County Board Expands Size of Housing Authority Board

The Effingham County Board voted 6-3 Wednesday to expand by two the membership on the County Housing Authority Board.

The membership will now be seven, rather than five. Board members Joe Thoele, Jeff Simpson and Mike DePoister voted against the expansion, noting that it's tough enough getting people to fill spots on boards and committees. County Board Chairman Jim Niemann said they had three people interested in a seat the last time a vacancy occurred.

The Board named Alan Davis a Watson Fire Protection District trustee, succeeding the late Gary Packer. Altamont City Clerk Sara Stephen and Quentin Reinheimer were named to the Grants Committee for two-year terms.

Board members approved the sale of real estate along the Teutopolis frontage road as it curves south to become Green Street in T-Town. S&D Equipment will pay $100 for 13/100 acre, while St. Francis Parish will pay $10 for 4/100 acre. S&D Equipment is discussing constructing an office building at the location. Also approved was the awarding of bids for road maintenance materials and an aluminum box bridge. The bridge will replace an old concrete structure on St. Francis Road north of Teutopolis, north of Interstate 70. The County will install the structure. The price was just under $75,000 for the new bridge.

Sheriff Dave Mahon reported on his first meeting as a member of the Board of the Southeast Illinois Drug Task Force, and reported members are pleased with the officer the County contributed to the task force. 

County Treasurer Steve Dasenbrock reported the County received 99.5% of projected revenues.

County Board Vice-Chairman Dave Campbell reminded that more than $20,000 is available to be loaned to new or expanding businesses in the county through their revolving loan fund.