Franklin County Board has approved a $2.38 per capita annual tax increase on municipalities for the operation of its animal control facility.
The measure was approved Tuesday night during the Board’s regular monthly meeting.
“We calculated what we were running deficit spending on in fees and income. Since 1998, although we were in a great year for gas prices, the cost of everything has gone up,” said Tom Vaughn, chairman of the Health and Environment Committee, which recommended the increase.
“We pay our veterinarian more. We do use a licensed veterinarian for euthanasia, which has gone down considerably … we’re losing far fewer animals. We’re getting more cooperation from our communities and I think the cost is more than warranted. It’s always tough to raise taxes. It comes out of those city budgets and we understand everybody is fighting the same battles and getting less funding. At the same time we have to find ways to make sure we don’t lose ground on what we’ve been able to accomplish.”
Using the per capita cost ratio, the “equalized” tax will obviously be less for smaller municipalities, like Christopher, compared to Benton.
“We’re looking at approximately 40,000 residents in the county as projected by the census,” Vaughn said.
In a separate tax issue, the county approved tax levies of $5,000 each for the Wit and Wisdom Center in West Frankfort and to Franklin Hospital for the Meals on Wheels nutrition program. Each entity will be required to file monthly activity reports with the Board, it was reported.
The Board accepted the resignation of Rich Yunkus from the Franklin Hospital Board of Directors and re-appointed members Brent Young and Robert Lewis. The resignation of Debbie Ricci was tabled until September. Ken Richardson was re-appointed to the Housing Authority and Alan Price was re-appointed to the University of Illinois Extension Board.
During public comment, Rocky Morris questioned the intent of two hospital board members, calling for sanctions. He also inquired about what qualifications are needed to serve on the board and how prospective board members should express interest in serving on the board. Chairman Randall Crocker said prospective members should contact him or Administrative Assistant Gayla Sink at the County Board office.
