Arduini retains county chairmanship for 10th term

MORRISON - Tony Arduini will remain front and center at Whiteside County Board meetings - at least for the next 2 years. The board unanimously re-elected Arduini, D-Rock Falls, Monday night to his 10th term as chairman of the board. Arduini has been with the county for more than 40 years. "I'm really honored to serve you and serve this county," Arduini told the board. "Our goal has always been to serve the county and not ourselves." After the meeting, Arduini said the biggest challenge facing the board over the next few years will be the local economy. The county board recently passed a $30.6 million budget with a projected $1.23 million deficit. In addition, the board recently approved a $462,000 tax levy to help offset a $200,000 deficit in the county's ambulance services through CGH Medical Center. Bringing new businesses to Whiteside County has also been a struggle, Arduini said. "I've been on the board for so long, and one thing I've learned is that you can't predict the future," Arduini said. "We will just have to do the best we can." Bill McGinn, D-Sterling, was unanimously elected as vice-chair during the organizational meeting. The board swore in newly elected board members Tom Ausman, D-Sterling; Mark Hamilton, R-Morrison; Kenneth Roeder, D-Fulton; Steve Wilkins, D-Morrison. Robert VanDeVelde, D-Sterling, was unable to attend the meeting and will be sworn in Dec. 16. As the chair, Arduini receives $3,000 a year, while the vice chair receives $600. Board members receive $60 for each meeting.