County Board Again Wrangles Over Ambulance Issues

It's still more than a year before Effingham County's contract for ambulance service with Abbott EMS ends, but it's clear that the agreement will continue to be a bone of contention for some on the County Board.

Tuesday's Board meeting included questions over whether there would be additional cost for the County if Abbott adds a third rig to the fleet on duty in the county. Board member John Perry, who voted against the contract with Abbott and has raised questions over its service to the County during the life of the agreement, said Tuesday he believes there will be added expense for the County.

Recently elected Board member Elizabeth Houston asked for an opportunity for the full Board to discuss the issue. County Board Chairman Jim Niemann said the matter needs to go through the committee process before it comes to the full Board. The indication is that the Ambulance Oversight Committee would be the venue for the discussion, but that is yet to be finalized. That committee next meets on February 9. (GREG'S NOTE: I EARLIER HAD A DIFFERENT DATE LISTED. THIS IS CORRECT!)

In a related item, Perry voted against the appointment of Matt Sager to the Ambulance Oversight Committee for a full term. Perry has pledged to vote against anyone who has been serving on the committee until the problem of Status Zero calls is rectified. Check our story from Tuesday on the meeting of the 911 Board where that issue was discussed at length.

There was discussion over a change in boarding costs at the County Animal Shelter. The fee will now be $20/day. Niemann said the hike in the fee is an effort to make the Shelter unattractive to anyone seeking somewhere to house their animals. He said those who've been sent to jail or the pets of people who have died could lead to lengthy stays and that's what the Board is trying to discourage.

Niemann also reminded Board members that comments can be made regarding the proposed new landfill next to Landfill 33 until February 8 to the County Clerk's office. He said the Board, which was empaneled to hear testimony on the proposal and the siting process, will convene as a jury to consider the testimony and evidence shared during the hearing and reach a decision. Once the Board makes its decision, the matter goes to the State for a ruling on whether the site will be approved. Also like a jury, the Board's deliberations will be in closed session, although their decision has to be made in open session.

The Board also Tuesday:

--honored Dixie Hartke, who is retiring after 13 years' service to the Circuit Clerk's office

(DIXIE HARTKE WITH COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM NIEMANN)

--recognized the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce with a proclamation celebrating their selection as National Chamber of the Year

(CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR BECKY BROWN, CHAMBER BOARD PRESIDENT JEFF SPEER, COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM NIEMANN)

--extended a COVID-related fuel flow subsidy to May 1 for Tate's Flying Service, which operates Effingham County Memorial Airport

--approved an annual $15,000 award to Effingham City/County Committee on Aging

--approved room usage for Congressman Mary Miller in the County Office Building. Retired Congressman John Shimkus also had an office in the building

--approved the plat of a proposed subdivision in Bishop Township

--awarded bids for rock for use on county and township roadways

--heard from County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel that work is already underway on the April election, and that new election equipment purchased last year is to arrive next week

--heard from Sheriff Mahon that the jail inspection by the Illinois Department of Corrections found no violations

--heard from County Treasurer Paula Miller that 97% of county property tax revenue has been collected and that 321 parcels are still available for the Tax Sale on February 11

--heard from Board Vice-Chairman Dave Campbell that $30,000 is available in revolving loan funds for those interested in starting or expanding a business in the county