The Marion County Board Tuesday night approved moving two voting precincts effective with the primary next March.
Clerk Steve Fox made the request because of issues at both voting places.
Both Salem Precinct One, that currently votes at the courthouse, and Salem Five, which votes at Selmaville School, will now vote at the Marion County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building.
Fox says with courthouse security and lack of room in the rotunda and the potential ability to look down on the voting booths from the upper floors, he felt it was best to relocate Salem One. He reports they have been using an open space that serves as the cafeteria at Selmaville School. In the past, the school has closed on election day, something they don’t want to do in the future.
The board agreed to put safety film on the first-floor windows of the courthouse to keep the windows from breaking and only shattering if struck by a bullet or during a break in attempt. Three board members, Josh Dunahee, Cody Rose, and Adam Smith, voted no on spending the $11,490 cost. The film was on the old windows of the courthouse before they were replaced.
Sheriff Kevin Cripps was given permission to trade in two squad cars on the purchase of two new vehicles. He doesn’t feel he would come close to getting the $5,000 that they have been offered as a trade in.
Animal Control Officer Ken Ferguson reported he picked up four new puppies on Tuesday. Seven puppies are now up for adoption as well as six other dogs being held. During the month, five dogs were adopted, four returned home and one was euthanized. Ferguson is encouraging those missing a dog in the county or who is looking for a dog to adopt to visit the Marion County Animal Control Facebook page.
The board approved a renewal of the liquor license for the Wedding Barn.
Billy Halfacre was appointed to represent Marion County on the South Central Illinois Regional Planning Commission.
