WIUM Local

The Illinois Senate has approved legislation that will require retired state employees to pay premiums on their health insurance.

Governor Pat Quinn says he will sign the bill into law.

The state says 90% of retired state and university employees don't pay any premiums for their health insurance. That is estimated to cost at least $800 million this year.

Supporters of the legislation says it preserves access to health care for retirees. Otherwise, co-payments would rise and coverage might be reduced.

Lee County will provide money for a proposed sports complex in Fort Madison.  The decision comes after the Board of Supervisors spent weeks rejecting requests for funding.

The Vision Iowa Board has said that Fort Madison’s request for more than $800,000 will not be considered without a $25,000 contribution from the county.  The program requires city, county, and public support for a project.

Students are not the only ones preparing to bid adieu to Western Illinois University.

Pam Bowman, Director of Human Resources, said the university averages 77 retirements per year. But she said approximately 142 employees are retiring before the end of June this year.

“Approximately 77 Civil Service, 20 administrators, and 45 faculty,” Bowman said.

While some are stepping aside because of their age or years of service, others chose to leave because of concerns over their retirement payout.

Lee County will receive some outside help in its efforts to land a new industry.

The Board of Supervisors has agreed to hire attorney Bob Josten to negotiate with Iowa Fertilizer Company on behalf of the county.  Josten is with Dorsey & Whitney, a Des Moines-based law firm the county uses when it borrows money.

Iowa Fertilizer Company is considering a 300-acre site near Wever for a $1.3-billion dollar fertilizer plant. 

Des Moines County is being asked to borrow $450,000 on behalf of the county’s E-911 Board.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Tom Broeker says the agency still owes money to a local bank for some computer equipment purchased years ago.

Broeker says a recent state audit revealed that Des Moines County’s E-911 Board should not be carrying any debt.  He says that means the agency cannot renew the loan, which must take place within the next few months.