Change in County Redistricting Map

By Bob Balgemann

The face of Boone County Board District #2 will change
somewhat to reflect its population growth since 2000. But
beyond that few if any revisions are expected as the county
ponders redistricting, which happens after each census.

District #2 now has 19,378 residents, compared
with 18,474 in District #1 and 16,313 in District #3. A
preliminary revision calls for District #2 to be reduced to
18,036 residents, while District #1 would increase to 18,064
and District 3 to 18,065.

To make that happen there would be shifts in voting
precincts as follows:

Every voter north of Illinois Route 173 would vote in
District #1. This change would move 141 voters out of
District #2.

The area east of Caledonia Road would become part
of District #2, moving 551 voters out of District #1. Both
of those proposed revisions would affect Precinct #1 in
Caledonia.
Precinct #13 in Belvidere would become part of District
#3, taking 829 voters out of District #2.
And Precinct #14 in Belvidere would become part of
District #3, moving 923 voters out of District #2.
Number of Board Members to Stay the Same
District #1 County Board Chairman Bob Walberg at the
board’s May 18 meeting polled his colleagues on a number
of issues relating to redistricting. “I’m just trying to get
consensus from the commission,’’ he said.
Seven of the 11 in attendance favored keeping board
membership at 12 members, four from each district. District
#3 board member Terri Glass preferred the number to be
reduced to nine, saying, “There would never be any tie
votes and it would save money.’’
The number of member districts will remain at three, with
seven voting in favor of continuing to appoint the chairman,
rather than having county voters make that decision.
Members will continue to be paid $75 for each meeting
they attend. District #3 member Ken Freeman asked if the
per diem would remain in effect for another 10 years.
“No,” Walberg replied, “that (change) can happen
anytime.’’
Now that there is consensus on those issues, redistricting
will continue to be discussed at the committee level, before
returning to the board for final action.

EPA Raises Questions about Leachate System

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni said the leachate
in reducing the elevation of the leachate in the landfill.’’
Leachate is water that percolates through a landfill and
helps with the decomposition of waste. It may contain
toxics and if not collected properly could contaminate
groundwater.
RMT, Inc., out of Madison, Wis., will “perform the
landfill gas sampling, analysis and reporting as required
by IEPA,’’ according to a proposal letter submitted by the
company. “Emissions testing last was conducted in 1998
and more recent data is needed to complete the IEPA annual
emissions report.’’
Cost of the work would be approximately $10,700, but
that figure could increase because of potential health risks to
RMT employees, the letter stated. Workers will be provided
with coveralls, safety shoes, hard hats and eye protection.
“If additional protection is required … RMT will advise the
county/city (of Belvidere) of the needed protection and any
associated increase in compensation before proceeding with
the work.’’
Terrinoni said purpose of the testing is to see if the system
is working properly “and then convince EPA that it is working
properly. We need the help of these professionals.’’