Jasper Board Sees Resignation of Committee Chair

Print

Published on August 12 2016 9:17 am
Last Updated on August 12 2016 9:17 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Danny Kerner has agreed to step down as chairman of the Jasper County Board's Road and Bridge Committee and Solid Waste Committee. The move came after he was removed as committee chairman by County Board Chairman Joe Bierman.

Bierman said at Thursday night's meeting that he removed Kerner as chairman for Kerner's benefit, not for any other reason. Kerner initially said he was not going to step down, but later in the meeting agreed to the move.

Not much information was shared in open session as to what caused the actions, but it's reportedly related to discussions by Kerner and the Jasper County Engineer with another county on an agreement. Kerner indicated they were only gathering information, but he was then asked whether any committee or the Board asked him to gather information.

Kerner stated he always tried to do what is right and wants to know what he did wrong. Bierman then shared his reasoning behind the decision. Kerner asked to see any contract that might have been developed, but was told that there was no authority from any committee for anyone to pursue a contract. 

State's Attorney Brad Harris also answered some questions from board members, and some board members expressed their non-agreement with Kerner's removal as committee chairman. Bierman responded that "we have to have some rules." 

Meanwhile, County Engineer Dick Patterson said he felt this is a "witch hunt" against him.

In other action Thursday, the Jasper board increased the cost of renting a dumpster. A flat fee of $650 will be charged, and the dumpster will not be moved during the time it's rented.

The Board discussed changes to 911 by the State, in that the State now collects the surcharge fees and then disburses them to the appropriate counties. The Board also heard that 911 has agreed to pay the cost of new software from Spillman Company. Jasper County and the City of Robinson have been discussing a joint dispatching system. Robinson is going with Spillman and a Spillman representative and the Robinson police chief were present for last night's meeting. The Jasper Board voted to approve the agreement with Spillman.

Jasper board members approved a $1,000 increase in salary per year for the Animal Control officer. The City of Newton, which shares the cost, will be approving the increase. Also, a salary increase payback to County departments will be completed in early November, and it was shared that Kemper CPA Group wants to quote the County audit work for the next year. A quote will be sent to be considered at the Board's September meeting.

Board members approved a cost study for County Clerk recording fees and Sheriff's civil process fees, and discussed security doors for the Probation Office but tabled the matter for now.