County Seeks Payment from Landfill
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ "I told you next time you saw me it wasn't going to be good," Treasurer Bill Taylor said as he shook his head at the Thursday Perry County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Perry Ridge Landfill, just west of Du Quoin, has fallen back on their payments to the county. As of April 1, from figures provided from the landfill, Perry Ridge owes $94,453. This doesn't take into account anything owed from the start of the second quarter (past April 1).
The landfill had fallen behind on payments once before but started back up once contacted by county commissioners. Chairman Bobby Kelly and Commissioners Jim Epplin and Sam Robb all said they would contact the landfill manager to see if the problem could be resolved.
"It's not like they aren't getting any business," Taylor said, "We charge them tipping on how much tonnage they move. We don't get anything if they don't get any business."
The board also heard a presentation from Michelle Cerutti with Man-tra-con about their Summer Youth Program.
Man-tra-con was granted $1,465,883 to apply to their summer program for the nearest five counties.
The number of youth hired out of each county depends on population and economic status of the county. The slots available are: Franklin - 62, Jackson - 137, Jefferson - 55, Perry - 42, and Williamson - 104.
Requirements for eligibility begin with age, allowing anyone 16 to 24 to participate. The applicant must also meet the low income requirements dependent on size of the family unit: 1 - $10,400, 2 - $14,000, 3 - $18,880, 4 - $23,309, 5 - $27,504, 6 - $32,172, and an additional $4,668 for each member past 6.
Wages will be based on educational level starting at a minimum of $8 an hour, then raising to $8.50 to those with a high school diploma or GED, and finally $9 to those with an associate degree or higher.
Workers will be paid directly and be employed by Man-tra-con earning 20 to 32 hours a week.
Employers who wish to partake in the project need only supply a safe working environment, a supervisor for the youth, and assistance with the assessment of the youth at the start and end of their employment. There is no cost involved, including workers compensation.
Employers or youth interested in getting involved can contact the summer works coordinator at 618-998-0970 ex. 212 or visit the website at www.mantracon.org.
Other items addressed on the agenda...
Approved the contract proposal for summer mosquito abatement with William Kelly out of Carbondale.
Accepted the resignation of Vanessa Worthington as a member of the Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council. The board tabled the appointment of a replacement.
Tabled the appointment of a member to the County Board of Health.
Listened to an update from Solid Waste Manager Becky Tracy. Jackson Co. is holding a Household Chemical Collection Program on May 2 at the Southern Ill. Airport.
After a recent problem with brush burning nine miles east of Pinckneyville causing a thick haze over the roads and city the board is looking to amend the county burning ordinance. Though the ordinance follows EPA standards, the board wishes to prevent any future problems.
In regard to several calls about tire pick-up, Tracy said they cannot do it anymore because the EPA cut it from their programs. Applications must now be filled out for any tire pick-up and repeat applications will not be allowed.
Listened to a presentation from Shay Stone from Liberty National to discuss employee insurance.
Approved a raffle license for Perry Co. Act Society.