McLean County Board amends PBC lease to fund jail expansion, health center

Posted on July 23, 2015

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Board has entered into a new lease with the Public Building Commission with the hope it ensures funding for projects like a new mental health facility at the county jail and a federally qualified health center.

County Administrator Bill Wasson said the plan will allow the county more financial flexibility when it comes to funding those projects.

“By putting all these facilities under one lease, we believe that we will be able to maintain the levels required for operation and maintenance of those facilities moving forward for 20-year term of the lease,” Wasson said.

Under the 20-year agreement, the maximum amount of debt the county may take in is $100 million. The maximum annual debt obligation would not exceed $14 million.

The changes were approved unanimously, although board member William Caisley was reluctant because he believes the state should be responsible for providing mental health care.

“The state is literally defaulting on its responsibility to take care of mentally-ill patients,” Caisley said.

Another special meeting is scheduled for July 30 to authorize the PBC to sell bonds.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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