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Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Miscalculation means fewer funds State has used wrong tax equation, so county will receive $30,000 less By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
HENNEPIN — Putnam County Treasurer Kevin Kunkel told the Putnam County Board the estimated $260,000 they were expecting to receive from the Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT) would be closer to $230,000. He said he’d received an email which said the wrong equation had been used by the state for the past two years and the budgeted revenue would be reduced by approximately
$30,000. Kunkel’s time before the board during the Jan. 9 meeting also included discussion of the county’s new accounting system and the associated payments. Those who have worked with the system, which for the past several months has run parallel with the old one in order to help streamline the transition, agreed some difficulty was expected, though it was beginning to function more smoothly as glitches were worked out and they became more familiar with the program.
The cost of the program is $34,234.10. For budgetary reasons, a $28,000 check was cut last year and held by Kunkel. The board approved the release of those funds to Computer Information Concepts (CIC), but decided to hold the remaining funds until they were sure the system was completely in place and those involved were comfortable with its operation. A related time clock system will be added to the program for an additional $12,520. Supervisor of Assessments
Tammy Mehalic told the board she was asked by a rental property owner about the possibility of being allowed to take a General Homestead Exemption and having the renter pay the property taxes. Mehalic explained the idea was the homeowner would receive the $6,000 exemption and then lower the rent accordingly and have the long-term renter pay the remaining property taxes. In theory this would benefit both the owner and the renter, but it would also reduce the revenue
received by the county. Mehalic said it’s allowed by statute, but that the decision lies with the county. She also said Bureau County allows it, but LaSalle County doesn’t. The board took no action, but Chairman Steve Malavolti said, “It sounds like a can of worms we don’t want to open.” Board member William Holmes agreed, adding, “It sounds like something we should leave alone.”
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They need your blood Red Cross issues emergency call By Goldie Rapp grapp@bcrnews.com
ing them again is making me start to remember games and things I haven’t thought of for many years.” When asked if any of them have children who are following in their footsteps on the diamond, Margis said his two daughters play softball and his son plays baseball. However he joked they weren’t as good as he was on the field.
PRINCETON — It’s that time of year when blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in. The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations in response to this shortage. Lori Compton, disaster program specialist for the American Red Cross of Northwest Illinois Chapter, said this time of year always poses a threat to the blood supply. Holidays, vacations and poor winter weather have prevented many regular donors from attending local drives. A press release issued by the Red Cross stated that there were 37,000 fewer donations given nationwide during the months of November and December. The Red Cross also had to cancel nearly 100 blood drives in December due to severe winter weather, which resulted in 3,100 blood donations going uncollected. Unfortunately this comes at a time when the need for blood is higher because of accidents and illness that occur during severe winter weather months. Compton described it as being a circle of need that happens every year.
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PCR photo/Dave Cook
Basketball player Lori Rebholz (from left) and the 1998 PCHS Final Four baseball team were inducted into the PCHS Hall of Fame during Saturday night’s basketball games against Mendota. To see more pictures from the induction, see Page 7.
The newest members
PCHS inducts the 1998 baseball team and basketball player Lori Rebholz into the Hall of Fame By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
GRANVILLE — Even though many had not seen each other since their high school days, the winning chemistry of the 1998 Putnam County High School (PCHS) baseball team was immediately evident prior to their induction into the school’s Hall of Fame. The Final Four team, which
amassed an impressive 29-6 record, was happily reunited for the ceremony in R.M. Germano Gymnasium held between the Jan. 14 basketball games against Mendota and looked as though they were still ready to play. The other inductee was Lori Rebholz, star of the early-’80s girl’s basketball teams. When baseball player Mike Margis heard the team was to be inducted he said he “was con-
fused and thought it had to be a joke.” Margis’ teammate Tony Phelps added how great it was to see his teammates again, but also was quick to joke how so many of his teammates were balder than he thought they’d be, himself included. Teammate David Garcia said of the induction, “I’m excited, it’s great to see everyone again and hear their voices. Just hear-
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