PIKE COUNTY, IL CLERK PULLS OFFICE FROM COMMITTEE MEETINGS

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — A new dispute is developing inside Pike County government after County Clerk Natalie Roseberry reportedly notified county officials that she and members of her staff will no longer attend county committee meetings.

RiverNewsLive has confirmed the communication through two separate sources familiar with the matter.

According to those sources, Roseberry sent an email indicating that neither she nor employees from the Pike County Clerk’s Office would participate in committee meetings going forward.

That decision could have significant implications because county committees are where much of the detailed discussion surrounding county finances, personnel, records and other government business takes place before matters reach the full Pike County Board.

The move also comes at a time when the Clerk’s Office is already facing questions over a contested unemployment claim totaling $10,314. County officials previously said a telephone hearing had been scheduled in that matter, but the county was later notified it had failed to participate and the claim was allowed.

Now, the decision to withdraw the Clerk’s Office from committee meetings is likely to create additional questions about communication and accountability within county government.

RiverNewsLive has not independently obtained the full email at this time, and it remains unclear what reason Roseberry gave for the decision, how long the policy will remain in effect, or whether county board members will take action in response.

The Pike County Clerk is an independently elected county official, but the office also plays a central role in county government operations and maintains numerous public records.

RiverNewsLive will continue working to obtain the email and reaction from county officials.