Total Cost of Sheriff's Department Audit Half the Budgeted Amount

Effingham County Board members Monday paid the bill for an audit of the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, and it ended up half the budgeted amount.

The Board several months ago voted to ask West and Company to audit the sheriff's department concerning the funds spent on a high band radio system, alleged discrepancies in procedures at the sheriff's office, and instances of alleged misconduct in the administration of the sheriff's office.

The audit found no indication that funds were used other than for purchases related to the sheriff's department, and found that items were in inventory as expected.

The bill for the audit was $7,900, about half the $16,000 budgeted for the audit.

Also Monday, County Board Chairman Jim Niemann reported that in his visit earlier in the day to Springfield, no action has been taken by the General Assembly as far as continued funding for 911 past the end of the current fiscal year. 

The Board amended the county's truancy ordinance, requiring that schools must refer students to the Regional Office of Education before a truancy case can be referred to the State's Attorney's Office.  Board members also honored the St. Anthony Grade School Scholastic Bowl squad for a fourth place finish at the State Meet; renewed agreements with the City of Effingham and City of Altamont for GIS services and abated the $25,000 due from Effingham and the $5,000 due from Altamont since adequate funds are available to operate the system; approved a $1,000 contribution to the Good Neighbors of Lake Sara for the July 5 fireworks display at the lake; and earmarked $2,500 annually for maintenance of the TREC Trail with the funding subject to an annual review.

County Board members appointed Joyce Shumaker to replace Dot Behrns on the County Board of Health.  Behrns had served as chairman of the health board for some time.  Jackie Witges is the new chair of the board of health.  The Board also approved Ted Heath for another at-large term on the 911 Board; named Bob Hoene a trustee of the Sigel Fire Protection District; approved Mike Bowman as a trustee of the Edgewood Bi-County Fire Protection District; named Paul Niemerg a trustee of the Dieterich Fire Protection District; and re-appointed Henry Verdeyen and Jack Klay to the County Board of Review.

The Board approved agreements related to funding for the county's public transportation system including grant funds, and approved transportation improvement projects, including culvert or bridge replacements on 1115th Road in Jackson Township, on 250th Avenue in Mason Township, and on 600th Avenue in Jackson and Mason Townships.  The county and the affected townships will go halves on the project cost.