East Central Reporter

The Shelby County Vice Chairman, Mark Bennett, has resigned from the county board. In his resignation email, Bennett expressed frustration with the lack of adherence to procedures and policies revealed by audits over the past four years. He stated, "For which in the last four years the audits have disclosed procedures and policies with which need to be followed and an unwillingness by many of those employed by Shelby County, as well as the public, to accept these changes. The Constitution comes first and foremost."

Bennett's departure leaves Shelby County without both a chairman and vice chairman. Currently, there is no announcement for a special meeting to elect new leaders. A Budget Committee meeting notice has been published online.

During a recent meeting, Tad Mayhall suggested that if a new budget is not adopted, they could continue using old budget numbers based on information allegedly provided by the Clerk. This suggestion was criticized as misinformation.

Gene Price, a candidate for County Board member, commented on social media about extending the current budget without negotiations with departments: "Call a special board meeting and with the neglect of doing any negotiation with any of the departments I think they could extend current budget and get next one in place quickly without much trouble." However, Price's claim about mandatory training for board members in Christian County was disputed due to lack of records.

In counties with populations under 100,000, remaining balances are available only until 30 days after the fiscal year ends for obligations incurred before its close. They cannot incur new liabilities or expenditures without an approved budget starting December 1, 2024.

The law states: "(55 ILCS 5/6-1005) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-1005) Sec. 6-1005... neither the county board nor anyone on its behalf shall have power... to make any contract or do any act which adds to the county expenditures or liabilities in any year anything above the amount provided for in the annual budget..."

Violations can result in Class B misdemeanors: "(55 ILCS 5/6-1008) (from Ch. 34, par. 6-1008) Sec. 6-1008..."

A proposed budget must be publicly available at least fifteen days before final adoption: "Such budget shall be prepared by some person or persons designated by the county board..."

Contrary to another false claim circulating locally—"Any board member can call for a special meeting..."—the law requires that special meetings be requested by at least one-third of board members or by the chairman: "(55 ILCS 5/2-1002) (from Ch. 34, par. 2-1002) Sec. 2-1002..."

Despite ongoing challenges and misinformation within Shelby County's leadership transition process, clarity remains vital through adherence to legal statutes.