Jasper Board Holds May Session

Jasper County board members Thursday discussed transportation improvement projects.

A bid for work to replace a bridge west of Latona came in 15% above estimates.  A.J. Walker Construction of Mattoon bid $220,334.48.

Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group was the low bidder on a soil cement project on the Shamrock Road.  The bid was $495,316.  

The Jasper board also discussed salaries for those county officials to be elected this November.  There was discussion about setting the sheriff's pay the same as other elected officials, but others noted the sheriff's job should pay more as the sheriff is on call round the clock.  The final suggestion was to set the Sheriff's pay at $58,000 with no safety salary and to set the other salaries at a future meeting.

Board members learned that there is an additional premium due for Workers Compensation insurance coverage.  Ambulance workers were coded incorrectly, leading to an additional premium due of $30,460.  The budget will be amended to allow for the additional expense.

The Board agreed to allow the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce to use the Courthouse lawn for the Strawberry Fest, Fall Festival and Legion Veterans Day Program.  The Courthouse lawn will also be used for a Burl Ives Quilt Display.

Jasper board members also approved Gary Engelbart as a Montrose Fire Protection District trustee.