Adams County, IL -- THE ADAMS COUNTY BOARD TONIGHT VOTED TO SPLIT $6.4-MILLION DOLLARS OF AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT BONDING AUTHORITY BETWEEN THE QUINCY PUBLIC LIBRARY AND THE MILL CREEK WATER DISTRICT.

THE LIBRARY HAD REQUESTED THE ENTIRE AMOUNT FOR REPLACEMENT OF HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, CONSOLIDATION OF THE LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND MOVING OF THE CHILDRENS DEPARTMENT, AND TO INCREASE PARKING.

MILL CREEK WATER DISTRICT ASKED FOR $3.5-MILLION TO DEVELOP A NEW WELL AND BUILD A NEW WATER PLANT ON ILLINOIS HIGHWAY 57, AS WELL AS IMPROVE WATER MAINS.

IN THE END, AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, BOARD MEMBERS VOTED 10 TO 7 WITH ONE ABSTENTION AND 3 MEMBERS ABSENT TO DIVIDE THE BONDING AUTHORITY.

MILL CREEK WATER DISTRICT WILL RECEIVE $950-THOUSAND, WITH THE LIBRARY GETTING $5.53-MILLION.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR NANCY DOLAN SAYS THEY WILL SEEK FUNDING FROM OTHER SOURCES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THEIR NEED. MILL CREEK ENGINEER CHARLIE BACH SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL HAVE TO DISCUSS THEIR OPTIONS.

THE STIMULUS PLAN BONDS HAVE A 45% TAX REBATE THAT MAKES THEM VERY ATTRACTIVE, BUT BOARD MEMBER KENT SNIDER SAID THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ALSO FOUND BUILD AMERICA BONDS ARE AVAILABLE AT A 35% TAX REBATE, WHICH EITHER ENTITY COULD APPLY FOR.