Page 2 - Terry Eaker News Today

After the newly elected Madison County Board members were sworn in at a reorganizational meeting on Dec. 5, board member Mick Madison (R-Bethalto) was selected to serve as chairperson pro tem.

Republicans maintained a majority of 18 to eight on the Madison County Board after it was downsized by 10 percent last year.

Following a heated debate over whether the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) was properly on the July 20 meeting agenda, the Madison County Board voted to form a subcommittee to learn more about the tax law.

The Madison County Board was met with disapproval and the sounds of booing from the crowd after they voted 19-6 during a special meeting on July 6 to approve an ordinance establishing increased oversight of Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler.

“The County Board has lost confidence in its Chairman to advance a fiscally responsible future for the County,” the ordinance states.

“The County Board has lost confidence in its Chairman to advance a fiscally responsible future for the County,” the ordinance states.

Chairman Kurt Prenzler was shocked to hear about plan to changes his duties to appoint officials and department heads.

Several Madison County Board members have petitioned for a special meeting to amend personnel policies and Madison County ordinances in order to transfer authority from Chairman Kurt Prenzler, arguing that they have “lost confidence” in his ability to “advance a fiscally responsible future for the county.”

Republican county-wide officials have joined Madison County Board members “in strong support” of their effort to modify ordinances relating to Board oversight and Chairman Kurt Prenzler’s authority over County Board administration.

Candidates in the most contenious Madison County-wide race have laid out their endorsements to help inform Republican base voters who don't often have to decide contested local primaries.