Adams County Board discusses $1 million set aside for housing

QUINCY — GREDF President Kyle Moore addressed the Adams County Board Wednesday night to push for the need of improved housing in Quincy and Adams County.

GREDF has been commissioned by the County and the City of Quincy to put together a housing study that is being funded primarily by the State of Illinois. Moore said the study is underway, but he said the need for housing is evident by doing just a bit of research.

Moore said finding workers remains the highest priority for local businesses and Indeed.com has about 700 jobs listed in Quincy and Adams County that pay at least $15 an hour. But he said there are only 125 homes listed for sale according to Realtor.com and apartment vacancy is minimal. Moore added that projections call for Quincy and Adams County to need nearly 1,600 new housing units within 10 years.

Moore spoke at the beginning of the meeting and after he departed, the Board began discussing the issue as Finance Committee Chairman Bret Austin discussed what the County will do with its remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Austin pushed for setting aside $1 million in ARPA funds for housing needs and that was passed by the previous Board.

Steve McQueen (R-District 4), was elected in November and not part of the Board that approved the funding. McQueen and several board members wanted some details on how that housing money will be spent.

Austin said the money could be used for future state matching grants and if the County has it available, it shows the state they can commit to future programs. Austin added when the housing study is complete, it will give them a better idea of how to help alleviate the housing issue.

But as other expenses arise, Austin suggested pulling back some ARPA funding for projects they had already approved and are underway, such as new restrooms in villages throughout Adams County.

No action was taken on the remaining ARPA dollars.

In other action, the County Board:

• Hired Cisco Fuller as the new county administrator/director of human resources. Fuller previously worked at the Quincy Family YMCA. Board Chairman Kent Snider said they received 35 applicants and interviewed six finalists. His salary is $65,000.
• Approved a five-year lease for new radio’s for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office that will cost $116,000 annually.
• Approved a five-year lease for body and car cameras for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office that will cost $162,000 overall and annual payment amounts will vary, with the first payment being $35,000.
• Approved an additional $204,500 to upgrade the security cameras in the Adams County Jail and other county properties. State law required the county to have more storage for the digital videos than was in the original set-up. That brings the total cost of the system to more than $900,000.