MCSD Merit Commission met today

The McHenry County Sheriff's Department Merit Commission met for 15 minutes this morning and flew through its agenda.

Thick packets of documents were passed out to all five members, along with Minutes of the last meeting and a list of bills to be authorized for payment. Minutes were approved and the bill payments were authorized without discussion.

In response to a question about whether the Merit Commission oversees or approves the selection of the next Undersheriff and whether there was an eligibility list for Undersheriff or any consideration of outside candidates, Commission Chair Janelle Crowley said the appointment is at the Sheriff's discretion. "Next question."

In response to a question about the Sergeants' and Lieutenants' eligibility lists which were on the February Agenda for act (the February meeting was canceled) and whether they had expired, the answer was that each list was good until April 8, 2010. At today's meeting the current eligibility lists were extended for one year.

Departing Undersheriff Gene Lowery attended today's meeting and was thanked for his 20 years of service. He was presented with two books and a congratulatory letter.