-
Sheriff -- four
years:
Sheriff Steve Nichols, with eight years on the job, plans to
retire in 2014. The sheriff's position will be brought up to the
pay in counties of similar size, which would be $64,500 starting
Dec. 1, with 3 percent raises each year coming to $66,435,
$68,428 and $70,480 in subsequent years.
-
County clerk and
recorder -- four years:
The county clerk and recorder position, now served by Sally
Litterly with 17 years of experience, was set at a flat $60,000
a year for the next four years with no raises.
-
Treasurer -- four
years:
The treasurer's salary would begin at $51,500 and with standard
annual 3 percent raises go to $53,000, $54,600 and $56,300 in
subsequent years. Following the general election Vicki Dugan is
expected to assume the role of treasurer, replacing Mary Ellen
Bruns.
-
Circuit clerk --
two years:
The circuit clerk position on this year's ballot finishes a
two-year vacancy. That salary would begin at $51,500 and go to
$53,000 the next year. Following the election Mary Kelley would
assume the remaining two years of Carla Bender's four-year term,
which Suzann Maxheimer was appointed to fill when Bender left.
These positions would be eligible for health insurance benefits
the same as offered to other nonunion employees of Logan County.
The board also approved ordinances that would provide funding for
the new Logan County Drug Court:
-
A $10 assessment to be paid in a judgment of guilty or a grant of
supervision on a felony or misdemeanor case.
-
A $5 assessment to be paid in a judgment of guilt or a grant of
supervision for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code or a
violation of similar provision within the county. These assessments
would be found on matters judged in traffic court.
(See May 13
article for details.)
The board approved contracting with the McLean County Detention
Center for 300 bed spaces for juveniles.
Finance chair Chuck Ruben, with Litterly's help, brought board
members up to date on what the state has paid or not paid. State
support for the Logan County's state's attorney, public defender and
assessor positions is now 100 percent up to date. Only funding for
probation is behind, he said. However, for future planning, the
state has said that the public defender fund has a limit and it is
running out.
The liquor committee will discuss gaming permits that are paid to
the county on a yearly basis. The state is about to begin charging
for video and other devices, and this could begin two months after
the county fees would be paid.
The Emergency Management Agency and 911 dispatch will host an
open house for emergency service personnel to tour the facility
Monday through Thursday evenings next week. EMA director Dan
Fulscher invited board members to attend a brief kickoff ceremony at
5:30 p.m. on Monday.
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Jan Schumacher said that she attended a meeting at Community
Action to discuss the allotment of federal funds for the Emergency
Food and Shelter Program. She said that the $14,727 coming to Logan
County would be split this year between Community Action and The
Salvation Army. The chair organization would be awarded $294.54 for
administrative costs, leaving $7,216 for each of the two agencies to
disburse to people in economic crisis.
Schumacher said that two other agencies were added to that board
when they met: the Logan County Food Pantry and Logan County Housing
Authority. Also at that meeting, the Lincoln Area Ministerial
Association was voted chairman and the Logan County Board
co-chairman.
Schumacher reminded board members of the Saver Card put out by
Main Street Lincoln.
She said that Main Street would also be participating in a
statewide recognition of May as National Historic Preservation
Month. This year the Woman's Club building will be recognized since
it turns 100 years old in November. (See May 19 "City
briefs" for more details.)
Next week is National Small Business Week, which will be
recognized with a breakfast at the Main Street office on May 26 at
8:30 a.m.
The monthly car cruise-in June 26 will be Super Cruise for St.
Jude and includes a barbecue.
Schumacher said that Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial signs are now
being replaced with heritage signage throughout the county.
Pat O'Neill said he has been attending honors days at area high
schools, visiting Mount Pulaski, Hartsburg Emden, Olympia and
Lincoln high schools. He said he is very proud of the young men and
women graduating this year, and the future holds a lot of brightness
with these young people. "I tip my hat off to all the seniors and I
wish them the best," he said.
Fulscher had a brief message for those who love outdoor water
sports. A wet spring and recent rains have left local creeks
commonly used for recreation hazardous. Salt Creek is at 14.2 feet,
with 15 feet being flood stage. Kickapoo Creek is also near flood
stage. These conditions are expected to remain through Memorial Day
weekend. The forecast of warmer temperatures has responders
concerned that tubers would want to get out on the waterways that
are now too dangerous for tubing. Fulscher recommended no tubing and
that boaters use floatation devices, have checkpoint people and
carry cell phones. He said, "You would be putting your life in
harm's way if getting on the water this weekend."
Not in attendance for the evening were Terry Werth and Gloria
Luster.
[By
JAN YOUNGQUIST]
 |
