The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Henderson County Board held its regular meeting Tuesday morning, November 24, at the Henderson County Courthouse in Oquawka.
Members present were, Richard Bigger Jr., Jon Corzatt, Patty Daniels, Brad Flatt, Kim Gullberg, Bill Knupp, Kurt McChesney, Deborah Pflasterer, and Janet Stubbs.
Will Pruett and Todd Miller were absent.
The board quickly and unanimously approved the minutes from the November 14 meeting, the Health Department claims and minutes, travel expenses for Sandra Kane, the monthly treasurer’s report, and routine claims.
Budget and Tax Levy Approved for FY2026
The board approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and tax levy. The general fund budget totals $3,145,128, supported by a tax levy of $2,387,782, an 8% increase over last year’s request and the first levy increase since 2022.
Knupp suggested creating separate line items for election expenses to improve tracking. Members agreed to explore the change for the next budget cycle.
Other financial actions included unanimous approval to end the West Law subscription and to transfer $11,496.53 to cover a negative balance in the Arrestee Medical Fund.
Health Care Plan Renewal Sees Significant Increase
Keith Krohe of Crossroads Insurance returned to present the annual renewal for the county’s employee health care plan. While the county increased its contribution by 5% last year, the only increase in eight years, current claims are running approximately $110,000 higher than the same period last year.
Projections for 2025 show a total cost of $628,687, though Krohe noted the five-year average suggests $594,773. Calling the current year “an anomaly,” he recommended funding of $613,950, an increase of roughly $115,000 over last year.
If claims return to the five-year average, the higher contribution would add about $20,000 to reserves that have been depleted over the past eight years.
Following brief discussion, the board unanimously approved the $613,950 funding level for the health care plan.
In a separate health-insurance matter, the board unanimously authorized Mutual Medical to represent Henderson County in a class-action lawsuit against pharmacy benefit managers accused of overcharging.
The arrangement costs the county nothing unless funds are recovered, in which case Mutual Medical would receive a percentage.
Ambulance Service and First Responder Updates
Corzatt reported that the county has decided against pursuing Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance service at this time. The Oquawka ambulance has been out of service for two months and has had some repairs and scheduled for reinspection, with hopes of returning to service in December.
Glenda Ehlen is trying to coordinate a first-responder training class for Henderson County. The Biggsville Fire Department and several others have expressed strong interest. Current classes are only available in Aledo and Kewanee.
Health Department Administrator Search Continues
The Henderson County Health Department is still seeking a replacement for departing administrator Carla Ewing. A potential shared-services agreement with McDonough County fell through, but an interview with a candidate is scheduled for December.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 a.m.
The next regular Henderson County Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Courthouse in Oquawka.