There will be no recreational pot sales in unincorporated areas of White County after January 1st. That, after the White County Board officially and unanimously passed a resolution banning it at Tuesday night’s regular meeting. However, not wanting to miss out on the opportunity to gain taxes, the resolution reads that the county board will benefit from a 3% maximum tax imposed on any businesses that open up and sell in any incorporated areas within the county that allow it. To help illustrate exactly what that means to you, in example form, if a business owner wanted to open a recreational “dispensary” or store after January 1st of 2020, they wouldn’t be able to open in a rural area within White County. However, because Grayville (an incorporated municipality) has voted to allow it, and if the individual opened a store there (on the White County side of Grayville), the county would still collect/impose a 3% (that’s the maximum allowable) tax on the sale of those products.
Also at the Tuesday night meeting, the county reconvened their September meeting to adopt the 2020 White County budget and also the 2020 Tax Levy for White County, Egyptian Health Department, Coleman Tri-County, and Extension Council Service.
Adam Allen reported the Ambulance Service should show a profit of around $4,000, but is expecting a substantial expense coming up. He says one of the ambulances needs a rear seal repaired.
State’s Attorney Denton Aud recognized Teri Risinger, noting that she plans to retire after more than two decades working in that office.
County Engineer Brian Ray says the dump truck the county purchased should be ready by the end of the month. It will be available after the snow plow accessory comes in and is attached.
Additionally, voters will see an advisory question on their November 2020 ballot. The question surrounds the mounting movement for separating Illinois from the city of Chicago. The question is non binding and is posturing for the movement moving forward. The New Illinois Organization is hosting a town hall this Saturday at the White County Fairgrounds Floral Hall. The event is from 1 – 3pm. The question as it will appear on the ballot reads:
Shall the Board of White County correspond with the Boards of other counties of this State outside of Cook County, and with the municipalities of Cook County outside of the city of Chicago, about the possibility of separating from the city of Chicago to forma new State, and to seek admission to the Union as such, subject to the approval of the people?
Board member Ken Usery noted that the window for the dog pound has been installed.
81 year old Jim Totten officially retired from his position as White County EMA Director, effective at the end of November. In a letter to the board, Totten said “the demands and computer skills are more than he wants to deal with”, but that he wanted to thank all those that helped and supported him in the role.
The majority of the meeting was taken up by Aaron Snedeker and his associates from Snedeker Risk Management. Snedeker explained in detail the Hope Trust the county is included in and the changes to health coverage.
A number of appointments were made and one was tabled. Owen Garner was appointed to the Hawthorne Drainage District #2. Ronald Gwaltney was appointed to the Mud Creek Drainage District. Terry West was appointed to the Half Moon Drainage District. Wes Trout was appointed as Commissioner to the White County Housing Authority Board. Nancy Jordan’s appointment to the same board was tabled however. Ron McAnulty mentioned that the rotation was off and that because housing was located in Grayville, Crossville and Norris City, there should be a representative that lives in each of those communities. The matter was tabled while McAnulty finds a more suitable appointee.
The board also approved a resolution that continues an agreement between the Illinois States Attorney Appellate Prosecutor and White County. The biggest reason, as described by States Attorney Denton Aud, is to be able to appoint a special prosecutor when there is a potential conflict of interest. The investment, of $8,000, is well worth it, according to Aud.
The White County Board will hold their next meeting, a special meeting on Tuesday, November 19th during which they anticipate hearing from a host of insurance providers.
