Local news briefs

R.I. County considering raising fees again.

Only two years after boosting fees for the Rock Island County clerk's, recorder's and sheriff's offices, county officials are considering another hike.
A new fees study was suggested because of rising costs, especially worker salaries, in a short time, the board's finance committee chairman said.

East Moline seeks to use part of a special tax levied on downtown properties to improve facades.

East Moline's special-service area committee said Monday it wants to use three-quarters of a special tax to improve the appearances of downtown buildings and streets.
Committee members told city staff Monday they would use $45,000 out of a $60,000 special tax on some downtown properties for the work.

United Township schoolboard approves tax increase

The idea of a tax increase was met with wide approval by the United Township School Board at its Monday meeting.
Board members discussed asking voters to increase the district's education fund rate by as much as 33 cents per $100 assessed property value.
The district must come up with $750,000 to cover a deficit in its education fund, which covers such expenses as teachers' and administrators' salaries.

R.I. Mayor Mark Schweibert and AFSCME rep argue over pay raise

Mayor Mark Schwiebert and a union representative for Rock Island's public works department quarreled at Monday's city council meeting over a proposed pay raise for the city manager.

Former animal control officer for Mercer County found guilty of theft of $35,000.

Paul J. King, 55, of 211 Jefferson St., New Boston, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of theft for the $32,000 in personal fuel use and up to $3,000 he pocketed when collecting fees intended for the county animal shelter.

This certainly didn't help Mercer County's budget crisis.