Peoria County Election Commission Observer Report

7/10/2018: The Election Commission held its monthly meeting on July 10, with Commissioner Reed absent. During the discussion of the payment of bills, it was noted that Peoria County had not yet filed for a tax exemption for the part of the Brandywine building that will be housing the Election Commission. Since the Commission will be using 55% of the building, that percentage of real estate taxes should not need to be paid. Those taxes that the Commission has already paid should be reimbursed. However, the County, which leases the building, has not yet filed the tax exemption.

A new polling place for precincts 54, 55, and 79 in Peoria has been found. It will move from the United Presbyterian Church on Northmoor to the Teamsters Union Hall on Allen Road. This location is next door to another polling place at the Woodland Baptist Church.
In his Report of the Executive Director, Tom Bride said he is preparing next year's budget for presentation to the Peoria County Board. There will be a new phone cost for the Brandywine location, but otherwise costs will be close to this year. Almost all of the drywall at that location is finished, as is the interior HVAC. The buildout seems to be on pace for the Commission to move at the beginning of September. They are looking at outdoor signage, and CityLink will provide a bench for the nearby bus stop. Staff has started looking at replacement software to be used after the November election. They will evaluate programs and make a recommendation to the Board. Lastly, Bride is still working on a downtown early voting location. Three possibilities include a city building (the current location), the library, or a downtown church. ICC North will not be used for early voting because of its proximity to the Brandywine location.
The July Board meeting was the last for Commissioner Camille Gibson. The August meeting will be the annual meeting when a new Commissioner will be seated.
​Irene Pritzker, Observer