Identity Crisis: Perry County Senior Citizens
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The Perry County Senior Citizens is a separate organization from the Perry County Gold Plate meals program.
But, a representative of the Perry County Senior Citizens told the county board Thursday the fact that the county labels an annual increment paid to Gold Plate as "Perry County Senior Citizens" hurts the senior citizens' own fundraising efforts.
Gold plate receives an annual stipend of about $35,000 a year after voters years ago approved a referendum to shore up the finances of that meals program.
Perry County Senior Citizens spokeswoman Velma Harsy had a very plain and simple request for the board, "Change the budget listing that has our name on it."
State law requires that the listing be worded as it was on the original referendum. And, it was worded generally as "senior citizens" to help promote the referendum.
County Clerk Kevin Kern suggested amended the wording to read "Senior Citizens of Perry County Fund" then add "/Gold Plate" after it as well, to avoid confusion.
Senior citizens say when raffle tickets are sold by the Perry County Senior Citizens it encounters difficulty from buyers who say, "My taxes are already being allocated to you." That is not true, as the group does not receive any tax money from the county.
Though she had been hopeful for a more significant change, Mrs. Harsy said she would return to the group with the idea that rewording the item and getting the news out would help solve the problem.
The county board also:
Approved the tax deeds on two trustee-owned parcels.
Placed the 2008 budget emergency appropriations on file for public inspection. Those who had filed for emergency appropriations were the Sheriff's Office and the County Clerk. If further appropriations are made, more money will need to be added to the contingency fund.
Approved zoning special use permits for Roy Morefield, William and Sherry Colston, Jan Scarborough, Scott Vaughn, Frederick and Alta Walters, Roger Harsy, and Mary Choate.
Approved raffle licenses for Stine Family Benefit Trust, Du Quoin Main Street Inc., Catholic Daughters of the Americas #795, and Community Consolidated School District #204.
A representative from Knight Hawk Coal Co. was present to address any questions from the commissioners concerning the project that is pending for the area near Cutler. Robert Spencer said that since the original document was received, near September 4, additional information has been received concerning the project and more is coming. Spencer assured that an informed and careful decision will be made in a timely manner.
Robin Edwards brought forth a question about refunding money from special use permits. The board claimed that while the building permit rules don't say anything about refunding, but the zoning rules clearly state all sales are final. The board also said that they have not refunded payments from any permits in the past.
A question was raised about when the assessment work will be finished. Edwards replied that they will be finished Monday.
Also, a hearty congratulations to County Clerk Kevin Kern for receiving the Illinois' County Clerk of the Year award this past Tuesday, September 16. A complete story is being prepared for Tuesday's edition.