The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
The Hancock County financial audit report was reviewed for the county board during their regular meeting on Aug. 19, by Kamryn Schrepfer of Gray-Hunter-Stenn.
The report showed the county is in compliance. Two areas were noted that need continued attention.
In the written opinions area of the report, Schrepfer said she is working with Aaron Feagain, EMS director, on the Hancock County Ambulance fund, for a better reconciliation of the number of runs billed with revenue received.
“This mirrors opinions from years past,” Schrepfer said. “We have talked with Aaron quite a bit about that and thought we were going to get close. Unfortunately it didn’t happen in time for the audit this year.”
A statement in the “Course of Action” section report relates to the separation of duties in offices which handle money. This comment comes each year for Hancock County, as well as other small counties with a small staff.
“In a small department you can’t get that segregation of duties, and it doesn’t make sense to hire more people to make this go away,” Schrepfer said.
“Our recommendation is for the county board to review the financial information. You are doing what needs to be done, by reviewing the checks that are paid and going over information.”
The board approved the audit report. County Board Chairman Mark Menn thanked Gray-Hunter-Stenn for their services, and acknowledged the county offices in the courthouse for helping with this audit each year.
Several visitors spoke at the meeting.
Ray Fligge and Julie Weber, two residents north of Hamilton on the Rt. 96 River Road, expressed their concerns about three large German Shepherd dogs in their neighborhood. Fligge, Weber and additional residents also came to the Health and Miscellaneous Committee on Aug. 4.
They described not being able to feel safe in their yards, becoming trapped by the dogs in a garage, and seeing a worker chased back to his truck, among other situations.
At the earlier committee meeting, residents were told the county would continue to look into their concerns. State’s Attorney Bobi James told the visitors her staff would look at the ordinance and see what can be changed.
Shannon Kissinger addressed the board, announcing her candidacy for the position of county treasurer, in the spring primary election, to replace retiring treasurer, Kris Pilkington. Kissinger has worked in the county treasurer’s office for 10 years, and is currently chief deputy in the Hancock County office.
Stacy Nimmo, new director of the Western Illinois Regional Council, introduced herself to the board and shared information about what WIRC can do for the counties it serves. She began in March 2025.
The board approved a road use agreement with Zebrawood Solar, setting a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds. The addition of a $10,000 non-refundable fee and $1 million/mile bond to solar road use agreements was approved.
The board gave approval for State’s Attorney James to hire outside council for preparing road usage agreements, to have someone experienced in creating these documents. Amendments to the solar and wind application were approved.
Tom Dale was approved as the solar building permit inspector. He will receive $3,000 for each project and then $500 for each inspection for 5 years.
In other business, the board: