The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Hancock County Recorder’s fee schedule was changed at the county board meeting Jan 20.
The fee for making copies of documents on microfilm was raised from $1 to $2. One dollar from this will go to the Hancock County Board General Fund. The second dollar will go to the records preservation fund.
Hancock County Clerk and Recorder, Holly Wilde-Tillman, said this will continue until all records now on microfilm or in old property record books have been transferred as digital.
The money in the preservation fund can only be used for expenses related to updating the record system. This can include paying a co-op student to digitize the records. It could take three or more years, depending on how many title searchers ask for copies.
The board approved buying a security camera for the recycling site at the county highway department building on Wabash Street in Carthage. Last month the board approved having an attendant present when the recycling center is open, and changed the hours to 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Fridays. Only electronics and paint can be brought to the center. The program is funded by the WIRC Tri-County Collection grant.
Following a closed session, the board agreed to send a letter of dissatisfaction to Klingner and Associates related to the method used to measure dirt that was used to rebuild the Connable Road last year.
The letter drafted by State’s Attorney Bobi James states that money could have been saved on the project with use of the traditional measurement of dirt instead of the lidar method. All board members voted aye.
The board passed a resolution to construct a bridge over the La Harpe Creek in Fountain Green Township using federal funds and Township Bridge Program (TBP) funds. TBP funds provide for the rehabilitation, replacement, or construction of bridges for townships, using the state’s portion of the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.
Tax deeds on four properties were approved. These properties in Hamilton, La Harpe and Pilot Grove Township were offered at tax sales but not purchased. They were later purchased on sealed bids.
The Finance, Fees and Salaries committee acknowledged the efforts of Donald Haage, who stepped in during the time EMS Director Aaron Feagain was on medical leave.
The board declared a desk, book cases, and banners from the county bicentennial as surplus so they may be sold or donated. Bicentennial banners were given to the Hancock County Historical Society and to the courthouse. The remaining six will be sold by silent bid, with those bids being opened on Feb. 12.
In other action, the board: