Jasper County Board Accepts Patterson's Retirement

The Jasper County Board Thursday approved a retirement compensation request for County Engineer Dick Patterson.

The Board also waived a retirement notice. 

Board members also appointed Denise Meinhart the Acting County Engineer for up to 100 days, and learned that a hiring committee had its initial meeting earlier this month to begin the process of selecting a permanent successor.

Meanwhile, the Board again heard from Circuit Clerk Jamie Blake, who asked for $20,000 in additional funding for her budget. The Board later in the meeting passed the budget for the new fiscal year without the requested increase.

Meanwhile, the reorganizational meeting to seat newly-elected Board members will be held December 1. Departing members are Joe Bierman with 16 years on the Board including the last two years as chairman, Mark Smithenry--10 years, Everett Miller--10 years, Jim Weber--12 years, and Dale Haskett--20 years. That's 68 years of service leaving the Board.

Also Thursday, the Jasper board heard the contract with the Sheriff's Union is ready for approval; Bill Hoffeditz was re-hired as Public Defender; and the Board learned that Jane Casey is willing to continue service on the Illinois South Tourism Board following the death of her husband, Larry.