The Vermilion County Health and Education Committee met on Wednesday and there was some conflict about happenings at the Animal Shelter. Initially and without controversy, all agreed the staff proposal for a spay and neuter program would be advantageous and cost savings to the community. However, after that agreement and during the discussion about the budget, a few Board members expressed concern about unilateral decisions being made by a few people without Board input. Tim McFadden raised a concern that while there was an objection to the Health
Department’s request for an increase to fight STD’s, no one seemed to question the $20,000 dollar increase in the new Animal Control Director’s salary. Board members Becky Stark and Vic McFadden also expressed concern about the unilateral actions and seemingly contrary positions on being budget conscious in one case but not questioning the $20,000 salary increase in another. All Board members acknowledged that the new director was a good and capable person and did not want to negatively question him, but had questions about the process. The Animal Control and Shelter budget was approved by the Health and Education Committee, but questions remain and may be addressed before the final budget is approved.
The Superintendent of Education also presented his budget, and it was approved but not without comment from Board member Jerry Hawker questioning a state stipend being given to certain county employees without proof that they earned it. Superintendent Hird assured the Committee that no payments are ever made except for actual work done, but the State stipend has long been a source of funding and used appropriately.
The Health Department budget was also approved, but with negative comments by board member Jerry Hawker about the requested tax increase to cover the STD program. The requested increase was deemed a marginal overall increase and was approved.