Perennial Argument Over Who Maintains Du Quoin Lake Roads
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Thursday's Perry County Board meeting included a perennial question from a Du Quoin City Lake-area resident: "Who is suppose to maintain our roads?"
Until the Perry County Circuit Court is asked to decide, or until the City of Du Quoin and the newly organized unit road district reach agreement, the short answer is apparently "no one."
Jamie Vancil, a resident near Du Quoin City Lake, came to the meeting with a question about what could be done about the roads. County Engineer Doug Bishop could not attend the meeting but prepared a statement claiming the City of Du Quoin is responsible for maintaining several miles of the narrow and deteriorating roads that wrap around and lead up to the lake.
In addition, Bishop said the county cannot accept responsibility for the roads until they are improved up to the point they meet the acceptance requirements set by the state. The problem with the city lake roads is two-fold: 1.) roads have been grandfathered in under old non-compliance rules, and 2.) lake residents refuse to form a lake association taxing district to take care of their own problems. In short, lake residents want the best of both worlds. They want the service, but not the expense. The roads are legally owned by Du Quoin, but lake residents don't pay Du Quoin taxes, so Du Quoin doesn't want to spend the money. The road district won't accept them because they aren't up to standard.
During warm weather, the city does minimal amounts of maintenance. In inclement weather, the street department has enough to take care of within its own corporate limits. Years ago, Du Quoin received rent from the cabin sites the city owned and there was more attention to the roads. The city later offered the lots for sale and after they were all sold most municipal maintenance of the rock roads ended.
Commissioners stated that after viewing Bishop's rationale, Vancil's argument is with the City of Du Quoin.
Vancil also criticized the county highway department for "unprofessional language" that was used by road district staff when she called to inquire about clearing roads during the snow and ice storm.
Other items covered on the agenda:
The board amended the taxation code to create a County Jail Medical Cost Fund. The code adds a $10 fee to convictions or supervisions of criminal violations other than petty or business offenses.
Discussed the annual report from the Circuit Clerk's Office. The office handled 4,698 cases through 2008 and transacted a total of $1,141,146.72.
Accepted the resignation of Chairman Bobby Kelly from the Mental Health Board and accepted Commissioner Sam Robb in his place.
Approved raffle licenses for the Friends for Jarrett Kitchen Benefit and the Knights of Columbus.