The Wabash County Board of Commissioners held a short meeting on Monday. It is being recessed until July 11th, when they will meet with City officials to continue negotiations towards a new 9-1-1 dispatch agreement. The meeting will start at 1 p.m. at Mt. Carmel City Hall.

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There has been a large drop-off of assessed property valuation in the county since last year. Assessor Debbie Gittings said it amounts to a loss of over 425-thousand dollars ($425,710). In working with the Illinois Department of Revenue, it was decided that for one year only, the Wabash County multiplier will go up to 1.0218. While we’re on the subject of taxes, Treasurer Beverly McBride told the county board that around 95-thousand dollars in prepayments have already been received. And, Monday was the day to get your mobile home taxes paid on time. Effective Tuesday, a late fee will be tacked on the bill.

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The county board Monday voted unanimously to declare items from the State’s Attorney office surplus. Cassandra Goldman said the older collection of state law books and courtroom standards were not needed. They have since been updated.

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Highway Engineer Dustin Bunting told commissioners Monday that a tentative start date for the bridge replacement on 650-East in Road District 5 has been set. Work will begin on July 15th – that’s if the river recedes by enough to allow crews access.

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