Full Board 7-23-2026

The LaSalle County Board held a meeting on July 23, 2026, primarily focused on discussions regarding emergency dispatch services and related funding. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the proposal for the city of Modota to transition its dispatch services from the Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch (IVRD) to the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office, with a proposed cost of approximately $125,000. Board members and stakeholders debated the financial implications, cost-sharing fairness, and the use of 911 search charge funds, which currently hold a balance of over $4 million. Concerns were raised about the allocation formula for these funds, the transparency of expenditures, and the potential impact on other municipalities and taxpayers. The board also discussed the need for consolidation of dispatch services to improve efficiency and reduce costs, though it was noted that any consolidation decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (JETSB). A resolution to oppose changes to the current per capita allocation of search charge funds was tabled indefinitely pending further study. Additionally, the board briefly discussed the establishment of cooling centers for extreme weather events. No final votes were taken on the Modota dispatch proposal during this meeting, but it was indicated that any intergovernmental agreement would require board approval in the future.