes were in favor.