County Board Passes Prevailing Wage Resolution

The Effingham County Board voted 7-2 to pass a prevailing wage resolution during a brief special meeting Monday.

Some board members admitted they don't like being "forced" to approve the resolution, and agreed with State's Attorney Bryan Kibler that the measure might seem "unconstitutional", but said the County could lose money if the resolution is not approved.

Kibler hinted that the County might be a "target" because of recent legislation regarding being a sanctuary county, so it might be more prudent to approve the measure. There was a suggestion that grants that otherwise would come to the county could be "at risk" if the ordinance doesn't pass.

The Board's Tax and Finance Committee Chairman Rob Arnold said he's having enough trouble keeping the budget balanced. He said, "I've heard people say they appreciate us taking a stand, but they don't want us jeopardizing funds." 

Board member Joe Thoele said there might be merit to the arguments, but said, "This county doesn't need to be the one to find out."

Board Vice-Chairman Dave Campbell said the prevailing wage resolution is "taking money out of taxpayers' pockets; it's not right." Board member John Perry suggested that sometime a loss of money might be worth it to fight the measure.

The measure passed with Campbell and Perry voting No.

The vote Monday beat the July 15th deadline for the measure to be approved.

The Board Monday also voted to reschedule the date for an Effingham County Farm Bureau centennnial activity event to July 21 rather than July 14.