More Roof Work Than Expected at Mall; Good News Regarding City Police Force

The City is going to need additional materials to complete decking work on the roof at Village Square Mall.

City Building Official Michelle Lilley said more work needs done than was first expected. The firm doing the work has used up available materials that they had used on the project at no increase in the materials cost. Now, since the goal is to get the building under roof before winter weather hits, the Council last night gave informal approval to purchase additional materials.

Lilley remains optimistic that the work will be done in early November, but other officials said they will be satisfied if the work is completed by Thanksgiving.

Council members also heard Tuesday night from Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland, who reported that the police force has a full complement of officers. This is the first time the police force has been fully staffed since Mayor Mike Schutzbah was police chief.

McFarland said the City's support, including his officers, are reasons for the achievement. He said that the number of people applying for jobs has dwindled, but now the city's numbers have turned around. 

McFarland said his officers are conducting fundraisers to raise money to purchase workout equipment that can be used at the police station.

Council members also heard from Assistant City Administrator Kelsey Lock that property/casualty and workers compensation insurance coverage might be obtained for the coming year at the same rate as this past year.