By Aaron Ottis
The Jersey County Star
JERSEYVILLE – The new jail for Jersey County is one more step closer to being completed.
The Jersey County Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve an ordinance authorizing up to $3.5 million “Public Safety Special County Retailers’ Occupation Tax Alternative Revenue Source Bonds.”
With that approval, the processes of issuing the bonds will now begin, said chairwoman Pam Heitzig.
The County Board will now host a public hearing on September 9, 2008 at 7 p.m., to be held in the auditorium of the County Government Building in Jerseyville. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide opinions on the bond proposal.
“We will publish in the newspaper and have the public hearing in September,” Heitzig said. “Then we will have a bidding time when the bonding company will bid out the bonds. We have to have at least 30 days from the time that we publish in the paper, which will probably be the end of this week. So we have to wait 30 days for public comment. I think we will get it done near the end of September, I am guessing.
The $3.5 million will pay for a new county jail and correctional facility, sheriff’s offices, and other related improvements.
A mandatory Pre-Bid meeting will be hosted on August 14 for all those interested in bidding on the jail project. Final bids will be opened on August 28.
In other action, the board heard a presentation from Brent Thompson, president of the Jersey County Business Association, regarding economic development in the county.
The board voted to re-appoint Tom Klanser as the County Engineer.
The Historical Steam and Living History committee were awarded $2,000 to offset the cost of the annual Victorian Festival.
A resolution to award RCS Construction, Inc. a $267, 293 bid to install new box culverts in Mississippi Township was passed. Funds will come from the county’s motor fuel tax fund.
The board also approved a resolution regarding the seizure and impoundment of motor vehicles used in the commission of certain offenses. While the State’s Attorney already has the ability to seize vehicles, the resolution will allow him to recoup processing costs incurred by the Sheriff’s Office during the forfeiture. The funds will be split 50-50 between the general fund and the county’s drug prevention fund, and will not exceed $200. |
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