At its Nov. 26 meeting the LaSalle County Board approved the appointment of Abby Craft as the county’s chief county assessment officer, introduced an interim nursing‑home administrator and approved modest increases in nursing‑home room rates effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The appointment resolution for Abby Craft (to replace retiring Stephanie Kennedy) sets the term to begin Dec. 1, 2025; a salary line in the resolution referenced $115,801 as the starting salary with increases contingent upon assessment-level performance and statutory reimbursement. A motion to reduce the salary to “closer to $100,000” failed for lack of a second. The roll call recorded 19 ayes, 3 nays and 1 present; the appointment carried.

Chairman Jensen introduced the nursing home’s interim licensed administrator, who identified herself in the record as Alyanna Mejia and said she began in the role on Nov. 18 and has long‑term‑care experience across independent, assisted and nursing home settings. Board members deferred detailed operational questions to future meetings and noted that a bid for a permanent nursing‑home administrator is expected soon.

The board also approved a resolution adjusting LaSalle County Nursing Home daily room rates effective Jan. 1, 2026: private rooms to $252/day (from $242), semi‑private $240/day (from $230) and expanded semi‑private $248/day (from $238). During discussion members noted the nursing home cash balance (reported as $2,887,173 as of the meeting) and that the increase is intended to offset rising costs such as wages and supplies. Members compared rates to nearby facilities and said LaSalle’s rates remain below some regional competitors.

All voting action on these items was recorded in the meeting minutes; the appointment and rate adjustments were adopted by the board.