Jasper County Board Reviews Work on New Courthouse Project

Jasper County board members heard that their Courthouse Committee reviewed a second design for the new Courthouse building.

Committee members indicated the ADG and Stone and Waggoner could possibly have a final design to present at the next meeting.

The Board heard that bids will be opened on February 13 for an interior remodel of the Health Department, and that a bid for a mini-excavator for the Highway Department was awarded to Dittamore Implement Company of Teutopolis for $119,000.

Voting has concluded on the county flag design contest. Due to the winter weather conditions, the Flag Design Commission has not yet to review the public vote and make a final recommendation. The meeting will take place in February, then the Commission will report its findings to the county board. The Board will then vote on whether to adopt a new flag, or formally adopt the current flag design. No formal adoption of the current flag was recorded when its use began in 1976.

The Board also discussed an appraisal of the Newton power station. The current agreement expires during the 2025 tax year. A subsequent appraisal will be done on a cost share with affected taxing bodies, based on the percentage of total taxes received from the power station. The Board agreed to pay $6,400 for the appraisal work, with other affected taxing bodies also having to approve.

The Board agreed to approve publishing a request for proposals for county IT services, and also agreed to investigate health insurance coverage for county employees. The County Clerk will collect options, then a task force made up of representatives from the various county offices will review the options. Final recommendations will be made to the County Board this spring.