During a recent government meeting, community safety and budgetary concerns took center stage. A local resident raised alarms about the hazardous conditions on Broadwater Road, citing its narrowness, curvy layout, and poor maintenance, which have contributed to several accidents. The resident proposed reducing the speed limit to 45 mph in the area until road refurbishments can be made, emphasizing the need for immediate action to enhance safety for local drivers.
Additionally, the resident highlighted issues of speeding, tailgating, and illegal passing on Broadwater Road, calling for collaboration with state police and the sheriff's office to address these dangerous behaviors. The concerns resonated with others familiar with the road, underscoring a community-wide need for improved traffic enforcement.
In the meeting's administrative segment, several budget amendments were discussed. A notable item included a request for a $77,000 supplemental state allocation for the Children's Services Act, aimed at supporting at-risk youth and their families, which requires a $40,000 local match. Another significant grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, totaling $171,200 with a $42,800 match, was approved to fund the county's multimodal safety and mobility action plan.
The court also received an additional $35,600 from the state to automate land records, enhancing secure remote access for the public. Furthermore, an outdated facility use agreement between the county and the Illinois County School Board is set to be updated to reflect current usage.
Lastly, the county is moving forward with a resolution to participate in a proposed settlement of opioid claims against Kroger, which is expected to yield approximately $100,000 over the next 11 years. The meeting concluded with the approval of an employment agreement for the clerk to the ward, marking a productive session focused on community welfare and fiscal responsibility.