Monee Township approves $12,000 in community funding, fills planning commission vacancy

Monee Township trustees approved three social service agreements totaling $12,000 during their May 15 meeting, supporting local organizations and community programming.

The board unanimously approved $3,000 each for the Will County Center for Community Concerns and the Monee Women’s Club and Monee Historical Society to support the Mrs. Furst Tea Charity Event. Trustees also approved $6,000 for the University Park Public Library to support summer programs, though Trustee James W. Young abstained from that vote.

“These partnerships help us support important community services and events that benefit our residents,” said Supervisor Donna Dettbarn during the meeting at Monee Township Hall.

The funding agreements reflect the township’s commitment to supporting social services and community programming. The Will County Center for Community Concerns provides various assistance programs, while the Mrs. Furst Tea Charity Event is an annual fundraiser organized by local historical groups.

In other business, the board filled a vacancy on the Township Planning Commission by appointing Joe E. Lovelace to replace Les Battermen, who resigned from a term that was set to expire in April 2026. Lovelace will serve the remainder of the term.

The appointment came after unanimous approval from all five trustees present: Deborah Burgess, James W. Young, Terri L. Boles, Billy Morgan, and Dettbarn. Clerk Bobby Lathan also participated in the meeting.

Trustees also approved paying $26,614 for the township’s 2025-2026 TOIRMA (Township Officials of Illinois Risk Management Association) dues, which covers insurance for both road and bridge operations ($16,235) and general township functions ($10,379).

The meeting included reports from various township officials. Highway Commissioner David Deutsche reported working on bid preparations for upcoming road work in the township. Assessor Sandra Heard said she is preparing for the appeal process and has not yet selected someone to clean her office.

Supervisor Dettbarn’s report included General Assistance statistics showing 10 intakes and eight applications processed between April 11 and May 9, with $2,824.14 distributed in emergency assistance. No general assistance payments were made during the period, and 34 people used the township food pantry.

The supervisor also announced a senior drive-through lunch scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and noted correspondence from State Representative Anthony DeLuca regarding the township’s opposition to several state bills that would eliminate township functions.

Following the meeting’s adjournment at 8:10 p.m., Honorable Judge Jessica Colon-Sayre conducted a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials. The new four-year terms began May 19, 2025, for all positions except assessor and collector, whose terms start January 1, 2026.

Other attendees included Attorney Mario Carlasare, Administrator Willa Simmons, and several members of the public including family members of board members and township officials.