Shelby County Board appoints two new members

SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — The Shelby County Board elected two new leaders to the board during Monday night's meeting.

The County Board elected Sonny Ross as the new Chairman and Julie Edwards as the Vice Chairwoman.

This comes after former Chairman Bobby Ortman and Vice Chairman Mark Bennett resigned from their leadership roles, and the board earlier this month.

Ross is vowing to return order to the board, which has been faced with public criticism and litigation.

"We've got to get some things done that have been delinquent far too long and I can promise you I am going to do what I can to get things accomplished," said Ross.

Top of the list for the new chair and vice chair is finding a company or law firm to complete an audit of the board.

The prior auditor terminated its deal with the county because of the recent resignations.

On Monday, Ross released a statement regarding the vote:

"I was excited to see Julie Edwards accept and be elected as Vice- Chair last evening. In the hours since being elected to that seat, Julie has proven an incredibly valuable asset, not only to me in the role of chair, but also the county board as well. Together, we will get the tough things done, and move forward with the business of the county."