by Sarah DeMaranville
Geneseo Current
CAMBRIDGE, IL — The Henry County Board approved a series of financial, infrastructure and zoning measures during its October 22 meeting, including the county's fiscal year 2027 budget, funding for public safety communications improvements, and new regulations governing battery energy storage facilities.
The meeting also included action on a Health Department roof replacement, a rural infrastructure project, solar facility decommissioning requirements and several administrative matters.
County Budget and Financial Approvals
Board members approved the fiscal year 2027 county budget, along with monthly county accounts totaling $4,208,787.81.
The board also adopted a $1.885 million amendment to the 2026 General Fund budget. The amendment included $600,000 for Hillcrest expenses, $600,000 for HVAC expenses and $500,000 for the Healthcare Fund, along with transfers of $35,000 to the C-Station Fund, and $50,000 to the Soil Services Fund.
In another financial action, the board approved a $66,000 Rural Revolving Loan Fund loan to Revolute Machine LLC, supporting business development and expansion in Henry County.
Health Department Roof Replacement
The board approved a $237,328 project to replace the roof at the Henry and Stark County Health Department building in Kewanee.
According to documents included in the meeting packet, the Health Department moved into the building approximately six years ago, and the roof was originally expected to last 10 to 12 years. However, problems have become increasingly severe, prompting officials to pursue replacement options.
The Health Department requested county financial assistance, noting that the project would otherwise consume a significant portion of its annual property tax revenue. Kreiling Roofing was identified as the recommended contractor.
Public Safety Communications Tower
The board approved a $64,464.29 engineering and design proposal from Mobile Communications America for replacement of the county's storm-damaged communications tower.
The agreement includes surveying, engineering, tower design, and project management services. The county has been working toward a permanent replacement while maintaining emergency communications through temporary infrastructure.
The approved expenditure covers preliminary design services rather than the full construction cost of a replacement tower.
New Battery Energy Storage Regulations
In one of the meeting's more significant land-use decisions, the board adopted regulations governing commercial and private battery energy storage systems in unincorporated Henry County.
The ordinance establishes requirements for special-use permits, setbacks, fire safety, emergency response planning, environmental protections, and eventual facility decommissioning.
The regulations also establish financial assurance requirements intended to protect the county and property owners from potential costs associated with abandoned or discontinued facilities.
The Planning and Development Committee previously reviewed the ordinance and recommended its approval. The regulations provide a framework for evaluating future energy storage proposals as interest in large-scale energy infrastructure continues to develop.
Solar Development and Zoning Changes
Board members approved a decommissioning agreement involving Ditmer Solar LLC, establishing responsibilities for equipment removal and property restoration when the solar facility reaches the end of its operational life.
The board also adopted revisions to the county's zoning and building department fee schedule. The changes address permitting costs for residential and commercial construction, solar installations, wind energy facilities, battery storage systems, cellular towers, and subdivision reviews.
Road and Culvert Improvements
The board approved a $107,298.08 bid for a Cambridge Township culvert replacement project, following a recommendation from the county's Transportation Committee.
The project is part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve rural transportation infrastructure throughout Henry County.
Additional County Business
The board approved several administrative and personnel-related measures, including a revised personnel policy handbook, a GIS server purchase, an appellate prosecutor resolution, a nurse recruitment proposal and additional financial assistance for the county's Business Office. Members also approved appointments and reappointments to various county boards and committees.
The meeting included scheduled presentations from the Sheriff's Office and 4-H representatives, along with committee reports and a UCCI update.
The Henry County Board's next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m. at the Henry County Courthouse in Cambridge.
