Sangamon County Board

The project has drawn strong support from economic development officials, who foresee more property tax revenue, and organized labor, which would benefit from construction jobs. But it’s also brought out residents worried about the impact on utility costs and the environment.

The issue was tabled at the last meeting.

The board members listened to several speakers who urged a delay to further explore the proposal and to wait for potential new rules that could be enacted at the state level.

The proposed 0.5% sales tax increase would fund the new board. The effort came about in the aftermath of Sonya Massey's murder.

The county board will receive presentations and comments at the hearing on Wednesday, December 3, at 5:30 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center, located at 1 Convention Center Plaza in Springfield.

The county's Mental Health Commission recommends the effort to coordinate and expand mental health and substance-use services.

The project still needs local approval.

The positions are on the Springfield City Council and Sangamon County Board.

Paula Crouch spent 24 years with SPD, retiring in 2023. Her nomination still needs county board approval.

Jim Allmon is the Sangamon County Coroner. He will serve in the sheriff's job after Jack Campbell resigns and until a new sheriff is named.