This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes an update on a rate increase request for Peoples Gas, highlights news and updates from the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), shares what ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, provides current CD and Treasury Rates via ISACo corporate partner IPRIME, announces upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP and invites counties to join ISACo.

Peoples Gas General Rate Increase Request Update

On May 31, 2024, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) authorized a $1.6 million increase to Peoples Gas' revenue requirement to perform emergency work related to its natural gas delivery services in Illinois. The utility initially requested a $7.9 million increase in its rehearing filing and yesterday's authorized increase is an additive to the $302.8 million approved in the ICC's November 2023 rate case decision.

The press release is available via this link. 

Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) News and Updates 

May 2024 PPRT Statement

Effective July 2023, IDOR adjusted its tax processing system to more accurately estimate future reallocations of Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT) and Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) distributions as required by statute. The reallocation in fund distributions, which state statutes require, resulted in an increase in FY 2024 LGDF allocations and a reduction in FY 2024 PPRT allocations to taxing districts. The same will occur for the upcoming FY 2025.  This reallocation will result in a PPRT reduction for FY 2025 of $1.021 billion compared to the $818 million reduction that occurred in FY 2024.

Local Government Workshops

LTAD’s Annual Local Government Workshop will be held on June 12, 2024.

Rate Change Bulletins

Municipal and County Cannabis Retailers' Occupation Tax; Municipal Motor Fuel Tax; County Motor Fuel Tax; Sales Tax; Aviation Fuel Tax.

What We're Reading

Ban on ‘Captive Audience’ Meetings, AI Regulations Among 466 Bills to Pass this Session (Capitol News Illinois)

Could Better Data Collection Bring Down Opioid Overdose Deaths? (Governing)

The Latest Threat to DrinkingWater Systems? Cyberattacks, EPA Says (American City and County)

Adult Use Cannabis Sales Figures Released for April 2024 (Illinois.gov)

Current CD and Treasury Rates Provided by IPRIME

The following rates provided by ISACo corporate partner IPRIME are current as of June 3, 2024. Please click on the image below to review the rates. 

Upcoming NACo Webinars

NACo has announced the following upcoming webinar opportunities. ISACo is a proud partner with NACo and encourages counties to participate in NACo membership and activities.  

Robert's Rules 101: Mastering the Basics

(Thursday, June 6, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Robert’s Rules can help you run an efficient, effective meeting – who wouldn’t want that! This virtual workshop, a part of the County Leadership Curriculum, teaches the basics of Robert's Rules and how to apply them. Whether you're a newbie or an experienced leader, Robert's Rules 101 goes beyond the basics to equip you with the skills needed to orchestrate meetings that truly make an impact. Learn to minimize disruptions, establish proper procedures and apply Robert's Rules to real-life parliamentary examples.

Make sure to attend this Robert's Rules 101 course to ensure you're prepared for the second level course, “Roberts Rules 102,” being held at the NACo Annual Conference in Hillsborough, Florida. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your meeting management skills and to receive attendance marks for the County Leadership Curriculum.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Doing More with Less: Sustaining the County Government Workforce with Artificial Intelligence

(Thursday, June 6, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Today’s county government landscape is at a pivotal juncture, with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data technologies spearheading a revolutionary shift. A transformation is essential in an era where service delivery, technological advancements, and evolving workforce dynamics intersect. County governments face significant challenges, including a dwindling workforce due to retirements, competition for employees with the private sector, and a new generation seeking technologically savvy work environments. Amidst these challenges lies a critical question: How can county governments efficiently serve their communities with fewer resources while meeting the increasing expectations of today’s public?

In this webinar, attendees will learn how AI and modern technologies are not merely tools for keeping pace with change but are strategic imperatives for sustaining and empowering the county government workforce. By highlighting adoptions of AI, from accelerating document processing to reducing field inspection times, we will show the power of these technologies to enhance productivity and service delivery.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Q2 Tech Xchange Focus Group: How Is Your IT Department Structured?

(Friday, June 7, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm CST)

Counties come in all shapes and sizes. This is also true for their IT departments. Whether your IT is centralized, decentralized or a hybrid, join us for a lively discussion that will cover best practices in providing IT support for systems, networking, data, architecture, and user support. Topics to be covered will include staff augmentation, internal staffing, cloud utilization (security and continuity benefits), its impact on staffing requirements, CIO/IT Director reporting relationship, union/non-union, and work environment (on premise, hybrid, remote).

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Supplier Management Access 

(Monday, June 10-14, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Effective partner management is integral to the operational efficiency of government business, yet it poses inherent cybersecurity risks, especially concerning partner access to sensitive systems and data. This cyber attack simulation focuses on evaluating the vulnerabilities and potential threats associated with supplier access, aiming to enhance understanding and preparedness in mitigating such risks. The simulation leverages reality-based scenarios involving partner access to critical systems, data, and networks within an organizational context. It will encompass diverse situational conditions, including third-party vendor breaches, unauthorized access via partner credentials, and partner-initiated cyber threats. The simulation aims to foster a deeper comprehension of the complexities surrounding partner access risks and to facilitate the development and testing of robust strategies for mitigating these risks effectively.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

How To Put Out the Fire In Child care Provider Burnout

(Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

In the U.S., seven in ten child care centers are severely impacted by staff shortages, resulting in their inability to fully enroll children. Administrative and teaching burnout is increasingly driving professionals out of the field, causing economic strain as parents struggle to secure reliable care. Wonderschool, the leading child care company, maintained open doors for 97% of child care programs on its platform during the pandemic, compared to 40% nationwide. Today, Wonderschool is actively investing in innovative county and state solutions to reduce burnout and turnover while fostering new growth and opportunity. During this webinar, Wonderschool will share how it's "putting out the fire" and assisting high-quality child care centers in staying open and enrolling children, enabling parents to confidently return to work with peace of mind. The webinar will also explore how new initiatives like those led by Wonderschool ultimately contribute to economic development, educational opportunity, and community infrastructure.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Global Connections for Your Local Economy Series #5: Wrap Up Discussion and NACo Resources

(Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Ever wonder why multinational companies invest billions in some counties, but pass by others? Or what makes the difference between a successful business interaction which results in hundreds or thousands of new jobs, and one that falls flat? If you’re ready to take your county’s economic development to the next level, join the International Economic Development Task Force throughout this Spring for a special virtual training series on how to bring jobs and capital to your community through foreign investment. In this final virtual session, IED Task Force members and guests will have an opportunity to revisit the FDI attraction strategies discussed throughout the series and discuss their preparation for the SelectUSA Investment Summit in an open forum.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Protected Retirement Solutions for County Employees

(Thursday, June 13, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Employees are looking to employers for guaranteed income solutions. This workshop will focus on key strategies and solutions available to employees through 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans such as the Protected Retirement Solutions suite of investment produc

Employees face an uncertain future, with 79 percent of retirees saying that workers do not know enough about investing to ensure their savings last through retirement and 61 percent that preparing for retirement makes them stressed. Employees also typically find it challenging to calculate precisely how to spend down their retirement savings so that their nest egg lasts as long as they live. Therefore, employees are looking to employers for guaranteed income solutions--three-quarters would roll at least some defined contribution plan savings into a financial product that would guarantee income for life. This workshop will focus on key strategies and solutions available to employees through 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans such as the Protected Retirement Solutions suite of investment products.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Navigating the Future of Public Finance: 2024 Top 10 Economic Outlook Mid-Year Update

(Monday, June 17, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

As NACo reach the midpoint of 2024, this webinar will explore the key insights and significant developments that have unfolded in 2024. Explore critical factors such as interest rate movements, the evolving economic landscape, inflation trends, and shifts in the role of cash as an income-generating asset.

NYSAC Executive Director, Stephen Acquario, will join Joe Rulison, CEO of three+one, to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the economic forces shaping the remainder of the year.

Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and gain valuable insights into the economic trends that will continue to impact County governments in 2024. Register now to secure your spot!

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Supplier Management Access

(Monday, June 17-21, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Effective partner management is integral to the operational efficiency of government business, yet it poses inherent cybersecurity risks, especially concerning partner access to sensitive systems and data. This cyber attack simulation focuses on evaluating the vulnerabilities and potential threats associated with supplier access, aiming to enhance understanding and preparedness in mitigating such risks. The simulation leverages reality-based scenarios involving partner access to critical systems, data, and networks within an organizational context. It will encompass diverse situational conditions, including third-party vendor breaches, unauthorized access via partner credentials, and partner-initiated cyber threats. The simulation aims to foster a deeper comprehension of the complexities surrounding partner access risks and to facilitate the development and testing of robust strategies for mitigating these risks effectively.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

What to Know Before You Go to NACo’s Annual Conference

(Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

Join NACo staff to learn ways to maximize your NACo Annual Conference experience and to answer your questions.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.