Conservation names new director

It didn’t take long, or far, for Union County Conservation to find their next director.

Conservation board member Tom Lesan informed the Union County Board of Supervisors Monday the board will promote Mike Hilger to the position. He will replace Doug Jones who announced his retirement last month.

“I wanted you to hear from us,” Lesan said, representing the board. Supervisors approved of Hilger.

Union County Conservation is scheduled to meet 5 p.m. Tuesday to formally appoint Hilger. Hilger was first involved in Union County Conservation in summer 2001 as a seasonal employee. Hilger became full time with the department in July 2008.

Lesan said a reception honoring Jones will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 at Three Mile Lake Lodge. The lodge has been repaired from damage sustained in the storms last April. Light refreshments will be served.

In other supervisor news...

County attorney Shane O’Toole told the supervisors his proposed fiscal year 2026 budget includes improving and increasing all of its office technology. O’Toole said the emphasis will be to have back-up systems for files and programs and the ability for staff to work from home when needed.

O’Toole is looking for a a victim-witness coordinator. The position provides assistance, guidance and resources to victims and witnesses involved in criminal cases. The coordinator strives victims and witnesses are treated with dignity while providing the necessary assistance to navigate during the legal process.

The position also monitors court proceedings, referrals to local support services, legal protection of victims and witnesses from the accused, and assistance in assessing and requesting restitution. They can also provide information on the conviction, sentencing, incarceration and release of offenders for victims and witnesses.

“I prefer someone with experience,” he said, calling the work “intimate” between the position and victims and witnesses.

O’Toole is also interested in increasing the pursuit of collections for those charged with jail fees, restitution and other criminal-related fees to increase county revenue and pay for related expenses.

“It is hard,” he said about the job.

He said Warren County contracts with other counties to collect the fees. He said Warren County has had success.

O’Toole said he also wants a 10% pay increase for his assistant Teri Siddens. She has been in the county attorney’s office for 26 years. O’Toole said Siddens is very productive with her work and experience. O’Toole told the county compensation board last month he is not interested in a raise but would rather give a raise to Siddens. Although the compensation suggested a raise to O’Toole, how much Siddens is paid is a department budget issue as staff members receive a percentage of the department head’s pay.

Supervisors did not take any action. Supervisors are researching the fiscal year 2026 budget which begins July 1.