East Central Reporter

DeWitt County, IL (ECWd) – DeWitt County has signed a contract for the sale of its county-owned marina with Clinton Marina and Campground for $1.62 million. Requests for a copy of their bid have not been provided, despite it being well below the highest bid of $2.5 million. The rationale behind ignoring $880,000 in potential income remains unclear.

There is an ongoing investigation by the State Police and involvement from the Attorney General’s office regarding marina operations, but no information has been released so far. The prior marina operator's lease was terminated by the county amid allegations of significant malfeasance. According to DeWitt County Answers to RFP questions, an audit remains incomplete, indicating major issues with oversight.

A particularly notable question and answer exchange in the RFP responses raised concerns:

Question: “Will there be an Interview/negotiation process?”

Answer: Yes

Typically, sealed bids are intended to secure the highest responsible bidder based on a prepared score sheet assessing key points considered by the government unit. An "interview/negotiation" process should not be part of this procedure.

The final vote to approve the contract occurred during a special meeting that did not comply with county code requirements due to lack of publication in a newspaper. When questioned about this failure, it became apparent that some laws were disregarded.

In response to inquiries about publication requirements for special meetings, State’s Attorney Dan Markwell stated:

“The DeWitt County Board voted to accept a proposal for the sale of the DeWitt County marina at its regularly scheduled meeting on March 21, 2024... As you accurately point out, the language of the statute you have attached requires notice ‘to be published in some newspaper printed in the county, if any there be.’ ... At said meeting [May 23], Chairman Matthews directed the county clerk to circulate a call note (in writing) stating the date, time and place of the special meeting... The May 23 board meeting was on a Thursday... The deadline had already passed to have notice printed in [the] May 24 edition... I believe the County Board met its obligations for notice under the statute as well as giving actual notice of [the] special meeting.”

Despite confirming that publication was required and admitting it did not occur, Markwell asserted that obligations were met through other means. This raises questions about compliance with legislative intent which clearly mandates newspaper publication if one exists within the county.

The bids received included:

- M&S Holdings: $1.6 million

- G&H Marine: $1.7 million

- JSJH Holdings: $2.5 million

- LAC Inc.: $1 million

- Lilly Capital: $1.8 million

- Sullivan Marina & Campground: $1.62 million (agreed with assessed value but not stated as offering price)

- Illinois Department of Natural Resources: $1.5 million