County Board's Tax and Finance Committee Deals w/Full Plate of Items

Members of the Effingham County Board's Tax and Finance Committee discussed salaries for assistants in both the State's Attorney and Public Defender offices Thursday.

Judge Martin Siemer, who is serving as Acting Resident Circuit Judge for Effingham County, approached committee members about the need for assistant public defenders, assistant state's attorneys and conflicts public defenders. Currently, there is one assistant state's attorney, no assistants in the public defender's office and one conflicts public defender. The judge noted that this is a fairly typical situation in most area counties. He said there is a lack of attorneys interested in such positions but suggested that the rates of pay for the positions might deter some from applying for the jobs. 

Siemer noted that the rate of pay for those appointed conflicts public defenders is the same as when he occasionally served in the past 25 years ago. He also said the issue will be revisited following an upcoming circuitwide conference of judges of the 4th Judicial Circuit, of which Effingham County is a part.

There was discussion whether funding should be allocated for maintenance of the TREC Trail. A previous agreement outlines the responsibilities of the City, the County, and the Effingham Park District regarding the trail, including maintenance. The agreement indicates that the County and the Park District are to handle the maintenance of the trail and the costs of the maintenance. The matter was tabled until next month's meeting.

Also Thursday, the committee allocated $2,000 for the Lake Sara fireworks celebration on July 3, $1,000 for the City of Effingham fireworks celebration on July 4, and $4,000 to assist with security and other items at the Effingham County Fair. Committee members also agreed to pursue another $4,000 in State funds available for the salary of the Victims Advocate in the State's Attorney's office; heard from Denise Willenborg on the activities of the Effingham County Soil and Water Conservation District; approved a six-month extension of time for the audit firm to complete an annual audit of the Circuit Clerk's office; recommended allocation of State funds through the Personal Property Replacement Tax fund; approved a hike in the mileage reimbursement rate to 62.5 cents per mile; approved naming David Budde to fill a community member at large seat on the County 911 Board; heard that the State's Attorney's salary for the coming year will be approved by the full board at Monday's meeting; and heard from County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel that the public test of the equipment to be used at the June 28 primary election will take place Friday morning at 8:30am.

All of those matters are to be up for final approval at Monday's County Board meeting,including allocation of ARPA funds for professional services through the Sheriff's office, as well as tuckpointing work at the County Office Building.