The McLean County Board is directing additional assistance from the state Opioid Allocation Fund to rural fire stations in the county.
A unanimous vote on Thursday approved the measure that will award up to $50,000 for each fire protection district. Board chair Elizabeth Johnston said the departments can certainly use the extra money.
Departments will submit proposals for what exactly they’d purchase.
According to the county’s agreement, the money is to be spent on “purchasing medical equipment or supplies that will effectively address the opioid crisis.”
“These rural fire departments tend to be strapped for cash, and strapped for manpower,” Johnston said. “And this is an opportunity for us to support them, helping to have more equipment for lifesaving techniques.”
Decision on solar project delayed
The board planned to vote on Yarrow Solar LLC’s proposal to construct a 39-acre solar power facility in Mount Hope Township in southwest McLean County.
Johnston said there are labor issues still being worked out in regards to the project, so the board agreed to table the vote until the April meeting.
In other business, the board
— Approved a special-use permit for a private airfield on property in Dale Township at the request of Jason Kieser.
— Signed off on a $5,315 budget for wellness programs for county employees. Events promote health services like exercise and heart health.
— Approved a proposal with Weber Electric to install a new uninterruptible power system in the McLean County Law and Justice Center. The old system, installed in 1996, has exceeded its expected life of 25 years. The project is expected to cost $84,900.
