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Government

RI Co. Board Okays Another "Streamlining" Measure

Rock Island County
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Rock Island County

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.

Maranda2.MP3
Some of those things probably got overlooked when we were short-staffed with only two people. But now we've got Dave and the Human Resources Director has really stepped up. We're definitely changing for the better.

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.

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
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WVIK News

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. 

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
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