Shelby Board Considers Fiscal Year Budget

Shelby County Board members Wednesday approved a tentative fiscal year budget that calls for more outgo than income.

The measure has a projected deficit of $678,012. That amount includes $350,000 estimated to be spent on reroofing of the Courthouse in Shelbyville, a $200,000 increase in the Sheriff's Department to cover mandatory training, additional dollars in the airport budget to show what is spent on farming the airport ground not directly needed for takeoffs and landings, and costs incurred to make jet fuel available for purchase at the airport. Some of those items like the sale of jet fuel and revenue from the produce grown on the farm will help offset those costs.

The budget is to be finalized at the Board's September meeting.

Meanwhile, bids received on the Courthouse roof repair work were rejected as too far above the estimated cost. The project will likely be re-bid.

The Board heard from Economic Development Director Anna Kiley that grants are being sought to attract a traveling Smithsonian Institute exhibit for display during next year's Illinois Bicentennial celebration. Kiley also reported on what might be done to answer a need for more affordable housing in the county.

Shelby board members approved a resolution for a 35MPH speed limit on Petrie Drive on the southwest side of Shelbyville.