McLean County government is looking at a budget increase of about 25% next year as the county uses federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, and additional revenue from retail and cannabis sales and other sources to fuel more pandemic relief and a major boost in highway work.
WGLT McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael on Thursday administered the oath to Jim Rogal as he was sworn in to serve on the county board.
The McLean County Board on Thursday approved construction of a $350 million wind farm project in the southeastern corner of the county, becoming the county’s fifth wind farm.
The board also named labor union leader Jim Rogal to fill a board vacancy in District 4, and approved a contract for interim county administrator Cassy Taylor.
Sapphire Sky Wind Energy LLC won approval to build up to 64 wind turbines of up to 590 feet tall across more than 14,000 acres in Bellflower and West townships. The wind farm would generate 250 megawatts of power and plans to provide power to about 80,000 homes annually.
Labor leader sworn in as newest McLean County board member
Unmute
BLOOMINGTON (HOI) - A labor leader is the newest member of the McLean County Board.
The board Thursday night approved Chairman John McIntyre s appointment of Jim Rogal to represent District 4, covering west and northwest Normal.
Rogal replaces Logan Smith, who resigned in June to accept a job out of state. Smith is a Democrat, so his replacement had to come from the same party. Republicans continue to hold an 11-9 majority on the county board.
Rogal will serve the rest of Smith s term, which expires in December 2022.
Rogal works for Laborers International Union of North America, and is vice president of the Normal Public Library Board. He previously worked at legislative liaison for the Illinois Department of Corrections, and was special assistant to the chief of state for the Illinois Senate President.
WGLT Jim Rogal, right, speaks with McLean County Board Chair John McIntyre and Sally Pyne following Monday s McLean County Board Executive Committee meeting.
A McLean County Board candidate withdrew her candidacy for a vacant seat Monday, paving the way for the only other applicant to fill the post.
Democrat Sally Pyne said a county GOP official asked her to apply for the vacant seat in District 4 that covers parts of west and northwest Normal. Pyne and Jim Rogal were the only candidates who filed to serve the remaining 17 months of Logan Smith’s term. Smith announced last month he was taking a job out of state.