The White County Board met on Wednesday night with a short agenda.
Up first was Treasurer Mike Baxley with his updates on the 2024 Audit. It’s a relief to share that the county’s financial health is improving. The revenues have increased by 2%, amounting to $120,165, and the expenses have decreased by 8%, a significant $453,429. This positive trend is helping to close the deficit gap, and the cannabis sales tax, contributing $36,000 per month, is playing a crucial role in this.
All items in the consent agenda were approved, except for the approval of the County Coroner Mutual Aid agreement and no donation to the Southern Illinois Critter Fixers.
When it comes to old business, the board is taking a cautious approach to the possible approval of the bills from VET Environmental for landfill samples. States Attorney Chris Neal has been proactive in reaching out to the organization, but they’re still waiting for a response. It’s important that all parties are involved in the meeting to coordinate what needs to be done. The board is also carefully considering the cost of the samples, with Bellwether noting that the charge has been higher than expected.
“The initial reaction from everyone involved so far has been charged was way higher than anticipated, and no one knows why.”
There is still no individual to appoint to the Downstate Illinois Tourism Board for White County. The board agreed to wait it out and see if Downstate contacts them with some ideas.
The only item for new business was the approval of the Egyptian Health Department to handle the Tuberculosis Department due to Sarah Hon’s resignation. Board member Amanda Cannon and Bellwether representative Dustin assured the board that it was the right decision.
Cannon: “They were okay with taking that over, per se. But as far as the money goes, I think that’s probably just has to go to Egyptian Health because it’s on a levee.”
Dustin: “This is a fairly common occurrence for counties to have TB handled through the Health Department. So that’s not a unique situation.”
The next county board will be held on June 18th at 7 pm.
