Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Monday night, the Sangamon County Board took a step toward potential cost-saving changes by approving a resolution to let voters decide the future of the county recorder’s office.

The move follows Recorder Frank Lesko’s campaign pledge to eliminate the office and merge its duties into the county clerk’s office, a promise summarized by his slogan: “Hire me… So you can fire me.” Lesko argued the consolidation would save taxpayer dollars, and now voters will have their say in April.

A deadline to close the office by December 2026 was also approved, contingent on voter approval. The target closure date is about halfway through Lesko’s term.

Consulting proposal rejected

After a round robin of amendments, not everything passed smoothly. The board opted not to bring on MGT Consulting for a cost analysis of the merger of the recorder’s duties into the county clerk’s office. Board member Tony DelGiorno strongly opposed approving a consultant at this point.

“Let’s take the pulse of the voters who just voted for the candidate that campaigned on eliminating the office. Then, if we need to study it further, we can explore that,” DelGiorno said. He added there are plenty of other models for consolidating the two offices around the state without paying a consultant.

Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray expressed caution about rushing the process, emphasizing the importance of a well-executed transition. “Recording still needs to be accomplished. It’s being merged, because the function is critically important to the foundation of our land records and transaction of property. Taking time to analyze it properly ensures it’s truly seamless,” Gray said.

Sheriff recall referendum fails

The board also debated whether to pursue a referendum asking voters if they should have the power to recall the sheriff.

This proposal stemmed from public outcry following the shooting of Sonya Massey by deputy Sean Grayson. Former Sheriff Jack Campbell initially refused to resign but eventually retired.

Calvin Christian, a member of the Sonya Massey Commission, urged the board to act, saying the commission unanimously voted to support the recall measure. “Leadership in this county must be held to a higher standard. The people of Sangamon County deserve a voice when public trust is broken,” Christian said.

Former NAACP President Teresa Haley, alongside Sonya Massey’s mother, Donna, also spoke in favor of the measure. “This is about people. This is about Springfield, the home of Abraham Lincoln,” Haley said in urging the board to approve the recall referendum for the April ballot.

Despite these calls to act, the resolution failed. Board Chair Andy Van Meter cited concerns about legal challenges, suggesting a court might later determine the county lacks the authority for such a referendum.

A separate resolution to seek an opinion from the Illinois Attorney General on the legality of a recall referendum also failed.