SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – At a budget hearing on Tuesday, Sangamon County Administrator Brian McFadden reaffirmed the county’s commitment to finance the recommendations of the Massey Commission, the body created after the tragic death of Sonya Massey. McFadden cautioned that the commission’s assumption that the county could implement every one of the 26 calls to action was unrealistic.
County acknowledges limits on implementation
“I do think there was a faulty assumption on the part of the Massey Commission that the county could just make all these calls to action happen,” McFadden said. “Each of the 26, if you read them, are very thorough, very deep. But a lot of them were put in the hands of the county to implement. The county cannot tell the hospitals what to do. The county cannot tell the City of Springfield what to do. The county cannot tell rural fire departments what to do. We can’t tell schools what to do.”
McFadden explained that the County Board Chair, Andy Van Meter, and State Senator Doris Turner met in August to assign each recommendation to the appropriate agency, nonprofit or community group for further work. “The follow‑up efforts are going to begin here later this month,” he added. “We’ll reach out to those groups to see where they’re at. These all fall in a variety of different things…there are some things that, clearly, the county leads on and involve the county. A lot of those involve the Sheriff’s office.”
Sheriff’s office sees early progress
According to McFadden, several items that fall under the sheriff’s jurisdiction have already been completed, including updates to training policies and related procedural matters. Other recommendations will require state legislation or additional funding streams beyond the county’s current budget.
“Some of the calls to action may require state legislation, or various forms of funding,” McFadden said. “We are prepared to work with state partners and seek grant opportunities where appropriate.”
Budget outlook for the next fiscal year
The discussion took place as Sangamon County finalizes its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. While the overall budget is lower than the previous year, the property tax levy rate has also been reduced, a point noted in recent local coverage. McFadden’s remarks suggest that the county will prioritize funding for recommendations that are within its direct authority, such as public‑safety initiatives, while seeking collaborative solutions for broader reforms.
Community leaders and advocacy groups have expressed both support and concern. Some applaud the focus on actionable items, while others worry that the most ambitious reforms—particularly those addressing systemic issues in health care, education and fire services—may stall without additional state support.
Next steps
McFadden indicated that the county will convene with the assigned groups later this month to assess progress and identify any obstacles. He emphasized that transparency and ongoing communication will be key to ensuring that the Massey Commission’s work translates into tangible improvements for Springfield residents.
“We remain committed to the spirit of the commission’s recommendations,” McFadden concluded. “Our goal is to make meaningful change where we have the authority to do so, and to partner with state and local stakeholders on the rest.”
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
