The Wayne County Board handled a wide range of business Thursday night, including a major bridge project, a request for financial assistance from Mount Erie and the creation of a new position in the county probation department.
During public comments, a resident asked about a motion at the previous meeting to freeze property taxes for one year. Board Chairman, Daryl Hargrave said the motion had been made but died for lack of a second. He added that the board did not believe it had the legal authority to impose such a freeze.
Mount Erie Village Clerk, Pam Bunting asked the county for financial assistance toward the purchase and installation of a new storm warning siren. Bunting said the village has received quotes of $18,672.39 from Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems from University Park, IL (30 miles S of Chicago) and $23,450 from Global Technical Systems from Effingham. Mount Erie officials prefer the Effingham-based Global Tech because of its proximity for future service and maintenance.
Wayne-White Electric has offered to provide and install the pole at no charge. Bunting said the village, with only about 98 residents, has limited revenue and has unsuccessfully sought grant funding for the project since 2024. The board agreed to further consider the request.
County Highway Engineer, Dennis Seidel presented a preliminary engineering agreement for a bridge project over Elm River northeast of Geff estimated to eventually cost about $6.5 million. Preliminary engineering is projected at $540,000, with the county responsible for 20%, or approximately $108,000, and federal funding covering the remainder.
The board unanimously approved the agreement with HLR Engineering. Officials said construction is likely still several years away, potentially beginning around 2031 or 2032.
The board also confirmed the appointment of Dr. Nicole Fyie to a three-year term on the Wayne County Board of Health.
County Clerk, LizAnn Woodrow reported that more than 7,800 vote-by-mail notification letters have been mailed as required ahead of the general election. Residents who want to stop receiving the applications must return the opt-out form. Woodrow also reported the county has received more than $60,000 in election-related grants this year.
Board members approved creation of a Public Services Coordinator position within the probation department. Current employee, Corrine Rogers is expected to take on the additional duties beginning in January with a $7,500 stipend, which will be included in next year’s budget.
Vice Chairman, Gene Kollak reported on proposed jail improvements, including plans for a short security wall near the entrance to improve camera monitoring and the acquisition of an upgraded transport vehicle. Officials said those projects would be paid for through commissary or asset forfeiture funds rather than taxpayer dollars.
The board also discussed potentially recovering approximately $24,000 believed to be owed under an insurance agreement involving the county health department.
A new liquor license application to involve an Orchardville establishment, was discussed. Officials will review the type of license requested and requirements concerning the proposed location’s proximity to churches, schools and other facilities.
The board later entered executive session to discuss contractual and financial matters.