In early December, members of the Rock Island County Board will serve on only four committees instead of eight. Last night, the board voted overwhelmingly to consolidate the committee structure based on suggestions from the public during public meetings earlier this year.
Chairman, Ken Maranda, says the Committee of the Whole will replace the Executive Committee, which is made up of committee chairs and the board chairman.
The new Finance and Personnel Committee will handle Rock Island County's finances, budgeting, and human resources. There will still be a Public Works Committee, and the Governance, Health, and Administration Committee will cover all three of those areas.
Maranda says Rock Island County Board members will consider more government reforms in the months ahead, including standardized policies and procedures.
In March, the Rock Island County Board decided to consider government reforms in five phases. It's already voted not to contribute to the state retirement system for some members. And it stopped health insurance benefits in June.
Also last night, the board decided to hire Hope Creek Care Center's interim director on a full-time basis. Lynda Vogt will report to County Administrator, Dave Ross. Two months ago, the county board decided to save money by running the nursing home itself instead of relying on an outside company.
