The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners met last night for their committee meetings. During the Environmental Public Works Committee the board discussed and supported the county-owned courthouse parking lot lighting project. The old lighting system will be replaced with more efficient L.E.D fixtures. Commissioner Bill Gratopp says the upgrades were needed, and will be cost effective. Randy Maiers, Community Foundation of St. Clair County President, addressed the council as well, asking them to support the foundation's Reverse Scholarship Fund. Instead of paying for college up-front, the scholarships would be used to pay off student loans for those who have left our community and are willing to relocate back to the area. Commissioners also discussed a recent meeting they had with the state treasurer regarding big-box stores attempting to lower their taxes by appealing the tax value of their properties. Large retail establishments want the value of their so called Dark buildings; ones that are vacant, to be used when appraising the cost of their properties.
