Future of veterans home a concern to County Board

An effort to ensure the future of the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna was discussed at this week's regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting, which featured a wide-ranging agenda, was held Monday afternoon at the Union County Courthouse.

The county board recently appointed a committee made up of local residents who initially had planned to focus their efforts on possible plans for expansion of the veterans home in Anna.

However, given uncertainty surrounding the state's current fiscal condition, concerns have surfaced about the future of the facility.

County commissioner Don Denny said the committee will  be considering a petition drive as a way to show support for the veterans home.

Other business

In other business at Monday's meeting:

The commissioners gave final approval to a contract for employees in the Union County circuit clerk's office who are represented by the Laborers union.

The contract is for two years and is retroactive to Dec. 1, 2008. The agreement includes a 3 1/2 percent wage increase in its first year and a 3 percent increase in the second year.

Commissioner Denny reported that the effort which culminated in last September's Lincoln-Douglas debate sesquicentennial celebration is a finalist for a Governor's Home Town Award. The award is sponsored by the state.

He also reported that work continues to seek funding for development of the county's Pine Ridge Lake site for recreational purposes.

Union County State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds reported that he is seeking grant funds which would allow him to employ another attorney for this office.

The state's attorney reported that work is continuing on plans to utilize the services of a private firm to collect unpaid fines and court costs owed to the county.

The commissioners approved the appointment of Gary Dahmer as a citizen representative on the Southern Five Regional Planning District board.