Knox County Board members on April 29 took another step in addressing ongoing facility and infrastructure challenges, approving a $1 million transfer for courthouse plumbing work along with a series of additional spending measures tied to county buildings and operations.

Courthouse project and emergency repairs

The board voted to move $1 million from public safety funds into the general fund for a newly created courthouse plumbing project department. County officials said the separate department will allow expenses to be tracked more clearly. Board Chairman Jared Hawkinson said the transfer also will give the county time to review additional funding options with the treasurer’s office as more bills come in.

Board members also approved invoice payments for emergency courthouse plumbing work after discussing air quality testing at the courthouse. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brian Friedrich said a St. Louis-area company was brought in on short notice after plumbing issues raised concerns, testing every room to ensure the building was safe. The payments were approved on a 10-2 vote, with one abstention.

A $3,308.38 invoice from Klingner & Associates for the courthouse electrical and plumbing replacement project was approved on an 11-1 vote, with one abstention.

Deputy honored; proclamations approved

The board also honored Deputy Nicholas Weist, with Hawkinson noting April 29 has been designated as Deputy Nicholas Weist Day. Weist, 34, of Viola, died April 29, 2022, in the line of duty.

Board members observed a moment of silence and approved proclamations recognizing National Police Week, May 10-16, and National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, May 3-9.

Committee to study courthouse future

Hawkinson announced he has formed a committee to consider the future of the Knox County Courthouse. The group includes Hawkinson and board members Pamela Davidson, Cheryl Nache, Erin Pugh, Rick Sandoval, Brian Friedrich and Joshua Kramer, along with Greg Bacon and David Erickson.

The committee will evaluate options for repairing and renovating the existing building or replacing it with a new or existing facility.

Insurance plan

In other action, board members approved the county’s health, life, dental and vision insurance package for 2026-27. Knox County Treasurer Robin Davis said employee health insurance costs will remain the same while the county moves to a self-insured plan.

Davis said the final cost of vision insurance is still under review. Employees will continue to receive a discount on health insurance premiums if they complete wellness checks.

Infrastructure and nursing home expenses

Board members approved several infrastructure-related expenses, including a $36,775.32 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency quarterly tonnage fee for the landfill. They also approved a $5,679.08 final payment tied to a jail laundry and medical project, which officials said was identified during an audit.

The board also approved a $743,884.55 pay request for the Knox County Nursing Home performance contract project. During discussion, board member Pamela Davidson questioned whether the county had received reports showing savings from the work. Hawkinson said a proper comparison would require a full year of post-project data.

The purchase of a 2027 Mack tandem truck chassis for the Highway Department at a cost of $155,065 was approved, with an overall budget impact of about $160,000. Officials said buying now could save the county $18,000 to $20,000 compared with future pricing.

For the Knox County Nursing Home, the board accepted a $29,072 bid for a Kubota tractor from German-Bliss Equipment. Board members also approved Critical Care Rx for nursing home pharmacy services after officials said the facility had sought bids and recommended the company.

Storage, dues and public comment

The board approved allowing the coroner to use space at the Mary Davis Home for storage. Knox County Coroner Jacque Dare said the office has about 35 boxes and needs a secure place to store them, with some board members noting the records may contain sensitive personal information.

Board members also approved $5,460 in membership dues to the Western Illinois Regional Council for the 2026-27 Economic Development Administration Economic Development District membership period.

During public comment, Davidson raised concerns about the timing of property tax bills and asked when they could return to a June and September schedule. Ken Springer of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development said the organization’s Washington, D.C., trip included $10 million in public infrastructure funding requests, split between congressional requests and federal grant applications. County resident Connie Main raised concerns about dogs at large, animal control enforcement and off-road vehicles on County Highway 4.

The next regular Knox County Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 27 at Galesburg City Hall.