Shelby County Board Secures Interim Coroner

Shelby County board members are utilizing the services of a neighboring coroner until a successor can be secured for the late Brad Phegley.

Phegley died during an incident at Lake Mattoon earlier this month. The Shelby board has secured Fayette County Coroner David Harris to serve as interim coroner. 

In addition to a permanent coroner, the Shelby board is working to secure someone to serve on the Shelby County Board of Review from District 2. Part of the problem is that the pay for the coroner and the board of review members has not been set. The pay rates were to be set at least 60 days prior to the new terms of those individuals, and that didn't take place.

The Board is also now down three members following the resignations of Mark Bennett of District #2 and of Robert Orman of District #7 that were accepted at a special meeting last week. The post in District #1 formerly held by Lori Nelson remains vacant. The Board has 60 days from the time of the resignations to fill the vacancies.

Shelby Board members also allocated remaining ARPA funds. A major allocation of $536,863 was approved to pay for Courthouse repairs and renovations. Board Chairman Tad Mayhall said water has been getting in along the east wall. An inspection determined that water is coming down the roof line and in between the walls. Performance Services is being contracted to make repairs and to oversee some ADA compliance work.

Other ARPA expenditures include Courthouse clock tower repairs and clock tower components totaling more than $35,000; receiver system upgrades for a receiver site in Windsor for just under $16,000; $50,000 for the purchase of two patrol vehicles for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office; $125,000 for pre-audit services and audit work for the coming three years; and $113,000 in audit work for the past three years.

Shelby board members also passed the tax levy for the fiscal year.