The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Micah Stewart, J-P correspondent -used with permission
Concerns were raised during the Hancock County Board meeting held April 20, regarding the expense of more than $40,000 to the Lomax fire protection district for EMS services provided by Hancock County personnel that should have come from other districts.
"There are too many people in that area that are not getting adequate protection, and citizens of Hancock County are paying to protect their lives," stated one resident at the meeting.
EMS director, Jennifer Meeks, stated that while care is sometimes provided for residents of the Lomax Fire Protection by Hancock County EMS personnel, currently it is only a last resort.
"As it stands right now, Hancock County EMS is not contacted for support in the Dallas rural fire protection district," she said. "Lomax is contacted, but if Lomax is not in service at that time, then Nauvoo is contacted and they will provide service."
Meeks informed the board that their has been discussion with Dallas rural fire protection district for coverage by the Hancock County EMS about providing support. No decision has been made yet.
"I am leaving my door open for them to submit a mutual service agreement for coverage from us," said Meeks.
Once that agreement is reached, then tax revenue from that fire protection district will return to Hancock County for services provided.
"What will stop them from changing their mind a year from now to drop the agreement again," asked Mark Menn. "I just don't want to have the headache every year to try and figure out if districts are going to drop out."
The Building, Grounds and Insurance Committee chairman, Dennis Castlebury, informed the board that Hancock County Sheriff, Scott Bentzinger, will retire on May 1. Bentzinger requested that the board consider appointing deputy, Travis Duffy, to fill his remaining term.
The Fees, Finance and Salaries Committee chairman, Wayne Bollin, reported to the board that county treasurer, Kristine Pilkington, has not received the approximately $3 million in relief funding. A plan is being developed for how to use the money once it is received.
Health Committee chairwoman, Janet Fleming, reported to the board that the We Stand for Our Students group, led by Steve and Adam Lucie, attended the committee meeting to discuss their proposed resolution. After some discussion, Warsaw School District Superintendent, Bob Gound, asked to address the full board.
"I am not a doctor and my job is not to determine what is medically required for staff or students," stated Gound, superintendent of Warsaw School District. "Ensuring the safety and education of students is very much my job. I attended two We Stand for Our Students meetings, because I feel it is important for me, as superintendent, to understand those concerns. And the concerns are very real. At the end of the day, I have and will continue to consistently follow the guidelines set by the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Health. This is not for political reasons or because I don't understand the hardships that these guidelines cause; rather because it is my job to protect Warsaw school district from potential liability. As superintendent I am not recommending that our board take any action on this resolution, but that we will follow the guidelines."
Gound went on to thank the guidance provided by the Hancock County Health Department.
County clerk, Holly Wilde-Tilman, stated concerns about how some residents are addressing the issue without acknowledging that officials are following the rules set for them.
"I feel bad for people in positions who are simply doing their job and following guidelines that they are required to do," said Holly Wilde-Tillman. "I know in my position there are things that I have to do to follow guidelines and I wouldn't want to be uncomfortable or scared to do what has to be done to follow the rules and guidelines."
It was noted that Hancock County is currently receiving a great deal of funding from the state and there is concern that by passing the resolution the state may cut off funding as a result.
"Whether we get the money or not, the requirement is that our health department must do contact tracing and follow the rules," stated Tom Rodgers. "Regardless of funding they have to follow the rules."
The board approved the following action items:
Bid of $99,753 for the Massey-Ferguson 5711-D tractor, along with an Erskine rotary broom and woods backhoe.
Low bid from W.L. Miller Company for furnishing oil and chip products to Hancock County and townships for 2021. Authorization of the county clerk to pay monthly recurring bills.
Transfer of public transportation business from the finance committee to the building and grounds committee.