Perry County property owners will pay more in taxes next year to help prop up the county's challenged finances.
At their meeting Thursday, the Perry County Board of Commissioners approved a 2017 property tax levy, payable in 2018, totaling nearly $3.7 million -- a 4.9 percent increase from last year, and just under the 5 percent threshold that would have required a public hearing.
"Unfortunately, the board did not want to do an increase, but we all know the situation we're dealing with, and unfortunately revenue did have to be increased slightly," County Clerk Josh Gross said Thursday.
Last month, the board approved a budget with more than $5 million in expenses and with a deficit of about $18,000.
In response, the county has undertaken a number of measures, most notably layoffs for three full-time positions. Two of those positions come from the Sheriff's Office, which also saw the loss three part-time positions.
Also on Thursday, commissioners approved a 2017 property tax levy, payable in 2018, of $612,631 for the unit road district. That figure is down $32,000 from last year.
Epplin remains board chairman
Although only two voting members were in attendance Thursday -- Commissioner Dallas Bigham was absent -- Board Chairman James Epplin was approved for another year as chairman. Following the vote, Epplin spoke briefly to the challenges ahead. "It's going to be a rough year again," he said.
Commissioners OK tax warrant
In an effort to make the coming county payroll, commissioners approved a $300,000 tax anticipation warrant. The warrant is through Du Quoin State Bank.
Properties returned to tax roll
Commissioners also approved the conveyance of 11 county-owned trustee properties during Thursday's meeting. County Clerk Josh Gross said the properties represent a total of $22,614.12 in tax revenue collected, with $15,452.33 of that going to the county. Gross said that with the back taxes on those properties paid, they can return to the county's tax roll.
Changes made to cemetery board
Commissioners accepted the resignation of Herbert Chapman from the Tamaroa Cemetery Board and appointed Lisa Maple to serve in his place. Chapman, 84, has served on the board since 1977 and as its president since 1988. In a letter read by Gross to the board, Chapman cited declining health as the reason for his resignation.
Tamaroa raffle license approved
Commissioners approved a raffle license for the village of Tamaroa as part of that community's efforts to purchase new playground equipment. Gross said the village's water department has donated a vacation giveaway to be given away, and the year-long raffle will conclude in December 2018.
