Jasper Board Allocates Funds for Road Improvements

Jasper County board members Thursday allocated motor fuel tax funds for road and bridge improvements planned during 2014.

$241,000 was allocated for routine road maintenance.  Road and Bridge Committee members reported that bids will be received on replacing the Fox Township Bridge west of the rest area in January.  The project is estimated to cost $315,000 with Jasper County covering half the cost.

The Sheriff's Committee reported that a meeting was held to discuss ways to decrease inmate medical costs, and a new patrol vehicle was purchased from McClane Motors for $21,980.  

The Board approved a settlement agreement with Ameren Illinois on the property assessment for the power plant in Jasper County that had been owned by Ameren, and approved the budget for the coming fiscal year.  Board members had earlier indicated that all departments were asked to make 2% cuts in their respective budgets.  

The Board also voted to allow the Jasper County CEO class to use the Board Room for meetings if there is a conflict at their usual meeting place.  It was announced that Jasper Economic Development Incorporated and EJ Water Cooperative donated $5,000 to the CEO class and got a matching grant, meaning a $10,000 total contribution to CEO.  EJ CEO Bill Teichmiller presented the grant.  It was also reported that the City of Newton is still looking at an affordable housing complex.