The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

County Board Acts On Public Transportation: Increases Food

Establishment Inspection Fees

The Hancock County Board acted to continue the public transportation services at its March 18, 2014 meeting.

Nathan Cobb, McDonough County Public Transportation Director presented a budget for the county board's information. He said action on some items are required to continue Hancock County Public Transportation services. Three public transportation items were approved:

1. An Ordinance to Provide for Public Transportation.

2. A board Resolution Applying for a Downstate Operating Assistance Grant for Public Transportation.

3. A Resolution of Acceptance of the Special Warranty for Public Transportation.

All items passed thirteen "Yes" and one "No". Dan Asbury, Dennis Castlebury, Pat Cramer, Steve Finney, Marc Huston, Don Little, Emmett Postle, Tom Scheetz, Jeanne Schell, Jerry Smith, Harold Stuckwisch, David Walker, and Cary Gray, voted "Yes". Voting "No" was Steve Bolton. County board member Wayne Bollin was absent.

The other major action taken by the county board unanimously approved an Ordinance Establishing Fees for Food Service Establishments. The fees will be increased in two steps. The Hancock County Health Department performs the inspections and collects the fees.

The annual permit fees for food establishments commencing April 1, 2014:

Class A food establishment $125.00

Class B food establishment $125.00

Class C food establishment $100.00

Class D food establishment $15.00 per event or $75 per season

Class E food establishment no charge

The annual permit fees for food establishment commencing January 1, 2016:

Class A food establishment $175.00

Class B food establishment $175.00

Class C food establishment $135.00

Class D food establishment $15.00 per event or $75 per season

Class E food establishment no charge

A payment fee for a renewal which occurs more than 14 days after the due date is the amount of the annual permit and an additional 25% of the annual permit fee.

A payment fee for a renewal which occurs more than 29 days after the due date is the amount of the annual permit and an additional 50% of the annual permit fee.

In other business, the Hancock County Board approved the following:

• The purchase of two 2014 Ford Police Interceptor SUVs in the sum of $34,500 each.
• A Resolution authorizing a Borrowing Agreement with Marine Bank to purchase the 2014 Ford Police Interceptor SUVs in the sum of $51,000 to be borrowed at 1.75% interest, in three annual installments. This completes funding for the Police Interceptor SUVs.
• A 2% pay increase for the Shelter Care Home Administrator.
• Confirmed Chairman Cary Gray's reappointment of Dale Quimby, D.D.S. to the Board of Health for a term expiring in July, 2016.

The next county board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 in the County Board Room, Third Floor, Courthouse, Carthage.