The White County Board meeting on December 14th, 2021 was quite eventful.
Starting off, the highway, ambulance, and sheriff’s department gave their reports. The ambulance department faced a slight loss this past month, but the highway department is kicking things into full gear in preparation for the expected upcoming winter weather. The sheriff’s department finalized several things for the year, but Sheriff Randy Graves noted they are short-handed on officers and deputies. With that being said, the department cannot afford to outsource and pay for the training, especially while the state is not offering reimbursement. Thankfully, long-time officer Justin Spencer stepped up in the position of Sargent.
Next on the agenda were public comments and concerns, and Sheila Turrentine had a few. Turrentine, who works for the University of Illinois Extension office, stated that she is looking for religious exemption in both COVID-19 vaccination and testing. For the last 13 months, she has worked from home with proper accommodation. Now they are saying they cannot open the office unless she is present in the building. She is more than willing if it means she is exempt from the guidelines. The county board offered their support but added they support the extension office in their reopening.
And finally, Julie Irwin on the White County 911 board presented her argument for the appointment of the vacancy on the White County 911 board. While she knows the decision is at the discretion of the White County board, she wanted to clear the air by saying that unlike the former mayor of Norris City, Roy Kissel, present mayor Skip Land has no affiliation with the Fire Protection District. Previously, Sean Martin was denied to fill the position because he lived outside of the district. In turn, a motion was made to appoint Skip Lan to fill the vacancy but was denied. In the end, Troy Dagley was appointed to fill the vacancy and was approved.
An executive session was held to discuss personnel issues. The next public meeting will be on January 11th, 2022.
