Henderson County Board

 Board Passes Bridge Funding, 5% Salary Raise

Andrew Postle, The Quill

The Henderson County Board held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12, at the Courthouse in Oquawka. The board approved claims paid, board minutes, the Treasurer’s report, and the Health Department’s claims for the month of April.

County Engineer Rick Walker gave an update on his projects and presented a couple of resolutions.

The first resolution authorized Hutchinson Engineering to update and revise the contract documents for the replacement of the Honey

Creek bridge on Crane Hill Road northeast of Lomax. The existing structure will be removed, and the roadway will be closed to traffic

during construction.

The second resolution concerned the Lone Tree Ditch bridge on County Highway 15. The low bid of $1,814,953 came

in above the engineer’s estimated cost of $1,650,000, requiring additional federal and local funding to be allocated to the project. Both

resolutions passed unanimously.

Cindy Brown noted that a Zoning Appeals Meeting will be held regarding Rick Olson’s property along US 34, where he wishes to erect a billboard.

Jon Corzatt mentioned that the board needs to ensure it has a proper ordinance in place for wind turbines, as some are being planned

for Raritan Township. 

The board approved salary increases for elected officials. Thes included a 5% increase to $60,100 for the County Clerk/Treasurer

and Circuit Clerk, followed by 3% increases in each of the following three years.

The following appointments

were approved:

• Jill Colley to the Henderson County Housing Authority for a 5-year term

• Robert Berry as Trustee of the Dallas Rural Fire Department

The board reviewed the audit proposal from CliftonLarsonAllen of Peoria but tabled approval until the June meeting for further review.

An update was provided on the ambulance service. Oquawka remains out of service. It was also mentioned that combining the Biggsville and Oquawka services is under consideration, as there may not be enough calls once Oquawka

returns to service to support the

costs of operating the Biggsville

ambulance.

The next board meeting is

scheduled for June 9 at 8:30 a.m. at

the Henderson County Courthouse.