COUNTY BRIEFS:
Board passes measures

[June 21, 2012]  During the Logan County Board's reconvened session Tuesday evening, a number of measures were voted on and all passed.

Financial matters

Airport chairman Gene Rohlfs recommended approving projects in the Illinois Transportation Improvement Program for 2013. Work to be performed at the airport involves tree trimming and new runway lighting. The projects are primarily federal- and state-funded, requiring a 5 percent match from local funds.

Figures from project manager Hanson Professional Services were first presented as $645,000 total, with the county responsible for $33,365 of that cost. Those figures were amended and approved at $720,000 total, with up to $36,000 local matching.

The board approved annual animal control contracts for 2012-2013. Renewing this year were the city of Lincoln at $39,518, Mount Pulaski at $3,364.20, Latham at $782.64 and New Holland at $1,303.32; and new to contract this year are the city of Atlanta at $1,303.32 and Hartsburg at $1,303.32.

A compressor that controls the heating and cooling for the Logan County Safety Complex went out last week. During the board of whole meeting, emergency funds were approved to replace parts at a cost of $8,000. Sheriff Steve Nichols reported on Tuesday evening that the repairs were complete and the air conditioning was working again.

The board approved 10-1 to raise the assessor's salary $1,500, thereby increasing Rosanne Brosamer's pay to $44,238 per year. Pat O'Neill was the one objector.

According to 2010 figures, that salary was the lowest in like-sized counties in the state, falling $2,000 lower than the next closest figure. A couple of board members commented that even with the raise, it could still be the lowest pay in the state, as the figures used were from 2010.

The board agreed to increase the court document storage fund to $15.

Likewise, by unanimous agreement the board agreed to increase the court automation fund fee to $15.

Other voted matters

The board unanimously agreed to participate in a mutual aid agreement with the Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association.

A new contract with Logan County Paramedic Association for ambulance services was also approved unanimously.

The board unanimously agreed to a request from Sally Litterly, county clerk. Except for election business, the county clerk's office will be closed on Election Day, Nov. 6.

Workers' compensation coverage for cemetery district employees was discussed.

By referendum some years ago, the Logan County Cemetery District became a stand-alone entity supported by property taxes.

Finance chairman Chuck Ruben observed that the cemetery district was financially assisted by a loan from the county in its first year, until property taxes would come in to support it. The loan was eventually forgiven. This was before Ruben's time on the board.

Prior to the referendum, employees were covered under the county. Since it became a separate entity, employees are not county employees. While workers' compensation coverage has been paid by the district, the county continued to provide the paperwork.

Insurance chair Jan Schumacher said that last year seven of 18 claims were from the cemetery district.

It was voted to discontinue inclusion of the cemetery district employees in Logan County's workers' compensation coverage effective Dec. 31. The measure passed 10-1 with Andy Anderson opposing.

[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]