The Wayne County Board met Thursday night in the boardroom of the Wayne County Courthouse in Fairfield,
One of the major topics during public comment involved safety concerns for Amish buggies traveling county roads, particularly in the Johnsonville and Orchardville areas.
Paula Rector addressed the board about a September 29th accident near Orchardville and requested additional Amish buggy warning signs along County Highways 161, 18 and 13, as well as a nearby township road. Rector said only two of four previously installed warning signs remained standing and offered to help pay for additional signage.
Wayne County Highway Engineer, Dennis Seidel explained that the county has authority to install signs along county highways, while signs on township roads fall under the jurisdiction of township officials. The placement of signs must also comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, including requirements for documentation and inspections.
Following the discussion, county officials agreed to order and install additional Amish buggy warning signs along county highways. Concerns were also raised about limited visibility near hills and intersections, unsafe passing by motorists and the importance of keeping buggy lights illuminated, particularly after dark.
During the chairman’s appointments portion of the meeting, the board approved the appointment of Vince Wodicker to the Big Mound, Barnhill, and Grover Cemetery Board. Wodicker replaces Rodger Parrott, who has resigned from the board.
In financial business, the board approved the county’s 2027 budget following discussion about staffing expenses and a $20,000 transfer from the building fund to salaries. Officials said the adjustment would not change the overall budget total.
Part of the discussion centered on staffing needs within the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. Wayne County Sheriff, Chris Otey says with the upcoming retirement of Michael Vinson and one deputy preparing to transfer to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department due to being closer to family, two new positions will be open along with the impact of a required 16-week training program on available personnel that will fill the two spots.
The board also approved the county’s property tax levy. Finance committee members said the levy was kept below the threshold that would trigger additional requirements under Illinois’ Truth in Taxation law. Officials noted that the county’s portion of an overall property tax bill represents a smaller share than school districts and other taxing bodies.
Another approved resolution addressed the handling of delinquent 2025 real estate tax certificates. Wayne County Treasurer, Yvette Anderson expressed concerns about potential financial liability arising from changes and unresolved legal questions involving tax sales and surplus equity owed to former property owners.
Under the approved approach, the county would temporarily retain delinquent real estate rather than sell it to tax buyers while the legal requirements are clarified. Mobile homes would remain subject to tax sales.
The board also approved a nonbinding recommendation to the county assessment office concerning reassessments of existing properties in certain townships. The recommendation calls for delaying those reassessments until 2029 or until work in other townships is completed, except where required by law. Officials emphasized that new construction would continue to be assessed as required and that the recommendation is advisory rather than mandatory.
In highway department business, the board approved a Motor Fuel Tax appropriation covering a salary for 2027. Officials explained that although half the position’s funding comes from federal sources, those funds are deposited into the county’s Motor Fuel Tax account, requiring the full salary appropriation through that fund.
Department reports included an update on a recent sex offender compliance operation that resulted in three arrests. The county clerk’s office reported approximately 60 percent voter turnout in the November election. Thursday’s meeting also marked outgoing County Clerk, Liz Ann Woodrow’s final regular board meeting along with current Board Chairman, Daryl Hargrave.
The county’s tax sale is scheduled for December 17th, with officials reporting that tax collection activities and required notifications are underway.
Board members also approved ambulance service contracts and the county’s holiday schedule for the coming year. The spring holiday was changed to Good Friday, March 26th.
Discussion also turned to the transition to a new county board, with newly elected members expected to take office December 1st. An oath-of-office ceremony was discussed for approximately 8:30 that morning, pending confirmation with the judge. The December 10th meeting of the Wayne County Board will start at 6:30pm with the seating of a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman just ahead of the regular 7pm meeting.
Courthouse maintenance was another topic. Members received updates on completed ceiling work, planned painting, gutter repairs and possible hallway improvements. The board approved a Phase 18 payment totaling $21,850 for courthouse work to Haye’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning of Fairfield.
Additional discussion involved installing railings along the courthouse’s south steps, rearranging the board meeting room and possibly using lower-level rooms for storage. Concerns were raised about construction dust, restroom conditions and the need for additional cleaning assistance, although no formal arrangement was approved.
Wayne County EMA Director, Jeff Jake also reported that work will continue on updating the county’s emergency operations plan, which is due in April.
Before concluding, board members expressed hope that the incoming board would resume work on updating the county employee handbook, along with addressing ongoing courthouse maintenance and operational needs.