Jasper Board Recognizes Departing Workers

Jasper County Board members Thursday recognized three departing individuals for their years of service.

The Board said thanks to Sheriff Rick Britton who, after several years in office, had retired and then ran and was re-elected to a four-year term that ends December 1. Also receiving thanks was Jeff Smithenry for his six years of service, and thanks were also extended to Linda Huth, who has worked for the county for 32 years including the last three terms as County Clerk.

Those beginning new terms on the County Board will be a part of a reorganizational meeting of the Board at 6pm on December 3.

The Board approved a local agency agreement for Federal participation in a countywide guardrail project, paid the bill for a contract with Spillman Systems for law enforcement communications, and also discussed the proposed jail expansion project with the next planning meeting set for December 11.

Board members approved a $5,000 payment to Dan's Glass of Effingham for glass work at the Courthouse in Newton, and heard that the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce has pulled out of a proposed location but also heard the Tourism Council might be interested in that slot.

The Board approved the 2019 fiscal year budget resolution change in the State's Attorney's allocation, adding $1,000 from last month's projection, and including 911 in the county budget remembering that it is 911 funding. $543,000 in expenses were noted, and $200,000 to the jail project.

Board members renewed an agreement with the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecution Service for handling court cases when conflicts arise; agreed to split hotel/motel tax revenue between the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Council; contracted with Ed Deters of Effingham to serve as Jasper County Public Defender at $65,000/year; agreed to declare Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve as county holidays; and approved incoming County Clerk Amy Tarr as manager of the county risk management program for $5,000/year.