The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

County Board To Seek Block Grant

The Hancock County Board agreed to seek and administer a Community Development Block Grant to the Dallas Rural Water District.

Wendy Mc Donald, consultant with Klinger and Associates, Inc. said the Dallas Rural Water District is seeking a grant in the amount of $371,000. The water district will match the amount with $123,963 if it is awarded. The $123,963 will be borrowed from USDA/Rural Development.

A general purpose government is required to administer the grant. The Hancock County Board conducted a hearing earlier in the evening on the grant.

The county board agreed to an "Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement", to a "Council Resolution of Support", and to submit the grant application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The percentage of low to moderate income individuals served by the extensions is estimated to be 57.39%. This is "Phase 10"-likely the last extensions required to complete the system of water mains.

If the grant is funded, small portions of the townships of Pontoosuc, Dallas City, Durham, Sonora, Rock Creek, Pilot Grove, Montebello, Prairie, and Carthage will have additional water mains to service customers.

The Hancock County Board acted upon nine county highway items:

• Approved a half-aid bridge petition from Augusta Township to replace 90 inch corrugated steel pipe culvert on Township Road 2650 at 2880 East on a tributary to Williams Creek at an estimated cost of $14,000.
• Approved a half-aid bridge petition from Pilot Grove Township to replace 54 inch arch diameter equivalent corrugated steel pipe culvert on Township Road 2000 East at 2185 North on a tributary to Deer Creek at an estimated cost of $10,000.
• Approved a half-aid bridge petition from Saint Mary Township to replace 60 inch corrugated steel pipe culvert on Township Road 810 North at 2740 East on a tributary to Bronson Creek at an estimated cost of $10,000.
• Approved a half-aid bridge petition from Saint Mary Township to replace 84 inch corrugated steel pipe culvert on Township Road 1100 North at 2845 East on a tributary to the La Moine River at an estimated cost of $18.000.
• Approved a half-aid bridge petition from Harmony Township to replace 12 feet by 10 feet precast concrete box culvert on Township Road 2200 East at 895 North on a tributary to Bronson Creek at an estimated cost of $60,000.
• Approved a half-bridge petition from Rock Creek Township to replace 8 feet by 5 feet precast concrete box culvert on Township Road 2300 North at 1465 East at a driveway entrance at an estimated cost of $18,000.
• Approved a half-aid bridge petition from Wythe Township to replace 96 inch corrugated steel pipe box culvert on Township Road 1200 East at 925 North on a tributary to Little Bear Creek at an estimated cost of $18.000.
• Approved a half-aid bridge petition from Dallas City Township to replace 54 inch arch diameter equivalent corrugated steel pipe box culvert on Township Road 2600 North at 1820 East on a tributary to Camp Creek at an estimated cost of $17,000.
• Approved a federal disaster relief agreement for flooding which occurred in April, 2013. The total damages of $56,200 are eligible for 100 percent reimbursement.

In other business, the county board:

• Approved resolutions establishing the salaries of the County Treasurer, County Clerk, and Sheriff for four years.

Treasurer &

County Clerk; Sheriff

Dec. 1, 2014 thru Nov. 30, 2015 $48,840 $59,645

Dec. 1, 2015 thru Nov. 30, 2016 $49,840 $60,837

Dec. 1, 2016 thru Nov. 30, 2017 $50,840 $62,054

Dec. 1, 2017 thru Nov. 30, 2018 $51,840 $63,295

Approved a resolution increasing the Establishing Children's Advocacy Center Fee. The Children's Advocacy Center fee increases from $5 to $30. It applies to convictions, guilty pleas, and court supervision on most criminal, misdemeanor, petty, or business offenses.

Moved the polling place in St. Mary's Township will move from the Tri-County Fire Department to the American Legion Hall in Plymouth. Parking and accessibility are better at the American Legion Hall.

Confirmed Chairman Gray's appointments to the Fraternal Order of Police negotiating committee, Cary Gray, Wayne Bollin, and Tom Scheetz. Mr. Cramer seconded the motion, and it carried.

The appointments expire upon ratification of the agreement by the county board and the labor bargaining unit.

Heard a report a report on reimbursements from County Clerk Kerry Asbridge. He reported the State of Illinois did provide a reimbursement check for part of the election judges compensation for the March 18, 2014 Primary Election.

The reimbursement was for $7,650.00. Asbridge said he is seeking reimbursement of $11,500, the maximum allowed by law, for costs mandated by the Centralized Statewide Voter Registration System.