Carbondale Reporter

Jackson County Executive Committee met April 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to Order (5:00 PM)

Members Present: Erbes, Larkin, Nehring, Peterson and Snyder

Members Absent: Endres and Hunter

Also Present: Robert Burns, Lisa Jacquot, Dana Dailey, Michelle Tweedy, Josh Barringer

Internal Office Matters

I. 19-4121 Resignation of Accounting Coordinator

Larkin began by saying how much the Board appreciates all the time and work Tweedy has put in over the last twenty four years. He also thanked Tweedy for staying until the County audit was completed. Then he began the discussion of what the Board needs to do going forward. He spoke with Mark Dallas at KEB and was informed that the cost to hire a consultant to do all the accounting work that Tweedy does will be about 70 to 90 thousand dollars. Larkin reminded the committee that in the past the Board has wanted to hire a County Administrator and do some restructuring of the other positions in the Board office. The committee discussed the salary and benefit packages of each employee, as well as salary and benefits for a County Administrator and a Secretary. Hunter provided an email about her suggestion of hiring a County Administrator and seeing about some of the accounting duties being done in either the Treasurer or County Clerk office. Peterson asked if it was really possible to move Tweedy's duties to the Treasurer's office and she suggested getting the Treasurer's opinion. Larkin informed the committee that the Health Department currently has an accountant and maybe the Board could see if he can move to the Board office and do both the Health Department and the County's accounting. Tweedy reminded the committee that the Health Department accountant has a full plate right now, the accounting for the Health Department is different than that of the rest of the County and the last time he was asked if he would move to the County he declined. She went on to say she cannot speak for him but she is not sure if he will entertain the idea. Larkin reminded the committee that this is an opportunity for the Board to consolidate some of the Board positions and not have to hire two additional people. Peterson asked what other counties do, Erbes said to his knowledge about 20% of counties have an Accountant, 40% hire a consultant to do accounting, and 40% have the work done out of the County Clerk and/or Treasurer's office. Larkin asked Tweedy what parts of her job description are specific to accounting. Tweedy replied that everything relates to money some how, like puzzle pieces, she takes the pieces and fits them together for the County Board. Also, she makes sure the funding is accurately reflected so various offices will know what is in their budgets. During negotiations she works with the insurance company and makes sure that the terms of the contract are carried out. Peterson asked how a consultant would be able to do all that Tweedy does. Tweedy went on to say that she figures out how the cash flow of the county is, which account and which year different things should be booked, and the payroll for board staff along. She also closes out all the books at the end of the fiscal year, makes sure that the payroll, sick, vacation and comp time all get booked as liability in the right accounts. Tweedy concluded by stating that she ensures the county stays in compliance with the Comptroller's office and handles the county audit. Erbes asked what she does that is not on the job description, she said everything she does is on the job description.

Old Business

New Business

Executive Session

II. 19-4122 Executive Session 2 (c) 1 under the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss personnel

A motion was made by Nehring, seconded by Erbes, to approve entering into Executive Session under 2 (c) 1 of the Illinois Open Meetings act to discuss personnel. The motion carried by the following vote:

Yes: 5 - Erbes, Larkin, Nehring, Peterson and Snyder

Absent: 2 - Endres and Hunter

Adjourn

Erbes moved and Peterson seconded to adjourn, motion carried.

https://www.jacksoncounty-il.gov/Home/Components/MeetingsManager/MeetingMinutes/ShowPrimaryDocument/?minutesID=4964&isPub=True&includeTrash=False