Elizabeth Johnston

The county will take proposals that award a maximum of $50,000 to each fire protection district.

Raymond Lai, the commission's executive director, presented the McLean County Board with problems identified so far. Lai hopes there's much more feedback to come before recommendations on improving the roadway are assembled next year.

The McLean County Board approved a $3.2 million contract to renovate the 50-year-old nursing home, and address alternative energy projects and other matters.

Democrats formally took majority control over the McLean County Board for the first time Monday, with new members being sworn in and new leadership chosen following November's election.

Trevor Sierra, who until recently was the lead civil attorney in the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office, alleges County Administrator Cassy Taylor used her role to fundraise on behalf of a ballot initiative to eliminate the county’s elected auditor position.

The McLean County Board will change to a Democratic majority next month. That hasn’t happened before. Democrats and Republicans are forecasting nuanced changes in how the railroad runs.

The McLean County Board saw opposition from Republican members to both the proposed budget and the property tax levy.

Elizabeth Johnston joined the McLean County Board in 2018, and has focused on increasing access and communication to the public, and improving cost and energy efficiencies throughout the county. Her opponent, Chad Berck, has been involved in town council and school board meetings, and is running to give voters an option.

The county board rejected the proposal as inappropriate for the rules of the area. Separately, the board also approved a pay rise for public health nurses and zoning for Rivian's expansion plan.

Previously, the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council [BHCC] — an ad hoc committee composed largely of mental health experts in the area — made spending proposals. The McLean County Board's Executive Committee approved an ordinance Monday to make the group an independent body, stripping members of that authority.