Cathy Ward
BOONE COUNTY NEWS - In a nutshell, the majority of the board last night gave preliminary approval to two solar projects (still a few more hurdles, but a positive feeling) and the majority gave raises to our county clerk position and our county treasure position. The clerk's salary is now $83,343 and the treasurer's salary is now $76,098. The raises would be 1%, 1%, 2%, 2% over the next four years, (6%) plus they get an extra $6,500 from the state each year, plus benefits. Those positions are now held by Julie Stapler and Curt Newport. Both are running for re-election. Sheriff Dave Ernest, who could also have been given a raise, had told our finance committee he would be happy to say at the same salary, about $117,000 per year. By a narrow vote, the majority of the board kept Sheriff Ernest's salary the same. Thanks to Dave. He understands the seriousness of our financial picture. Only board members Jeff Carlisle, Brad Stark and me consistently argued and voted against the raises. Before the referendum, some board members said we would be in dire straits if the referendum did not pass, suggesting we would need deep cuts. Since it failed, I believe that was a message from our taxpayers to hold the line. Not all board members agreed.Thoughts on both solar and raises?
And what about solar?
William Randall The Boone County Board proposed a text amendment to establish what some consider protections for the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens concerning potential solar farm developments. This text amendment was sent through planning and to the ZBA where I attended hearings as evidence was presented and then the case vanished from the agendas, without a vote. The County and City of Belvidere decided to lease the Rt 76 landfill for solar development, however, the project would be a no-go if the new text amendment rules on setbacks were adopted. The County Administrator all but scolded the board at a previous board meeting because they were compromising his "good faith" negotiations with the solar developer by pressing forward with the text amendment. Mr. Newhouse told him if the board approves the landfill development special use before they vote on the text amendment it is a moot point. I wonder when this text amendment will reappear? Perhaps the day after the special use permit for the landfill is filed thus grandfathering them under the old rules? What's good for the goose, is good for the gander, certainly does not apply in Boone County.
Below is From: http://www.rrstar.com/news/20180518/boone-county-board-approves-two-solar-items
1 comment:
Maybe this is the reason the board rewarded....I mean awarded the treasurer and the clerk with a raise...to muddy the waters,,
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