The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

La Harpe City Council

by Christy Kienast - The Quill

The La Harpe city council met on Monday, February 24, 2014, at the Senior Citizens Center.

The meeting had a couple of cancellations, Shannon Duncan from W.I.R.C. and Eric Moe of McClure Engineering had to cancel due to illness.

In other news, the new Hancock County Developmental Economic Corporation Executive Director, Dustin Berg introduced himself to the council and the audience.

Dustin outlined some of his ideas to keep economic growth prospering in Hancock County.

He would like to work with local farmers and get more into alternative agriculture with the Illinois Farmers Market Association; working with entrepreneurs, Illini West has jumped on board bringing in speakers from businesses in the area, having luncheons, etc.

Berg believes getting students involved with local government also plays a key role in keeping people in our area. Board member Jerry Bartell gave some interesting facts for Hancock County:

• The board has 66 members, 7 communities
• Approx. 2000 jobs have been lost in the last decade alone,
• 49.5% of the county's potential sales were lost to surrounding areas
• According to the 2010 census the Hancock County population is 19,104
• People under the age of 18 population group has declined over 15% since 2000
• Potential sales per capita in 2010 were 207 million but actual sales were at 105 million

Being a member of the group is not only open to businesses or towns, but to individuals as well at a cost of only $100 per year with a 3 year commitment.

The board will be having another Hancock County Summit on Monday, March 31, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Marine Bank in Carthage. Both Berg and Bartell praised Bob Lionberger of La Harpe with CCS Computers for his help in setting things up for Dustin.

If you have a business that is struggling or needs any help at all, or if you just have questions give Dustin a call or send him an email at: hancockctyed@gmail.com or 217-357-3811.

In other news, bids were opened for a new backhoe for the city from Tri-State Equipment Company- John Deere and a Case Equipment distributor. Case equipment bid came in at $74,450 with an APR at 3.32% at $1354 a month for 60 months. Deere bid came in at $74,250 with an APR of 4% or $16, 680 a year.

The council complimented the city workers for keeping the streets open and clear during the recent onslaught of snow. A possible fuel budget for the police department will be discussed as well as the raising of the city's water rates will be discussed at committee meetings. The storm siren will be tested the first Tuesday of each month beginning in March.

Ada Hubbard thanked the city for keeping the streets and sidewalks clean especially around the Senior Citizens building and especially thanked Justin and Wayne for delivering the Senior Citizens meals last week in the ice storm.

City wide yard sales will be Friday and Saturday June 6 and 7th.

The next council meeting will be Monday March 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the La Harpe City Hall.