County Board Makes Changes in Liquor Ordinance, No Smoking Ordinance

Effingham County Board members Monday approved changes to the county's liquor ordinance and no smoking ordinance.

County Board Chairman Jim Niemann said the change in the liquor ordinance now includes violations of state law as reasons the County Liquor Commissioner (now Niemann) can take disciplinary action against license holders. Until now, only violations of the local ordinance could be considered. Niemann and Chief Assistant State's Attorney Scott Ealy both said this is a "doubling down" of the authority given the liquor commissioner.

The change to the no smoking ordinance makes it reflect state law, which includes penalties of up to $1,000 for a violation, and includes a more specific enforcement provision.

The Board passed an ordinance to introduce a countywide standard of care for emergency medical services in the county; proclaimed October 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week with a theme of "Love Yourself, Be Drug Free"; approved the 2015 holiday schedule for county employees; approved a supplemental certified list of election judges; and approved an agreement between the Drug Court programs in Effingham, Clay, Fayette and Jasper Counties to share the cost of a drug counselor with Effingham County serving as the host agency.

Health Department Administrator Rebecca Merten invited anyone interested to apply for one of two seats open on the Board of Health; Board Vice-Chairman Dave Campbell said the County's economic development fund is empty for the time being after all of the grant funds have been loaned out, but reminded that once the funds are repaid, they can be loaned out to other new or expanding economic ventures; Karen Mahaffey was named to replace Helen Clagg on the Effingham County Housing Authority and City Economic Development Director Todd Hull was reappointed to the County Economic Development Advisory Board; and Niemann made note of efforts in the aftermath of the Willow Long tragedy to perpetuate her memory and to work together as they worked together in the many hours following Willow's disappearance.