The Knox County Board approved an increase to the county’s video gaming license fee and authorized the release of remaining federal pandemic relief funds for a local housing project during its regular meeting Dec. 22.
Board members voted unanimously to raise the county’s video gaming license fee from $25 to $200 per machine in unincorporated areas of Knox County. The change aligns with revenue assumptions already adopted in the county’s 2026 budget and remains below the $250 cap allowed for non-home rule units under Illinois law.
Board Chairman Jared Hawkinson said the county licenses 33 video gaming machines, generating $825 annually under the previous rate. The new fee is expected to produce about $6,600 per year. He compared the fee with the $300 charged by Galesburg and $250 charged by Knoxville.
Hawkinson said the machines generated more than $82,000 in revenue for Knox County in the most recent fiscal year.
The board also approved the release of $35,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds to Habitat for Humanity of Knox County. The funding completes a previously approved $100,000 allocation to support construction of Habitat Home Build No. 56 at 1326 Conger St. in Galesburg. Habitat officials said the project is on track for completion in early 2026.
In other business, the board adopted a proclamation honoring Abigail “Abby” Small, a Knox County 911 dispatcher who died Dec. 14 following a lengthy illness. The proclamation recognized Small’s dedication to public safety and extended condolences to her family and colleagues.
A recommendation to approve a bid for moving services to relocate county offices to 50 E. Main St. was tabled to allow for a formal bidding process.
The board approved the appointments of Doug Gibb to the Orpheum Theater board and Marissa Meyer to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The next regular meeting of the Knox County Board is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2026, at Galesburg City Hall.
