It was a12-7 vote (Tuesday) by the Iroquois County Board to withdraw Iroquois County involvement from the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department.

If all goes as planned, the 30-plus year arrangement between the two counties for health services will end by June 30, 2014.

The Ford County Board has also initiated its own effort to withdraw. However, because Ford County officials had not heard back from the state health department concerning its letter asking for approval to end the dual-county arrangement, the Board took no action at Monday's meeting.

Ford County Chairman Rick Bowen said the Ford County Board could schedule a special meeting if a letter of approval is received prior to the board's next meeting in December (9th). The board hopes to take action no later than its regular December meeting.

The Iroquois County Board approved a resolution to withdraw without gaining approval from Dr. Lamar Hasbrouck, Director of the Illinois department of Public Health.

The Iroquois Board Tuesday also OK'd the hiring of Peoria attorney John Redlingshafer to provide the legal services to complete the withdraw.

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