OREGON — At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Ogle County Board unanimously passed a resolution of appreciation for service for Ogle County Animal Control Administrator Dr. Thomas Champley, who is retiring. Champley has served the county as animal control administrator for 28 years after being hired in 1996.

"Tom served as a steadfast administrator committed to promoting and preserving the love and care of animals and the regional values of our county," Board Chairman John Finfrock (R-District 7, Mt. Morris) said. "Tom personally fostered and championed significant county improvements in the animal control offices and his impressive persona reflects his effectiveness with staff and positive impacts on citizens of the county. This is demonstrated through his personal outreach and exceptional treatment of both people and animals. Your vision and community commitment will provide a lasting legacy.”

Champley thanked his staff members from over the years and the county board.

"I appreciate the support I've had over the years," Champley said. "I've enjoyed doing this job. I appreciate my staff and all they do and how they take care of me.”

OCHD

The board unanimously approved public health and sanitation county code changes that Board Member Dean Fox (R-District 7, Germany Valley) said will help the Ogle County Health Department deal with issues inside villages and municipalities.

"Right now, the health department deals with everything outside the incorporated parts of the county," Fox said. "From time to time, they're asked to help with things in incorporated parts of the county. This just sets forth a fee schedule to help with those things if needed so we have that on paper."

BEST

A presentation was made at the meeting by Business Employment Skills Team (BEST) Executive Director Carrie Folken. BEST serves Ogle County residents and administers the federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act. September is National Workforce Development Month.

BEST services other 7 counties besides Ogle County. Folken said her organization offers a menu of services and helps individuals on a case-by-case basis to better themselves and to become self-sufficient.

Folken talked about success stories of Ogle County residents that have been helped by BEST.

"Edward came into the BEST program looking for assistance with truck driver training," Folken said. "He was determined eligible for services and BEST was able to help with tuition and fees along with mileage to travel back and forth to school. Edward obtained his CDL and is working and receiving a nice wage that helps him be self-sufficient. Another is Brittany, who came into our program after completing prerequisites for nursing school. She was only able to attend school on a part-time basis because she had to work to pay for school. Once BEST was able to help, she could go to school full-time and complete school faster. She is now working full-time at CGH in Sterling making over $32 an hour. She told us she loves her job and is thankful to us."

Solar

The board voted 21-2 to approve a special use permit for Yellow Rock Solar for the construction and operation of a 4.99-megawatt community solar facility project on 46.46 acres in the 2,000 block of South Daysville Road.

Board Member Dan Janes (R-District 5, Stillman Valley) said the solar project proposal was previously rejected before the site was changed and brought back. The original proposal was rejected to protect prime soil and farmland.

ARPA

The board unanimously approved $428,733 in ARPA funding requests including $250,000 being moved to the county general fund, $110,773 for the human resources department to cover expenses for 2025, $40,000 for its ADP payroll payment, and $28,000 to pay back to its IT department for money it borrowed from that fund.

The board also unanimously approved the use of $8,428.93 in ARPA funds and $62,503.97 in opioid grant money to purchase internal components for trucks for the Ogle County Sheriff's Office from Karl Chevrolet.