•January 1, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for The News Progress

A public hearing on the 2019 tax levy took place at the ALAH School Board meeting on December 18.
Last year, due to a new increased balance in the IMRF funds, a balloon levy was proposed. The levy will continue to be stable at a relatively low tax rate. Before the hearing, the levy had been on public file for 30 days and a notification was also put in the newspaper. There were no public calls concerning the levy during that time. A motion was made to approve the 2019 tax levy of 3.54 and it was approved.
“Compared to last year at this time, we have $137,000 more in expense items. That is really good, because we’ve had an increase in salaries,” Supt. Shannon Creek explained. “When you consider the increase in salaries and the roof project, we are in really good shape.”
In the Treasurer’s Report he noted “We’ve accumulated 24% expenses up to this point for this fiscal year, so we are right on track if not a little bit ahead.” Read More

•January 1, 2020•
In the December 18 News Progress front page story on Genny Sutton’s 102 birthday honor some names were unintentionally omitted. They included Jacob Moritz, great grandson; Jonathan Inman, grandson and Mary Lou Kidwell, sister.

•December 25, 2019•
By Ariana Cherry
for The News Progress

The cash balance for the Sullivan School District stated at the most recent board meeting was $335,169.88. The balance of the Education fund was $4,637,824.83 and transportation funds sat at $1,431,386.20. Bills totaling $155,675.75 along with the treasurer’s report was authorized.
Last month, the board also authorized Superintendent Ted Walk to prepare the 2020-2021 annual budget.
Supt. Walk presented the tentative tax levy mentioning that there would be a slight decrease in the IMRF, Social Security and Tort funds. The tentative tax levy for 2019 payable in 2020 is $4,780,928. The estimated 2019 tax rate payable in 2020 is 4.1213% which was an estimated decrease of 0.0389%. Read More

•December 18, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

Sullivan City Council put the cannabis sales decision on hold and extended the liquor license moratorium for six months.
Rather than opt out of potential cannabis revenue as the county has Mayor Richard Glazebrook suggested a six month moratorium on the decision. He explained there was little likelihood of a dispensary locating in the city and waiting could clear up questions about the new law.
Commissioners Peggy Hargis, Chuck Woodworth, Abbey Sherwood, Mike Fowler and Glazebrook voted for the six month vote moratorium on cannabis policy.
A moratorium on new liquor licenses was approved unanimously for an additional six months. The moratorium does not affect existing licenses or renewals.
The annual levy and assessment of taxes was adopted unanimously by the city council. In the presentation Treasurer Sarah Golden explained the tax levy was one percent over the previous year. Read More

•December 11, 2019•
Animal Control and Emergency Services and Disaster Agency consolidated in Moultrie County and Sheriff Chris Sims reported progress to two county board committees last week.
Sims and Deputy Caleb Smith, who is designated Animal Control and ESDA coordinator, replaces animal control officer Sam Donaker, who retires at the end of the year and ESDA coordinator Jan Haegen who retired in December. Read More