Sara BETH Lipe

SARA BETH LIPE for SUPERVISOR

As the first female Supervisor of Makanda Township, I have consistently broken barriers while prioritizing the community’s needs through efficient governance, innovative problem-solving, and a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility for 22 years.

A key responsibility of a Township Supervisor is to act as the treasurer of all Township and Road District funds. I bring over 20 years of financial and tax preparation experience from my professional career including at a global consulting firm, which allows me to prepare the Township’s monthly and annual financial reports, eliminating the need for an accountant and reducing costs for taxpayers.

As Township Supervisor, I serve as the Township Treasurer, overseeing all financial responsibilities, including receipts, payments, investments, bookkeeping, account reconciliation, and audit preparation. I was the first Supervisor to transition township records to electronic spreadsheets, a move that enhanced the efficiency of bookkeeping and streamlined report generation while also reducing costs for taxpayers. I ensure transparency by making invoices, bank statements, and fund balances available at every monthly meeting. Annual audits are completed with excellent reviews. Additionally, my recommendation to the Jackson County Treasurer to implement direct deposit in 2022, after advocating for this practice for over 10 years, has accelerated property tax revenue processing, ensuring timely access to funds for Township operations.  

To further reduce costs, I conduct Township bookkeeping duties from my home office and coordinate meetings at one of the two fire stations, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars by avoiding the purchase of equipment, furniture and office space rent or seek approval from residents for a building purchase. This approach preserves Township funds for other priorities while maintaining property tax revenue for local schools and roads, as the Township is exempt from paying property tax. I introduced the idea to save funds for fire apparatus, advising the Township Board to plan ahead in anticipation of diminishing grant funds. As a result, the Township earned nearly $35,000 in interest from 2009 to 2021, putting the Township in a strong position to purchase a new fire engine without incurring debt or having to wait for a government-body to award the Township a grant. This strategy ensures that the Township remains financially responsible, avoids interest payments and has the apparatus needed to respond to your emergencies.

As Township Supervisor, I oversee all aspects of the General Assistance and Emergency Assistance programs, ensuring residents in need receive support through a streamlined and efficient process. Recognizing that not all applicants qualify for the state-mandated General Assistance program, I established the Emergency Assistance program to help those who do not qualify for General Assistance. 

I am committed to upholding transparency and accountability in government operations. As one of the Township’s FOIA officers, I often serve as the point of contact for residents’ inquiries and work diligently to address requests in an efficient manner. I ensure all records and meeting schedules are available online, keeping residents informed and engaged. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, I proposed the use of Zoom for Township meetings, which has continued post-pandemic to increase accessibility for those unable to attend in person. I post the annual Supervisor's Statement of Financial Affairs along with the Zoom information for each meeting on the township website keeping residents informed and engaged.

I also collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to implement a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to enhance safety and minimize the risk of wildfires. While the likelihood of wildfires in our area is lower than out west, my objective remains to reduce risks to life and property by ensuring that our fire department has the necessary tools, training, and equipment to address potential emergencies. I have been an active member of the Makanda Township Fire Department for 16 years. 

As a fourth-generation orchard owner in Makanda Township, I lead daily operations and educate others about farm management, including principles of stewardship, conservation, and economics. I view Township government much like local food: both offer the opportunity for community members to know and interact with those who serve them. Makanda Township, established in 1884, has been entrusted to me as the latest steward, and I am proud to continue this service

With my years of experience, I have thorough knowledge of the Township Supervisor's duties and responsibilities. If re-elected, I will continue to focus on fiscal responsibility, innovative leadership, and uphold the values of service, safety, and transparency for our community.