The White County Board met Tuesday night for their March meeting at the White County Courthouse.
A cost of living increase of 1.5% for county elected officials over the next three years was rejected by the Board at a 4 to 1 vote, with Don Puckett voting for the measure. Salaries and stipends will remain at their current levels for at least two years.
The Board did agree to take a loan from a White County financial institution at 3.625% over 6 years to handle payout of the IMRF debt for the Sheriff Law Enforcement Enhanced Pension Plan, which was brought into law in 2005 by the Illinois General Assembly. At the current rate through IMRF, the County would be hit with a $400,000 penalty when the unfunded liability comes due in 21 years.
A proposal from Clearwave Communications to provide voice and data services to County offices and the Courthouse was approved.
The Board approved the annual resolutions for bids to furnish materials through Motor Fuel Tax Funds for both the County and Townships, and adopted a revised resolution for County Maintenance with the transfer of funds last month.
A resolution for the zoning of solar farms will be voted on in April after the ordinances other Illinois counties have passed have been reviewed.
Board Chair David Dosher reported that the dog pound has been insulated and hooked to propane through the donation from Pets At Risk, and Kenny Usery reported painting began inside on Monday.
Dosher also reported that after more negotiations, the deal between the County and Deaconness Hospital to acquire the White County Ambulance Service has fallen through. The matter is now considered closed. Deaconness will remain the Service’s resource hospital.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 pm, and the White County Board will meet again on Tuesday, April 10th at 7 pm at the Courthouse.
