6 minute read
again after tax bill snafu
from PCR-07-22-2020
by Shaw Media
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PUBLISHER Dan Goetz 815-431-4014 dgoetz@shawmedia.com
Putnam County eyeing finances again after tax bill snafu
BY KIM SHUTE kshute@shawmedia.com
HENNEPIN — Finances, now more than ever, are at the forefront of Putnam County Board’s concerns.
Board members, who worked diligently to slash nearly $1 million from this year’s budget are facing additional financial strains due to COVID-19 related decreases in tax revenue and a recent tax bill error.
Treasurer Kevin Kunkel reported to the board that 2020 income vs. 2019 is about half of what the county was at this time last year as the first installment of tax bills comes due. He said there does appear to be a lot of people delaying payment until the second installment is due in September.
Kunkel also said he believes a number of people are waiting for corrected tax bills, after a snafu in
For the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program, the last four decades can be measured by the millions of volunteer hours given to help bring horticultural help to communities across the state.
This year marks the 48th anniversary of the Illinois Master Gardener program. With more than 2,600 volunteers today, Illinois Master Gardeners have given more than 2,309,348 volunteer hours, a value of more than $46 million, to the state.
Today, Master Gardener volunteers — who come from farms, small towns, suburbs and cities — offer numerous educational opportunities related to gardening in nearly every county in the state.
The mission of the Illinois Master Gardener program is “Helping Others Learn to Grow.” After 60 hours of training in topics such as vegetable and flower gardening, insect problems and plant diseases, the volunteers participate in programs throughout their communities. Some of those opportunities may include speaking at garden clubs, civic groups or schools; answering calls or emails at garden help desks; establishing demonstration gardens that serve as educational tools and educating citizens on how to establish community gardens.
You don’t have to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener. All you need is an interest in gardening, some time to volunteer in billing sent incorrect bills to tax payers.
“We’ve sent $21,000 in refunds,” he said. “And we’re fielding a lot of calls.”
Kunkel said the individual errors weren’t large, maybe $50-$60, but that adds up when multiplied by the number of taxpayers. Those who paid in full received or will receive a refund check, those who paid just the first installment will see a credit on the amount due in September.
Kunkel also said sales tax is way down and it will be “interesting” to see what the numbers are by the year’s end. Right now, he says revenue year-to-date is about $1.5 million, while expenses are sitting at $1.6 million.
“We should be OK this year, barring any large, unexpected expenses,” he said, “But we’re going to need to be prepared for next year.” the community and a desire to share your knowledge with others. The program is more about connections; connecting people with other gardeners, with their community and with reliable resources for information. Once connections are forged, it’s time to get sowing and growing in our many meaningful community projects.
The University of Illinois Extension in Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam counties is now accepting applications to participate in the Online Master Gardener Training Program. This online program allows volunteers to complete the training who may have never been able to in the past due to schedule or time conflicts. This online, self-guided course for Illinois residents can be completed any time of day or night. Set aside about four hours per week for videos, reading the manual and completing quizzes and the training will be completed in 14 weeks.
The 2020 Fall Master Gardener Online Training includes 13 modules — an introduction and 12 subject-areas. Module topics include: Botany; Soils and Fertilizers; Plant Diseases; Entomology; Integrated Pest Management; Annuals and Perennials; Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines; Lawns; Small and Tree Fruits; Vegetables; Composting/Organic Gardening and Living with Wildlife.
Each module consists of several videos and an online quiz; there
Sheriff Kevin Doyle reported to the board that traffic has increased at the courthouse with the Phase 4 reopening to the public and he’s employing cost-saving techniques there.
Office personnel have been on hand to monitor temperatures of anyone entering the building, which they’ve cut down to one entrance to better monitor traffic.
The board discussed whether to purchase a thermal imaging camera, similar to those being utilized at other courthouses, but Doyle said at this time it isn’t likely because he’d still need someone to oversee its use.
“We also have to be careful about all our purchases,” board member Charlie Lenkaitis said. “Even if it’s reimbursed 100%, it looks bad for residents to see us spending money, especially if we’re going for a refer
endum in the fall.” fore, a strong internet connection is highly recommended. Please note this training is not being offered in local Extension offices, but must be completed through use of a personal computer or other computer access. The registration cost for the program is $300, which includes the Master Gardener manual.
Registration for the Fall 2020 training will be open from Aug. 10 to Sept, 7, and the class will start on Jan. 28. For more information or to obtain materials to begin the registration process email Meg E. Overocker, extension program coordinator, at meo@illinois.edu or leave a message with your contact information at the University of Illinois Extension Unit Office at 815-224-0889.
Following completion of the training, Master Gardener interns will work with Extension staff and local Master Gardeners in the Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam Unit area to complete required volunteer time through approved community service projects.
Go to https://master-gardener. extension.illinois.edu/mgot to read more about the program.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, indicate when registering. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs. For more information, call University of Illinois Extension Unit Office at 815- 224-0889.
