“This has been a long time in coming,” said Stark County Chairman Mike Bigger.  “And it’s a great accomplishment.”    The Stark County board held an official opening of the elevator, which had been in use for a week or so.  The Honorable Stewart Borden was present and Board members Tom Howes and Mike Bigger, Stark County Sheriff Jimmie Dison and State’s Attorney Jim Owens all gathered for a test run.
“I just want to tell the county thank you for finishing this project,” said Castleton resident Aaron Goodman during the meeting. “There are a lot of folks that really appreciate it.” 
The Board has secured a Rural Development loan to pay for the project until the State of Illinois sends the Capital Improvement Grant.  Maintenance on the elevator will cost the county around $2,500 a year.

New Engineer
The County board approved hiring of Mark Otten as the new full-time County Engineer for Stark County.
“Mr. Otten completed his certification and is certified to be a County Engineer,” reported Chairman Bigger.
The County Engineering contract will be for six years with first year’s salary of $82,000. The subsequent years will have additional salary increases.
The board will not provide any health insurance due to the County policy change.
The County Engineer’s salary is partially reimbursed by the Road and Bridge funds for the county.

Other business
The county board approved the annual prevailing wage ordinace.  The board also approved revisions to Stark County Emergency Operating Procedures presented by ESDA coordinator, Fred Sams.
The next regular board meeting will be on August 9 at 7 p.m.