The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
State's Attorney Rachel Mast outlined what the Hancock County Board can and cannot do related to regulating recreational use of cannabis, which will become legal on January 1.
At the county board meeting Dec. 17, Mast explained that the board can prohibit or limit the number of dispensaries of cannabis in unincorporated areas of the county. Incorporated areas (towns or villages) can take their own actions.
If dispensaries are allowed, the county can set taxes of up to 3.75 percent on sales. The county can tax municipalities that allow cannabis sales up to .75 percent.
The county board will hold hearing from 6 to 6:45 p.m. at the beginning of their next regular board meeting on Jan. 21. This will allow public questions and comment on recreational use of cannabis and what the county can do.
"We need to get the ball rolling. Get it on the agenda and allow for public discussion," Mast said. "The licensing process (for a dispensary) is long and involved. I can't imagine getting one going before the end of the year."
She reminded the board that the legalization of recreational cannabis is a state action which the county cannot change. The county can only rule over dispensaries in unincorporated areas, and tax the sales of cannabis.
County Sheriff Scott Bentzinger said, "Everyone knows I am against this. But as a board, I recommend you allow one dispensary. Then you are in a position to set a tax rate. and try to get something out of it."
The board asked Mast and Bentzinger many questions about the Illinois law, how it would change their work load, how it would relate to job descriptions for county employees, and what the county could do to make Mast and Bentzinger's jobs easier.
Mast said individual office holders need to set employee policies related to zero tolerance for the presence of cannabis. She offered to provide some sample policies.
Public comment on the subject will be limited to the 45 minute hearing on Jan. 21.
Nathan Cobb, director of Hancock County Public Transportation, gave a report of the first quarter income, expenses and ridership on the system, July 1 to Sept. 30.
He said that on Dec. 18, they were to get three new mini vans replacing ones that have been in service since 2010.
Four County/Federal Aid Matching Fund appropriations were approved for the following projects:
The board approved all bidders for all products of county aggregate materials from Gray Quarries, Hamilton; R.L. O'Neal, Plymouth; and Central Stone of Carthage. The same providers were approved for Township Motor Fuel Tax aggregate materials, patching mix and tree sap for dust control.
The board approved a minor wording change in the contract with the Fraternal Order of Police, that was approved last month. It clarifies language explaining how holiday pay is determined.
The board approved a resolution to establish temporary weight restrictions if needed on county roads during the winter and spring thaw. This could restrict weight of four tons per axle on township and county roads for up to 90 days.
A resolution to issue a deed as trustee for a property in Hamilton to Jeff Harris for the bid of $810 was approved.
The board approved the write-off of contractual adjustments for ambulance services for Medicare, Medicaid and insurance providers in the amount of $68,489 for November 2019. They approved write-off of unpaid charges believed uncollectable of $31,037 for October and November.
Tom Scheetz was approved to western Illinois Regional Council board of directors. The following were approved to terms on the Mid-America Port Commission board of commissioners: Mike McLaughlin through June 1, 2021; Blake Roderick, through June 1, 2022; Richard Klusmeyer through June 1, 2023; and Bradley Flatt through June 1, 2024.