Peoria Standard

Fulvio Zerla has resigned as the Stark County Board vice chairman, citing the state's ongoing budget impasse, the Edgar County Watchdogs and Kewanee Star Courier reported recently.

“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Stark County and a pleasure to work with a very diverse and talented board,” Zerla said in an email, the Kewanee Star Courier reported. “Together we have tackled many difficult issues and solved important problems effecting Stark County and we have come a long way towards maintaining fiscal solvency and stability to ensure the long term viability of our country.”

His resignation on June 19 leaves two vacancies on the Stark County Board. Chairman Colleen Magnussen resigned on June 18. 

“Regrettably, the current budget situation, as a result of divergent opinions, has escalated into turmoil and strife within the county,” Zerla said in the email. "I believe that, in the best interest of the county, it is important that I resign from my position." 

Magnussen also cited the budget as her reason for resigning. 

“At this time I have chosen to resign my position as the Stark County Board Chairman, as well as my position on the Stark County Board,” Magnussen said, according to reports. “The current budget situation has escalated into a crisis that has created turmoil and strife within the county. For the sake of my family and the good of Stark County I feel it is best I resign my position and allow someone else to continue the public leadership of Stark County. I am proud of our fiscal track record over the past several years as great strides have been made. We have achieved fiscal responsibility, and it has been good to be a part of the progress.”