The following issues are taken from September 19, 2012’s Boone County Weekly, a supplement to the Rockford Register Star, which was mailed or delivered to residents around the county.
Partially Updated September 26, 2012
From 6.
Click on the photocopy to enlarge:
Bill believes that there has been no evidence yet submitted to the county board to warrant a change in the current zoning . The professional staff at Boone County Planning and Zoning has stated that a 2,000 foot set-back does not exist at any nearby communities in Illinois.* The staff recommendation was for no change in the ordinance; they also stated that many of the people’s concerns would be addressed when an” actual application” for the special use is received. When the specifics are given specific conditions may address these public concerns.
One of the townships (Leroy,) proposed a 1,400 foot set back. Leroy is one of the township where contracts for wind turbines appears to be actively pursued.
For a more recent media account of the proceedings from Tuesday 9-26-2012, go to: http://www.rrstar.com/news/yourtown/boone/x1238769054/Long-winded-turbine-talks-could-delay-vote-in-Boone-County
Apparently the new ordinance proceedings are still in the testimony stage and will be reconvened on October 23, for these details see: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2012/10/zoning-board-process-allows-all-to-have.html
*Apparently there are at least two counties with the 2,000 feet setback based upon private citizen’s testimony at the hearings on 9-26-2012
I have a large garden and do burn dried plant waste and leaves. Hopefully I am considerate of my neighbors. I believe that the current ordinance limiting burn to daytime and personal yard waste is appropriate. If you have a problem talk to your offending neighbor and if necessary call the sheriff.—BILL
Please remember that many local communities (Capron, Belvidere to name a few) have city ordinances limiting or prohibiting burning.
Page 2
This is taken from Pat Mattison (R, District #2) political ad.
Bill’s Views: Manipulate is too strong a word. A kinder view is that the county board is having a difficult job communicating to the general public that current revenues are drastically down and that various reserves had to be used. But this cannot continue indefinitely and there are few remaining options. Sale tax and other revenues were down before the recession hit in 2008, then drastically down for three years but are not returning to the higher revenues of 2006. State grants and transfers arrive late and will probably decrease. The board has promised that the jail sales tax bonds will be repaid in 2018. Will the tax actually end then?
Bill believes that it time for the county board to tell a few truths:
1. The jail sales tax has funded important parts of the jail and sheriff operations. Base upon current conditions it must continue. But it should not continue without the people’s approval in a referendum. Have a referendum before 2018 authorizing continuing of the sales tax after 2018 but at a quarter cent rate (currently the rate is one half cent) and with the provision of a mandated referendum re-approval five or ten years down the way.
2.The county administration was required by Moody’s Rating agency to provide a five year financial plan. This is available at my watchdog blog: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-is-projected-five-year-cash-flow.html or the county’s website:http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/8WZT4R75951B/$file/County%20Administrator%20Presentation%20Moody's%207-12-12.pdf. Require that the county board declare if the budget they pass for the fiscal year beginning November2012 is a based upon what they believe is a “structured deficit” or a “balanced budget” . (I am certain the majority will always say it is a “balanced budget”.) Have the Moody’s five year financial plan be used to evaluate actual performance and require that the five year plan be updated annually if not more often. Perhaps by this means citizens and the board will gain confidence that there is direction to county finances.
