On the agenda: Carmi August 18, 2026 — data center (Aug 18)

Kayci Heil
White County Clerk & Recorder

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR WHITE COUNTY BOARD MEETING ON:
August 18, 2026
The White County Board convened at the White County Courthouse in the City of Carmi, State
of Illinois, on Tuesday the 18th of August, at 7:00 p.m. and was called to order by County Board
Chairperson Amanda Cannon.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
On Roll Call, the following Board members responded as being present, which represented a
quorum: David South, Clint Spencer, and Amanda Cannon with Ken Usery and Cassie Pigg
counted as absent.
MOTION was made by Mr. South, seconded by Mr. Spencer, to approve the minutes of the
White County Board meeting. Vote by acclamation. All voting aye, none nay. Motion carried
with Pigg and Usery counted as absent.

COUNTY OFFICER REPORTS
County Clerk: Clerk Heil told the Board that the required PVBM mailings went out and
encouraged people if they do not want to participate then to opt out and send it back in.
County Treasurer: Treasurer Baxley said that they have put their monthly financial reports online
for public viewing. It includes a monthly budget and cash balance report by fund. He also
informed the Board about the changes that were coming to tax sales with home equity.
Circuit Clerk: Not in attendance
Ambulance: Director Allen told the board that they were staying busy, and they still had their
raffle going on for their department.
State’s Attorney: Not in attendance
Sheriff: Sheriff Weiss told the Board about how they were privileged to escort him back home
and that he was very proud to see all the individuals of White County showed up.

Supervisor of Assessments: Not in attendance
Highway: Mr. Ray said that he had what was on the agenda. It was awarding a contract to
stabilization for a project that was requested grant money.
EMA: EMA Director Wurst told the Board about the various calls that he went out on since the
last meeting.
Coroner: Not in attendance
911: Not in attendance
Administrative Services: Mr. Harmon told the board that in September it will be a busy month
with department head budget meetings. Also, if you are a budget head and still have your packet
out to please turn that in.
Chairman Cannon asked if there was any public comment:
Richard Cook Jr. – Asked who was on the ethics commission in White County. Clerk Heil
informed him that they filed ordinance in 2004 but did not know if there was any type of
committee or commission.
Tiffiany James – Mrs. James asked Amanda if she had any contact with Ameren. She has been
working with them to get something worked out for more screening around her house.
Alan Saunders – Mr. Saunders asked the Board about the moratorium on the data center and
some insight on how they came to that conclusion. He stated that he was not for or against it, but
he was thankful that they did not do that back when oil and gas or coal started in the County. He
said as a landowner that he does not like the County Board limiting his property rights. He
thinks that the County Board should really educate themselves on data centers. Other
communities are going to take advantage of data centers and rush towards progression, and the
County will be left behind.
Diana Mason – Mrs. Mason told the Board that she has done a lot of research on data centers and
that it would not be good for the County’s health.

Consent Agenda
The consent agenda was read by Chairman Cannon.
1. Discussion and possible approval for the award of Section 26-00136-00-RS to Mt. Carmel
Stabilization for $233,917.42 to construct an A-2 surface on County Highway 10, west of
Crossville.

Chairman Cannon asked if any items needed to be removed from the consent agenda

MOTION was made by Mr. South, seconded by Mr. Spencer to approve the item on the consent
agenda. Vote by acclamation. All voting aye, none nay. Motion carried with Pigg and Usery
counted as absent.

OLD BUSINESS
A. Discussion and possible approval of plans to sell the Drone Building. (tabled item)
Mrs. Cannon told the Board that they had a building meeting and discussion was still ongoing.

No motion was made on this item causing the item to fail.

NEW BUSINESS
None

CLAIMS
MOTION was made by Mr. Spencer, seconded by Mr. South, to approve all bills. Vote by
acclamation. Vote by acclamation. All voting aye, none nay. Motion carried with Pigg and
Usery counted as absent.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Cannon asked the Board that there was a need for Executive Session for personnel.
MOTION was made by Mr. South, seconded by Mr. Spencer, to go into executive session. Vote
by acclamation. All voting aye, none nay. Motion carried with Pigg and Usery counted as
absent.
MOTION was made by Mr. South, seconded by Mr. Spencer, to come out of executive session.
Vote by acclamation. All voting aye, none nay. Motion carried with Pigg and Usery counted as
absent.

County Board Member Non-Action Items and Comments
.

Next meeting will be September 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the White County Courthouse.

MOTION was made by Mr. South, seconded by Mr. Usery, to adjourn. Vote by acclamation.
All voting aye, none nay. Motion carried with Spencer counted as absent.