The White County Board met on Tuesday night a week later than normal due to the election last Tuesday. The meeting opened with the reconvening of the September 13th meeting. It was announced that the County will have a balanced budget with a $3,400 positive balance on the books and that this year’s tax levy would have a less than 5% increase, which means a Truth in Taxation hearing was not necessary. Then the September meeting was adjourned and the November meeting opened.
The Council heard a report from Ambulance Director Adam Allen that an agreement had been reached for new monitors in the ambulances that worked with current equipment that would spread payments over the next three years. The 9-1-1 Board will meet Monday at 6 pm at the Courthouse, and Coroner Chris Marsh informed the Board he has raised rates for other coroners to use the morgue, bringing White County’s rates more in line with others in the area.
The Board approved the quote by HOPE Trust for medical insurance for County employees. The company only offers service to municipal bodies, and also provides service to Wabash, Lawrence, and Saline Counties as well as other in the state.
The Board also unanimously approved the renewal of the workman’s compensation policy with the Illinois Public Risk Fund. This year’s premium is $6542 less than last year.
County Engineer Brian Ray was given unanimous approval to purchase a new trackhoe for the Highway Department. Ray has received several bids for the equipment and has enough money in his budget to purchase the piece of equipment he says will save a lot of wear and tear on the backhoe.
A resolution to allow Joseph Meyer and Associates to collect the taxes on a parcel in the White County Trustee Program was approved. The company has already accepted a payment of $918.11 and has issued a check to the County Clerk’s office.
By unanimous vote, Ray Smith was appointed to a two year term on the Egyptian Health Department Board, Cindy Conley and Katherine Sands were re-appointed to the IllinoiSouth Tourism Board of Directors for a two year term, Douglas Winter was appointed as Commissioner to Randolph Drainage District #1, Owen Garner as Commissioner to Hawthorne Drainage District #2, and Terry West as Commissioner to the Half Moon Drainage District for terms that expire the first Tuesday in September 2019.
The Board then passed an ordinance creating an enterprise zone, and entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the cities of Carmi, Albion, and Grayville along with Edwards County about the governance of the enterprise zone.
Board member Mike Ray then addressed the Board and those attending about his 16 years of service on the County Board, thanking those who supported him this past election, and wishing his successor, Ron McAnulty well in his term in office. Board President Wes Trout presented Ray with a clock from the members of the Board, and gave heartfelt thanks to Ray for his efforts. A written statement by Ray is posted on our website, wrul.com.
The Board adjourned the meeting at 7:56 pm and will meet again on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 pm.
