Finance committee approves vendor payment prioritization for nursing center, accepts settlement offers

Stephenson County staff presented the committee an updated spreadsheet prioritizing payments to outstanding nursing‑center vendors and sought approval to proceed while preserving a cash cushion for a potential civil money penalty and employee payouts.

Unidentified Speaker 4 (administrator) told the committee she received a settlement offer from Box Tire for $15,002.88 and that several vendors were making settlement offers; the treasurer provided a rough available balance estimate of about $4,849,000, which staff said needs verification.

Unidentified Speaker 3 moved to approve the updated payment prioritization spreadsheet and Unidentified Speaker 2 seconded; the chair called for a voice vote and the transcript records the motion as carried.

The committee also considered a formal settlement agreement labeled in the transcript as 'Keys Incorporation.' Unidentified Speaker 4 explained the agreement requires board approval; the motion to approve that settlement was made, seconded and carried by voice vote according to the transcript.

The agenda also included mention of other settlement items and employee payouts that may affect available funds; staff said they will continue to negotiate settlements and return any items requiring additional board approval.

No roll call vote or named vote tallies were recorded in the transcript; outcomes are reported as voice motions carried.