Douglas Co. (ECWd) –
The investigation into the Highway Commissioner in Murdock Township holding office while being a resident in another county appears to be completed.
For those who have not followed this matter, the Murdock Township Highway Commissioner submitted a bogus address on his voter registration, indicating he resides at 103 West. Main Street, Murdock, IL. The State’s Attorney, as FOIA officer for Douglas County, confirmed there is no such property parcel for that address. (article here)
We confirmed directly with William Deckard, the Murdock Township Highway Commissioner, that he actually resides in Coles County, where he receives his homestead exemption on the property he lives on. Only after explaining to him that he can’t hold an elected office in one county while living in another did he change his position on residency. (article here)
The last update we received regarding any potential charging decision was October 31, 2025. The State’s attorney informed us of the following.
“Charges have not yet been filed regarding that investigation. It has taken time to evaluate the full facts and circumstances, and a decision is still expected soon.” (article here) (emphasis added)
While the definition of “soon” is subjective, we still don’t have any idea what time frame we are looking at in this matter, all while the person in question continues to collect a taxpayer-funded paycheck for holding an office he is not allowed to hold based on his residency.
December 29, 2025, I followed up with the Douglas County State’s Attorney and was told the following:
“As an updated ETA, a charging decision is now expected shortly after the first of the year.” (emphasis added)
We believe shortly after the first of the year is for the year 2026.
We note that Deckard receives $40,000.00 a year with a 3% raise each year after March 2025 for the four years of the term of office. It would appear that, if prosecuted, restitution could be sought for funds paid that should never have been paid.
We will update when we hear back from the State’s Attorney.
