The County Board Thursday agreed to a small hike in fines for criminal convictions to bolster a child-advocacy group.
Board members agreed to attach a $10 court cost for every felony and misdemeanor conviction, with the money going to support the activities of the Guardian Center, a child advocacy group based in southeastern Illinois.
The Guardian Center works with children who have been victims of sex crimes and provides training for officers and other authorities who have to investigate crimes against children, Sheryl Woodham told board members.
However, the state's budget crisis means the center could lose as much as $89,000 next year. Under a law passed in 2007, counties may assess a fine or court cost to support organizations like the Guardian Center.
State's Attorney Mike Henshaw urged the board to pass the small fine. He also wrote the resolution board members passed.
"The Guardian Center is a great advocate for children; I'd hate to lose them," Henshaw said.
If the Guardian Center receives all its state money next year, then the $10 fines will provide a little extra for the organization.
Rent to city
Board members are closer to finalizing a rental contract with the city of Harrisburg at the Saline County Detention Center. The contract proposal includes $1,000 per month in rent from the Harrisburg Police Department. The rent has been set at $500 per month since 1993.
A tentative agreement is in place, Gary Siebert said. Board members decided to remove a clause that allows extension of the contract so it has to be renegotiated or extended by both parties after it expires in one year.
Board members and the city still have to agree on starting and ending dates. Meanwhile, the city has made May and June payments at the $500 rate.
