The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Virginia Ross
We all revere the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and proudly proclaim our rights as citizens of the United States of America. We hold sacred the right to vote, be it for village, township, state or national election. However, the responsibility of the vote does not stop there.
As citizens, we must support our elected officials by attending meetings to learn what choices they are making for us. When was the last time you attended a meeting-village or township? These meetings occur every month locally and your tax dollars are spent by their decisions.
I decided, as a citizen, to attend the local Township Board meeting last Tuesday. Board members, that you chose, are Caleb Dowell, Steve Evans, Ryan Booton, Terry Painter and Mark Lefler and the Township Supervisor, Melissa McIntire was also present.
As an Annual Meeting was schedule for that evening, they had already begun the monthly meeting when I arrived at 5:30 pm. Regularly, the meeting is the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 pm; however, the state requires that Annual Meetings be on the 2nd Tuesday of April.
Under new business, Larry Fox, Road Commissioner, presented plans and prices for extending the township shed; the board discussed options and tabled the issue.
Next, the board discussed the condition of the mausoleum, which needs extensive repair as moisture in an enclosed space is causing marble panels to buckle. Mr. Lefler noted that the board would welcome ideas from the public on how to raise funds for repairs or other alternatives.
If you have a suggestion, contact one of the board members or the township supervisor.
At 6:10 pm the Annual Meeting began with the election of a moderator; Mark Lefler was chosen.
The secretary's report of 2019 was read and approved (no meeting last year because of Covid).
Larry Fox, Road Commissioner, noted that several pieces of excess equipment needed to be sold. No decision was made at this time.
The auditing of the financial books of the township by appointed auditors, Barry Dowell, Paul Winters and Lyman Ross, commenced. Each checking account was thoroughly inspected with no irregularities found. (Look for some of these reports published in the local paper.) The meeting concluded about 7:23 p.m.
As a concerned citizen, you have the right to attend these meetings. See how your tax money is being spent. As I will be gone at the time of the next meeting, I encourage interested citizens to attend.
Mark your calendar for May 10th at 6 pm at the Henderson County Highway Department Building in Stronghurst (enter on the east side). Be involved.