(WJBC file photo)
By RFD Radio/WFMB
MOUNT STERLING – The western Illinois town of Mount Sterling has opted not to cut off water service to the town’s state correctional facility, but the city administrator isn’t shy about her opinions on the matter.
Vada Yingling said the town was told the fate of the prison could lie in the balance if a disconnect order took effect.
“As the city our biggest fear is that our governor would make an example out of the first city that would make a stand,” Yingling said.
The state owes roughly $320,000 to Mt. Sterling with the prison taking up half of the village’s water supply. Yingling said the city had to cut off seven customers Tuesday while leaving the state’s water on.
She said other cities in the same situation should join forces.
“We can make a mightier stand together rather than individually,” Yingling said. “Maybe the governor can’t say no if we stand unified.”
The medium security lockup in Mt. Sterling employs 400 people.
