Vehicle records kept secret

MORRISON – A denial by Whiteside County of access to records may be an indication that Steve Haring’s county car is part of the investigation that led to his suspension Tuesday.

The county on Thursday refused to disclose to Sauk Valley Media records related to the vehicle that had been assigned to Haring, the county engineer.

A day earlier, SVM asked to examine all documents related to Haring’s county vehicle. It also sought any records and reports on the allegations against Haring.

On Tuesday, the county Public Works Committee voted unanimously to suspend Haring with pay “until further notice.” Officials said there was an investigation of Haring but wouldn’t give any details.

County Administrator Joel Horn issued the denial for the requested records. In an email Thursday, he said the records were exempt from disclosure under the state Freedom of Information Act.

He cited a provision that makes an exception for records that “are in the possession of a public body created in the course of administrative enforcement proceedings, and any law enforcement or correctional agency for law enforcement purposes.”

It wasn’t clear how records related to the vehicle, a Chevrolet Blazer, were created as the result of administrative proceedings.

County employees are to use their assigned vehicles only for official business.

Horn hasn’t returned repeated calls for comment. Members of the Public Works Committee have declined to discuss the allegations.

After Tuesday’s meeting, Horn referred questions to the state’s attorney’s office. State’s Attorney Gary Spencer advised SVM to send a public records request to Horn.

In an interview Wednesday, County Board Chairman Tony Arduini said he wanted the matter resolved quickly.

“We don’t want this dragged on. I’m sure he [Haring] doesn’t want this dragged on,” Arduini said.

Haring, who makes $104,000 a year, is in the fifth year of a 6-year contract.

John Bauscher, the assistant to the county engineer, has assumed some of Haring’s duties.

The Public Works Committee will meet again today. The item, “Comments from County Administrator” was added to Thursday’s second draft of the meeting agenda.

To attend

The Whiteside County Public Works Committee will meet at 3:45 p.m. today at the Highway Department, 18819 Lincoln Road/U.S. Route 30, east of Morrison.