Jasper County to Conduct Courthouse Feasibility Study

Jasper County board members have agreed to have a feasibility study conducted as to whether the current county courthouse in Newton should be replaced.

The County conducted a similar study concerning the sheriff's office and county jail. The decision was to build a replacement facility.

The courthouse feasibility study and inspection report would cost $11,900. The study will be conducted by Conner and Conner Engineers and Architecture and Design Group.

The Jasper board agreed to move ahead with soil cementing the West Liberty Road. The 3.8 mile project will be done next summer. Funding for the project is available. The Board is also working on ordinances guaranteeing that county and township roads would be protected and cared for if any wind or solar facilities are constructed within the county. It's hoped action on the ordinances could take place during the Board's October meeting.

Jasper County Clerk Amy Tarr shared that her office will receive $20,325 from the Polling Place Accessibility Federal Grant. Tarr said the funds would be used to install ADA accessible door pushplates for both sets of doors at the County Building and into her office.

The Board agreed to place the tentative budget for the coming fiscal year on display with final action expected at the October Board meeting. There was also discussion of health insurance rates for the coming year. The Board agreed to again this year pay half of the expected rate increase.

Jasper board members also learned that Vistra Corporation, the owner of the Newton power plant, overpaid in property taxes and is entitled to a refund of $421,822.80. It was agreed to reimburse the funds to Vistra. The Board also voted to pay off $790,209.18 to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund to eliminate a negative balance in the fund. There are IMRF funds available to cover the payment.