Courthouse construction project bonds sold

Several updates about items related to the construction of a new courthouse were shared at this week's regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting was Monday afternoon at the Sunshine Inn Community Center in Anna.

The session was moved to the Anna location due to water problems which were being experienced at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro.

<strong>Courthouse Project</strong>

County officials reported that $12.5 million in bonds were sold last week. The bonds will provide revenue for the construction of a new courthouse. The county has been working with Bernardi Securities in Fairview Heights on the sale.

Union County Treasurer Bobby G. Myers said the bond revenue was received in the form of three wire transactions: one for $11,457,274.67, one for $1,048.600 and one for $2,362.60.

Myers reported that he plans to deposit the funds with Union County banks.

In other business related to the courthouse project, commissioner Don Denny reported that the project manager continues to work on lining up temporary utility service which would be in place during the project.

Denny said that representatives of the architectural firm are scheduled to be back in Union County as work continues on determining the final square footage of a new courthouse.

Other Business

In other business at Monday's meeting:

The treasurer reported that the county general fund had a balance of $500,884.06 as of Monday. He said the fund is in the best shape that it's been in for some time.

The commissioners continue to move forward with plans to work on a budget for a new fiscal year which begins on Dec. 1.

The commissioners approved the hiring of Alvin Neal of Golconda as interim county assessor.

Neal will serve in the post on a part-time basis while assessor Angela Adams is on medical disability leave.

An update on local tourism activities for the period from March through September of this year was given by Cindy Benefield-Cain. She is the executive director of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau.

Benefield-Cain reported that tourism continues to be a major boost for the local economy.

She reported that eight travel writers and photographers had visited Union County in June. Subsequent coverage provided by the visitors has been positive.

Benefield-Cain reported that many groups continue to visit the local wine trail.