Madison County Board appoints Adam Walden as county engineer amid dissent over process and cost
March 01, 2026 | Madison County, Illinois
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Madison County Board appointed Adam Walden as county engineer on Feb. 17, voting 20–7 to make the appointment effective Feb. 18, 2021 and set the salary at $129,400.
Opponents voiced objections during debate, arguing the board had overlooked more experienced candidates and that the timing and cost were inappropriate while taxpayers face budget strain. "I have no problems with Mr. Walden’s resume, I just object to jumping over someone with 35 years of experience and I just don’t think this is what we are as county so I will have to vote no for this," said Jack Minner.
Board member Matt King questioned the timing and the cost of the hire, saying, "If we have a chance to save a little money right now, I think we should do that... I just don’t think we should get in a hurry on this." Chairman Kurt Prenzler responded that the $129,400 figure was drawn from an IDOT-recommended salary schedule and noted it is lower than the outgoing County Engineer's pay: "Actually, the outgoing County Engineer, Mark Gvillo, was making $141,000 and so to meet your concerns... that is a reduction."
Supporters framed the appointment as a long-term staffing decision. "This can be our licensed P.E. at Madison County Highway Department for years to come," said Mick Madison.
The county clerk was directed to transmit certified copies of the appointment resolution to the Illinois Department of Transportation as required. The resolution text fixes the salary, specifies the six-year appointment, and notes the effective date of Feb. 18, 2021.
Action: Resolution appointing Adam Walden as Madison County Engineer, term six years, salary $129,400; passed 20–7.
Opponents voiced objections during debate, arguing the board had overlooked more experienced candidates and that the timing and cost were inappropriate while taxpayers face budget strain. "I have no problems with Mr. Walden’s resume, I just object to jumping over someone with 35 years of experience and I just don’t think this is what we are as county so I will have to vote no for this," said Jack Minner.
Board member Matt King questioned the timing and the cost of the hire, saying, "If we have a chance to save a little money right now, I think we should do that... I just don’t think we should get in a hurry on this." Chairman Kurt Prenzler responded that the $129,400 figure was drawn from an IDOT-recommended salary schedule and noted it is lower than the outgoing County Engineer's pay: "Actually, the outgoing County Engineer, Mark Gvillo, was making $141,000 and so to meet your concerns... that is a reduction."
Supporters framed the appointment as a long-term staffing decision. "This can be our licensed P.E. at Madison County Highway Department for years to come," said Mick Madison.
The county clerk was directed to transmit certified copies of the appointment resolution to the Illinois Department of Transportation as required. The resolution text fixes the salary, specifies the six-year appointment, and notes the effective date of Feb. 18, 2021.
Action: Resolution appointing Adam Walden as Madison County Engineer, term six years, salary $129,400; passed 20–7.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
