County board makes appointment, discusses emergency communications

    At its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 12, the Henry County Board also took care of these items:

    • The appointment of Clinton Sullivan, Colona, to complete an unexpired term on the Zoning Board of Appeals was passed.

    Other reappointments will be held over until the November meeting.

    • Kate Barton presented a detailed report from the Housing Authority of Henry County.

    • Denise Bulat, Bi-State Regional Commission, gave the board an update on a plan for emergency communications.

    She also talked about transit for rural areas, an upcoming trip to Springfield, grant writing services and the economy of jointly purchasing supplies among the five counties.

    • Under new business, there was a great deal of discussion and many motions about the mileage board members may receive for travelling expenses to county board meetings.

    One vote referred the matter to the executive committee and another vote limited the mileage to that from the board member’s home to the courthouse.

    All changes will go into the guidelines for board members.

    Public comments included:

    • Tim Wells, Geneseo, Henry County Economic Development Board, gave an update on funds for retraining Bob Evans workers.

    His office received a company’s request for acreage near rail lines and indicated a new building may be needed.

    He also listed several worthy replacements since he will be leaving by the end of October.

    • Jon Zahm, Osco, stated that most people don’t get paid to go to work, but board members should get paid to go somewhere else, such as Springfield.

   • Tina VanOpdorp said that the discussions on furloughs and layoffs were not pleasant, but she thanked the board for working with employees.