By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

The Livingston County Board met last night in the start of its new fiscal year to discuss money coming in from the State of Illinois and new intergovernmental agreements.

Livingston County Board Chairman Marty Fannin said the board had appropriated funds for the county highway department in the past due to funds not coming from the state in a timely manner. Not only did the highway department get their money, but 911 did, as well.

“That frees that money to back into our coffers and gives them their operating funds they needed, and 911, they got two or three checks already, so now they have operating funds that they were very tight on,” Fannin said.

The board also approved an intergovernmental agreement and ordinance establishing a new Livingston County Enterprise Zone.

“This is an economic development tool. If a company comes in and builds a facility in the Enterprise Zone, that frees up a lot of money, as far as sales tax from the state. It makes it more attractive for businesses that are coming to Livingston County,” said Fannin.

Fannin also addressed the resolution that established the assistant State’s Attorney staffing level, explaining that means that as long as the department stays within budget, it can increase its staffing from what they have now to what it may need, depending on caseload.