County may sue state for salary reimbursements; fills in costs of 911 phone upgrades

[January 19, 2016]  LINCOLN - At Thursday's Logan County Board Workshop, Chairman David Hepler said that on Tuesday the board would discuss potential litigation that Logan County State's Attorney Jonathan Wright has talked about. The lawsuit relates to salary reimbursements from the state.

Chairman Hepler said the state of Illinois is being sued for their failure to reimburse salaries.

Ruben motioned that the county proceed with the lawsuit. Wright would explain the suit further at Tuesday's meeting.

Finance Committee updates

The lack of a state budget is being felt at all levels of local government not only in reimbursements for daily operations and salaries, but also in grants for programs and scheduled maintenance.

At the Logan County Department of Public Health, Administrator Don Cavi said the department is running about $300,000 behind in their collections.
 

In the office of the Logan County Emergency Management, it is time for necessary upgrades to the 911 phone system.

Finance Chairman Chuck Ruben motioned to approve $15,000 for the Logan County Dispatch phone software update. He said there is about $3,700 in EMA's equipment fund that will reduce the cost, plus the total cost will be shared with 911. Hepler seconded a motion to put the approval on Tuesday night's agenda.

Noted appreciation

Hepler said emergency services are very important and he thanked law enforcement, emergency management, the highway department, paramedics, and city and county integration for working together during the recent flooding to keep the county from suffering some of the damage other places did. He said the county's emergency services personnel were "ahead of the flood" due to foresight.

Ruben made a motion for a resolution to issue tax anticipation warrants in the amount of $1 million. The Finance Committee usually anticipates a possible need for up to $600,000, but the amount is higher this year since some state funds are not forthcoming due to the budget crisis.

Ruben also made a motion to review the electric aggregation fee, but it failed since no one seconded the motion.

There will be more discussion of all these issues at Tuesday's Board meeting.

[Angela Reiners]