County Briefs: Enterprise zone, electricity and the Logan County Courthouse among several topics covered this month

[June 22, 2012]  During this month's meetings of the Logan County Board, there were a number of discussions and announcements.

Enterprise zone participation

Planning and zoning chair David Hepler reported that Mayor Keith Snyder would join enterprise zone manager Will D'Andrea in addressing nonparticipating enterprise zone entities, particularly the schools, to discuss how important their participation is for Logan County.

The state-sponsored program was recently re-approved by legislators to continue beyond the 2017 expiration. It is a means for Illinois communities to attract, grow or retain businesses. The Lincoln and Logan County Enterprise Zone has been very successful in drawing a number of businesses to the area and raising the tax base that supports community government, services and schools.

There has been no growth since Lincoln Community High School withdrew from the enterprise zone.

Hepler also reported that at the next meeting of the Logan County Regional Planning Commission, the group expects to hire an engineering firm for a bicycle-walking trail design.

Electricity costs to go down

Board member Jan Schumacher told board members that a supplier had been selected for the utility aggregation. Integrys' electric rate would be 35 percent lower than the current Ameren rate, providing average residents $216 in annual savings. The contract includes using 25 percent renewable energy and begins in August.

Logan County Courthouse and its future

Schumacher also said she had provided a tour of the Logan County Courthouse for a representative from Landmarks Preservation. The aim was to look at courthouse needs for future grant funding, particularly assessing the exterior and courthouse grounds. She learned that the current available grant does not cover landscaping, but may be expanded to include that in the future.

Kevin Bateman asked if the grant funds could be used to repair entrance steps or fix the limestone that is flaking off the building or to paint the dome -- all expensive things that the building is in need of having done.

Art and balloon festival

Andi Hake, director of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, updated the board on the balloon festival planning. The festival takes place on county-owned grounds at the Logan County Airport the last full weekend in August. Access to aviation fuel is blocked during, before and after the event, and there is some loss of crop income from the grounds. With no exchange of actual funds, the board supports the chamber by $5,000 a year and the chamber pays to use the airport grounds by the same amount.

A new opportunity recently presented itself that would extend the festival at the airport into Sunday afternoon. Due to the limited time frame and many requirements, it is not known yet if the addition can be accomplished for this year.

Community Action director resigns

Community Action has announced the resignation of its director, Angela Stoltzenburg.

Thursday was her last day. Her position will be filled temporarily. The agency is searching for a permanent replacement.

Prescription savings cards available

Community Action and many local pharmacies now have a new prescription drug card available to everyone. The program helps uninsured, underinsured or those with high-deductible insurance by reducing prescription costs.

Park lighting

Bill Martin, building and grounds chair, reported that repairs to the lights in Scully Park should be done shortly.

Development partnership director resigns

The Lincoln & Logan County Development Partnership enjoyed a very successful fundraiser luncheon last week with U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock as the featured speaker.

The partnership's executive director, Michael Maniscalco, has resigned to take a job in Connecticut as a city manager. Martin, board liaison to the development partnership, said that a search committee is being formed to find a new director.

[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]