Monee Township Board Authorizes $300,000 Loan for Food Pantry Construction

Monee Township Board Meeting | July 2025

Article Summary: The Monee Township Board approved a measure allowing the Supervisor to secure a loan of up to $300,000 to complete the construction of the township food pantry. The decision comes as officials announced a $100,000 state grant and estimated the total cost of the project’s second phase at nearly $630,000.

Monee Township Pantry Expansion Key Points:

• Loan Authorization: The Board voted 5-0 to authorize Supervisor Donna Dettbarn to acquire a loan not to exceed $300,000 for pantry construction.

• State Funding: Officials announced a $100,000 grant for the pantry sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce has been allocated in the state budget.

• Project Costs: The design for Phase 2 of the pantry is in process, with costs estimated at $629,800.

• Timeline: Bids for the construction project are expected to go out in August.

The Monee Township Board on Thursday, July 17, 2025, advanced its plans for a significant expansion of the township food pantry, authorizing new financing mechanisms and revealing substantial state support for the project.

During the discussion on Old Business, the Board addressed the ongoing building renovations. Officials announced that a $100,000 state grant for the pantry, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce, has been allocated in the state budget.

Despite this grant, the estimated cost for Phase 2 of the pantry design is projected to be $629,800. To bridge the funding gap, Trustee Billy Morgan made a motion to authorize Supervisor Donna Dettbarn to acquire a loan in an amount not to exceed $300,000 to complete the construction. The motion was seconded by Trustee Terri L. Boles.

The measure passed with a unanimous roll call vote from Trustees Deborah Burgess, James W. Young, Terri L. Boles, Billy Morgan, and Supervisor Dettbarn.

According to the minutes, the bid process for the construction is scheduled to take place this August.

In related pantry business, Township Attorney Mario P. Carlasare confirmed the governance structure for the new “Monee Township Charity Fund (Pantry) Board.” Supervisor Dettbarn, Trustee Burgess, and Trustee Boles will serve as members of this new entity. The board was established to facilitate a partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to provide food, products, and gift cards to food-insecure residents.