Jasper Board Agrees on Funding Truck Purchase

Jasper County board members Thursday finalized a method of paying for a new county highway department truck.

The Board voted 9-1 with two members absent to loan the Highway Department $90,286, with the department repaying the General Fund over four years.

Board members also voted 7-3 to approve the budget for the new fiscal year. Fehrenbacher, Heltsley, Weddell, Swick, Warfel, Smithenry and Pickens voted for the budget, while Michl, Leffler and Hickox voted against.

The Board also voted to add an Active Shooter Policy to the County personnel policy. State's Attorney Chad Miller and Board Chairman Ron Heltsley will go to each department about the policy.

Board members approved a one-time payment to the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce to assist with expenses. The payment will come from gaming monies. The Board also appointed Marcia Street to a three-year term on the Board of Health, paid a $2,000 gavel invoice for the state's attorney and circuit clerk offices, agreed to a new three-year contract with the Jasper County CEO Program at $1,000 per year, and agreed to join a lawsuit against drug manufacturers that holds the manufacturers accountable for the drug addiction problem. There is no cost to the County to join the lawsuit, and the County would share in any damages awarded.

The Board was also briefed that negotiations on tax liability for the Newton power plant should wrap up after the first of the year. The proposed agreement will be sent to Vistra, the new power plant owner.