Christian County Board Chairman Paul Schmitz expressed his reluctance as he read a letter of resignation submitted by Christian County Treasurer Colleen Hadley. Treasurer Hadley expressed her desire for her resignation to become effective on May 31, 2013. The board accepted the resignation unanimously, although many expressed their wishes to vote “No” if that would mean she would have to stay. In a related move the Board approved the appointment of past board member Michael Drea to serve as the Christian County Treasurer beginning on June 1, 2013.
The board approved joint agreements with IDOT for Federal Participation in 4 bridge replacement projects including 1 in Buckhart Township, 2 in Locust and 1 in Assumption. Through the joint agreement, the Federal government will pay 80%, the state 16% and the townships and county splitting the remaining 4%. The lease of a JD 6115R tractor for 8 months was approved at an amount of $5,946.50. A couple of request by the Taylorville Arts Association to use the courthouse and the grounds was approved.
In other business, the board approved a resolution to amend the current Liquor Ordinance to include new language for a license for a winery and the special event use. Karen Swiney of Pana, submitted an application to open a winery that she began the process in 2008. The board approved the liquor license application pending all license requirements are met and reduced the license fee to $100 until the business is ready to open.
Also approved was the purchase of the installation of a home security system for State’s Attorney Mike Havera’s home. Real estate software from Fike and Fike was retained for another 3 years. The board also approved the use of Espy Services to research the phone bills for the cell services and landlines for any billing errors. Espy will receive 50% of any money recovered for the county. The purchase of 50 new chairs and a chair dolly at a total of $531.50 plus shipping was approved.
At 7:10 the board moved to go to a closed meeting setting to discuss litigation filed by AFSCME concerning a petition to include the payroll specialist position into the bargaining unit.
