FAQs

Circuit Clerk

1. I got a traffic ticket. It says "pay or appear." What does this mean? You do not have to appear in court if you choose to plead guilty and pay the fine in advance of the scheduled court appearance.

Coroner

1. How long does it take for me to acquire a death certificate ? Depending on the circumstances of death. For a natural death, the time period is normally a week to 10 days. For a death under other than natural circumstances, an average time period is 2 to 6 weeks.

2. What is an inquest? An inquest is an inquiry into the manner and cause of someone's death. Testimony is given regarding circumstances surrounding the death.

3. Can I obtain copies of reports concerning someone's death. Yes. If an inquest is to be held, reports are not available until after the inquest. Certain fees apply.

4. How far back do the records of this office go? The files in our office go back to 1922.

County Clerk

1. What is needed to obtain a marriage license? A photo ID for both individuals, a $20 fee, and both need to be present to fill out their form and sign the document. You need not be present at the same time. The license can be used the next day within Randolph County.

2. What is needed to get a certified copy of a birth certificate? A written request is needed plus a photo ID. A $10 fee is charged if you pick it up the copy, $10.75 by mail

County Treasurer

1. I sold this property, why did I receive a current real estate tax bill? The tax remains with the property regardless of ownership. To determine your liability for paying the tax, check your closing statement to see if the seller gave you credit, or contact your attorney.

2. Why are my taxes so high? Your taxes may be higher due to taxing districts requesting more property tax money. Your property assessed value may increase, or an increase in the state or township multipliers would raise taxes. Loss of an exemption will increase tax dollars.

3. Can my real estate taxes be paid with a credit card? The County is not equipped at this time to accept credit card payments. You may use courtesy checks from your credit card company. Be sure to check with your credit card company prior to using your courtesy checks to verify the check will clear.

4. My real estate tax bill is sent to my mortgage company. How can I receive a copy of my real estate bill? Your mortgage company by law has 15 days from receipt of real estate tax bill to furnish the home owner a copy. If you do not wish your mortgage company to receive your tax bill notify the Randolph County Assessors Office to change the mailing address.

5. I no longer use a mortgage company to pay my real estate tax bill. How do I change my mailing address? All address changes are made in the Randolph County Assessors Office. You may call them at 826-5000 ext. 192. Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

6. What is a Owner Occupied Exemption? This exemption reduces the final equalized Assessed Value up to $5,000, not to fall below the 1977 equalized assessed value. To qualify, a taxpayer must own and occupy a property as the principal dwelling on January 1st of the assessment year.

7. What is a Homestead Exemption? Exemption for taxpayers who will be age 65 or older during the assessment year, own and occupy the principal dwelling on January 1 of the assessment year. Application for a $3,500 reduction of Equalized Assessed Value must be made at the Randolph County

8. What is a Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Exemption? Exemption for taxpayers age 65 or older during the assessment year, household income less than $50,000 for prior year, occupy the dwelling on January 1 of taxable year, own property & be liable for the taxes. Must apply annually at the Assessors Office.

9. What is a Home Improvement Exemption? Exemption reduces the assessed value by the amount of increase in assessed value due to improvements being added to existing residential structure. This exemption is for 4 yrs. from completion date. Applications are handled by the Assessors Office.

10. What exemptions are Veterans entitled to? There are several exemptions for Veterans (Disabled Vererans' Homestead Exemption, Disabled Veterans' Standard Homestead Exemption, Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption. Please contact the Randolph County Assessors Office (618-826-5000 ext 192).

11. What is a Circuit Breaker for Seniors and Disabled? Administered by State Department of Revenue, program offers grants and/or reimbursements for property tax and pharmaceutical purchases, based on income & disability status. For more information contact Assessors Office.

12. What is the Mobile Home Local Service Tax Enforcement Act? Beginning with taxable year 2003, the manner in which delinquent taxes on mobile homes are collected has been changed. Failure to pay this tax can result in a penalty of $25 per month, or portion of, not to exceed $100.

13. What is a Delinquent Tax Sale? Unpaid taxes offered for sale to the public. Persons offering to pay amount due on property for the least penalty percentage shall be the purchaser. No bid shall be accepted for a penalty exceeding 18% of the amount of the tax or special assessment.

14. What are the requirements to attend the annual delinquent tax sale? No registration fee required. All interested parties must sign in with name, address, & phone number. Taxes, Interest and Penalties are due the day of sale.

15. What is available to interested parties in regard to the Tax Sale? A Delinquent Real Estate Tax List consisting of owners name, parcel number & tax due and/or a copy of the actual Judgement book used at the sale.

16. What is the Randolph County Delinquent Tax Program (Trustee)? When property taxes at the annual tax sale fail to receive a bid, the property is placed in the Randolph County Trustee Program. Contact the Randolph County Delinquent Tax Agent at 1-800-248-2850 or 1-618-656-5744.

17. What is the difference between real estate taxes and mobile home taxes? Real Estate Taxes are paid a year behind (2007 payable 2008). Mobile Home Taxes run current year (2008 payable 2008).

18. What is the Disabled Person's Homestead Exemption? A $2,000 homestead exemption is created for disabled homeowners using the same eligibiltiy criteria as is provided in the Circuit Breaker Act. Please contact the Randolph County Assessors Office (618-826-5000 ext. 192 for more information.

County Zoning

1. What year does a mobile home need to be to moved into the county? A mobile home is required to be HUD approved which began to be regulated in June 1976 or newer.

2. Does a portable building (carports, shed etc.) need building permits? Yes, any new structure requires permits.

3. If building is smaller then a 8 x 10 will permits be required? Yes, regardless of size, any new structure requires permits.

4. If a new structure is less then $500.00 in cost, is permits required? Yes, every structure has a value, even if used material is being used in the construction.

5. If a new structure is not connected to a principal structure (ex. deck, porches...) is permits required? Yes, permits would be required.

6. How much property do I need to build on? This question is a very open-ended, do to the fact that it depends on many factors, such as zoned district, original deed, current property owners relationship to you, etc. It is best to contact the office with the specifics of the piece of property.

7. What is my zoned district? The zoned district of a piece of property is determined by the area in which it is located. It is best to contact the office with the legal description of the property in question.

8. Where do I find the legal description of a piece of property? A legal description can be found on the deed or a tax bill.

9. What is the Zoning Board of Appeals? The Zoning Board of Appeals consist of seven members which are appointed by the County Board Chairman with the advice and consent of the County Board of Commissioners.

10. What are setbacks? The horizontal distance from the lot line in question to the side of the structure facing that lot line or to the edge of the area of operation of the principal use (in the case of a use which does not involve a structure).

11. Can I put a additional home on my property? No, only one dwelling may be situated on any lot or lot of record.

12. I help with the family farming operation, can I put a new home on the family farm? Additional single-famly dwellings shall be permitted on an agricultural lot of record provided the occupants of said single-family dwellings are directly related by birth, marriage of adoption to the owners and residents of the lot of record.

13. Are permanent foundations required on mobile homes? Yes, The foundation shall extend into the ground below the frost line so as to attach and become apart of the real estate (basement, concrete slab or concrete perimeter with mortared concret block). No longer is vinyl skirting allowed.

Dept. of Economic Development

1. What is Randolph County's population? Where can I get detailed demographic data on local residents? Randolph County's population was 33,893 according to the 2000 Census. Go to www.census.gov for population breakdowns by Precincts and Municipalities.....numerous characteristics reported.

2. What is Randolph County's current unemployment rate? Where can I get similar information for neighboring counties in Illinois and Missouri? Randolph County's unemployment rate is 7.0% (Jan.'03 Preliminary). Go to www.ilworkinfo for Illinois counties and www.works.state.mo.us for Missouri counties.

3. Where can I get Community Profiles on municipalities in Randolph County? Community Profiles are currently available for the Randolph County municipalities of Chester (County Seat), Coulterville, Evansville, Red Bud, Sparta, and Steeleville. Go to www.commerce.state.il.us .

E-911

1. How do I get a 911 address? If you live within the City limits of a community, that specific City Hall will give you a 911 address. If you live in the rural area of Randolph County, you may obtain your 911 address from the Zoning Department, Room 200 in the Randolph County Courthou

2. What type of house numbers are required? No less than 3 inch numbers are requested

3. What if I don't have a mail box and live off of the main road? You are advised to post your address at the main road location.

4. Can I obtain a 911 mapbook? Yes! They are available in the Randolph County Clerks Office for $25.00.

5. Can I name or change my road name? Contact the Randolph County Zoning Office.

6. Will you put my 911 address in the system? When your phone is installed, the phone Company automatically downloads your telephone number in the system. This normally takes 1-2 business days.

7. Does Randolph County have wireless 911 access? Yes! Randolph County E-911 accepts wireless Phase I calls. Which displays the call back number and cell tower location.

Human Resources

1. Is there a notary public in the courthouse? There is a notary public in the County Clerk's office,the Treasurer's office, Mapping/Platting and in the Human Resources Office, Assessors Office and Circuit Clerk Office who can notarize at no charge to the public.

2. How are the Board Meeting Dates determined? The dates are scheduled on a Quarterly basis, set by the County Board Members at the first meeting in the Quarter.

3. How do you make an appointment with the Board of Commissioners? Contact the County Clerk's Office to be put on the meeting's agenda.

Mapping & Platting

1. What does GIS stand for? GIS stands for Geographic Information System.

Randolph County Emergency Management Agency

1. Where can I get information on current weather conditions? National Weather Service radio, local television stations, local radio station WHCO.

2. How do you become a weather spotter? Randolph County ESDA hosted classes by the National Weather Service and will be issued a ID# from the NWS.

Randolph County Sheriff's Office

1. Can I obtain a Photo I.D. from the Sheriff's Office? No, a Photo I.D. may be obtained through the Secretary of State's Office

2. Does the Sheriff's Office take passport pictures? No, the Sheriff's Office is unable to provide passport pictures.

3. When may I come to the Jail to visit an inmate? The Visiting Schedule is as follows: Tuesdays and Saturdays 9:00am until 12:00noon

4. What kinds of things can I bring to an inmate and when? No items may be brought to inmates. Funds may be deposited into an inmate's account for commissary purchases.

5. When can a person that is incarcerated in the jail be bonded out? As long as bond has been set by a judge, an inmate may be bonded out 24 / 7 / 365

6. When I call many local Police Stations in the county, the Sheriff's Office answers the phone, why? The Sheriff's Office serves as a "rollover" number for many local police stations because we "dispatch" their officers in response to calls.

7. I received a letter from the Illinois Sheriff's Association, headquartered in Sherman, IL., that was signed by Randolph County Sheriff Fred Frederking. Is this a legitimate solicitation? Yes, the ISA does solicit by mail. In fact, your participation helps fund the ISA Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for students enrolled in Illinois Colleges or Universities.

8. When is the RCSO Main Office open? The Main Office is open M-F 8:00am until 4:30pm. Except for the following:

• New Years Day
• Lincoln's Birthday
• President's Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• July 4th
• Labor Day
• Thanks

Regional Superintendent of Schools

1. Who do I contact if I beleive a wrong has been done in the school? First, contact the staff person involved. This usually is the teacher. After speaking with the teacher, if you believe you do not have resolve, contact the principal. If the principal has not been able to satisfy your needs, you should contact the school

2. When do you do GED testing? Please contact our Chester office to receive the latest schedule. Contact person: Susan Brown at (618)826-5471.

3. At what age may a student legally drop out of school? As of January 1, 2004, a student must attend school between the ages of 7 and 17.

4. How much does it cost to attend GED classes? Classes are free to the student.

5. How much are books and materials for GED classes? Books and materials are free to the student.

6. How often must I attend GED classes? As often as possible.

7. What towns offer GED classes? Chester, Sparta, Tilden, and Waterloo.

8. How old must I be to attend GED classes? You must be at least 16 years old.

9. When can I enroll in GED classes? You can begin attending class on any given class day.

10. How do I sign up for GED classes? Go to the class at the designated starting time and the teacher will sign you up.

11. What will I study in GED class?

• Language Arts - Writing (including essay)
  
• Social Studies
  
• Science
  
• Language Arts - Reading
  
• Mathematics

12. What are the times, dates and location of the Sparta GED class? Trinity United Presbyterian Church
301 W. Broadway
Sparta, IL
Mon., Wed., & Friday
8:00 a.m. - noon

13. What are the times, dates and location of the Chester GED class? Chester Public Library
733 State Street
Chester, IL
Mon., Wed., & Friday
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

14. Do I have to study all five subjects if I only need help in one? The teacher will help you decide which subjects you need to study so you can concentrate on only those.

15. What are the qualifications to be able to test?

• Be a resident of Illinois
  
• Be at least 18 years old and have entered high school with a class that has already graduated, or
  
• Be 17 years old and be out of school for one year, or
  
• Be 17 years old and pregnant or a single parent

  16. Do I have to take the Constitution test? If you bring documentation that you have passed the Constitution test in high school, you will not have to take it again.

  17. Where is the test given? The GED test is given in Chester and Waterloo at the Regional Office of Education.

  18. Do I have to take classes before testing? Only if you feel you need to.

  19. How do I register to test? To find out test dates call the Regional Office of Education in Chester at 618/826-5471 or the Regional Office of Education in Waterloo at 618/939-5650. You will need to go to the office and fill out the application and pay your money to get on the list.

  20. How many times can I test? The GED test can be take three times yearly.

  21. How much does it cost to take the GED test? It costs $35.00 (cash or money order only).

  22. What happens if I do not pass? The waiting period required before retesting depends on your score. If your score is fairly low you might want to go to GED classes for a while before retesting.

  23. What is Even Start? Even Start is a family education program for parents living in Monroe or Randolph Counties who have a child age birth to 8 years.

  24. What does Even Start provide for the parents?

  • Free GED preparation
    
  • Free reading and math tutoring

    25. What does Even Start provide for the children?

    • Hands-on learning
      
    • Fun activities - books, toys, games
      
    • Year-round program

      26. What does Even Start provide for families?

      • Child development information
        
      • Family activities
        
      • Parent support groups

        27. What are the times, dates & location of the Tilden GED class? Tilden Attendance Center
        540 Pine Street
        Tilden, IL 62292

        Monday & Wednesday
        1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

        28. What are the time, dates and location of the Waterloo GED classes? Morrison Talbott Library
        215 Park Street
        Waterloo, IL 62298

        Saturday,br.11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

        State's Attorney

        1. How do I get placed on court supervision for a speeding ticket?
        2. I need an eviction notice, who do I contact?
        

        1. How do I get placed on court supervision for a speeding ticket? Court supervision in this County requires a court appearance. The supervision is for a 90 day period and you will be ordered to pay a fine and court costs.

        2. I need an eviction notice, who do I contact? Eviction notices may be picked up at the Circuit Clerk's Office, or you may contact a private attorney.