The Wayne County Board met in regular session last (Thursday) night. Fairfield Mayor, Gary Moore addressed the Board regarding the hotel project, sharing positive developments. He announced that the City found a funding solution that does not require county board abatement, utilizing TIF and business tax district funds. Moore confirmed that development agreements had been signed with the developer and Comfort Inn and Suites and the project’s progression should start immediately. The developer, from St. Louis will build a 70-room, 4-story Comfort Inn & Suites hotel just east of Williamson Drive and east of Chava’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant and directly across from Dollar Tree. Mayor Moore indicated at a previous city council meeting the developer is also working on placing two restaurants on the property in the future following construction of the hotel.
Janice Crow, the Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois Region 20, provided an overview of the organization’s mission and services across nine counties, including Wayne County. She stressed their commitment to ensuring every child from birth to five years has access to high-quality education and care.
Crow outlined two primary recommendations from their recent needs assessment:
Resource Awareness: To aid families new to the community, they designed postcards featuring QR codes that link to local childcare services and resources. These postcards will help families easily access information about licensed childcare and early education programs.
Childcare Assistance Program: Crow explained the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides financial support for families based on income and family size. Unique to Wayne County, families can access funds not only for licensed centers but also for care provided by relatives or friends. Crow highlighted efforts to simplify the application process, making it more user-friendly.
In Office Reports, The Wayne County Highway Department requested approval for a Resolution for Maintenance that the Board approved unanimously. Wayne County States Attorney, Kyle Ellis reported improved court efficiency due to new staff additions and Wayne County Sheriff, Chris Otey noted increased activity related to weather changes and the completion of substantial training with other departments.
Wayne County Clerk, Liz Ann Woodrow reported a consolidated election turnout of 23%, which included 2,528 election day voters, 222 early voters, and 307 mail-in ballots. Treasurer, Yvette Anderson announced the completion of training on new financial software and Wayne County Coroner, Carrie Jo Dagg confirmed successful operation of a new generator and the old generator will be transferred to Wayne County EMA to replace the current generator. Gene Kollak gave a report on the Claims & Finance committee with a motion to pay the bills with the only NO vote coming from board member, Bill Bruce who stated he would like to see the county cut back on the training and technology expenses. Jeff Jake from Wayne County EMA reported his department was busy with the recent weather and also stated that his agency has FREE flood kits available to the public. Jake says he has about 48 kits remaining and anyone needing a flood kit can call and leave a message at the Wayne County EMA office or call the Wayne County Health Department.
The board discussed several facility maintenance projects at the courthouse which was all approved by the county board including: window replacements, estimated at $19,168 for 26 windows. This project will be paid for from the building fund
The 2nd phase of HVAC improvements with Haye’s Plumbing & Heating of Fairfield to do the work at the courthouse for $48,000. The work will be paid for with ARPA funds.
Additionally, a new renewable energy ordinance covering solar and wind power projects was introduced.
The board, with regret accepted the resignation from board member, Ronnie Windland who resigned April 3rd. Windland and his wife have moved to Arizona. The board will seek a replacement for Windland in District 4.
County Board Vice-Chairman, Gene Kollak concluded with gratitude to Coroner, Carrie Jo Dagg for her continuing committment on serving the needs of Wayne County residents while she deals with medical issues.
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