Teutopolis Village Board Okays Expansion of Enterprise Zone

Teutopolis village board members Wednesday gave approval to a proposed expansion of the Effingham/Effingham County Enterprise Zone.

Entrepreneur Todd Kabbes is asking for three residential properties to be added to the Zone, while South Central FS wants the former Kirby Building site at Willow and Gordon added to the Zone.

The various taxing bodies impacted by the Zone have to give the expansion their okay, as well.

John Buening of Teutopolis Tire and Auto spoke to the Board on cleanup progress made at his location. A court hearing on the issue had been scheduled for this month, but progress made by Buening led the Board to delay any such step until after the first of the year.

The Board reviewed changes suggested by their Public Health, Safety and Water Committee on the ordinance regulating health and abating noise nuisances within the village, then suggested more changes that will be sent to Village Attorney Tracy Willenborg for consideration. Board members also gave Building Official Tony Esker a raise to $7,000 a year in recognition of an increased workload.

Board members reviewed estimates received on repairs at the intersections of Race Street and Plum Street. The estimates came in lower than expected, so the Board might consider additional improvements. They also reviewed a quote on repairs to the water towers, which came in higher than hoped, so will seek other proposals.

The Board also discussed an upcoming revamp of the village's Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and heard from Brian Repking on whether he could receive Tax Increment Financing assistance on an optometrist's office to be located along Main Street.