County Board Acts on Resolution Regarding Illegal Immigrants

The Effingham County Board Tuesday passed a resolution prohibiting the use of local tax dollars on immigrants being transported through the county.

The resolution is the outgrowth of those entering the United States illegally and the establishment of Chicago as a sanctuary city. The measure refers to use of local tax dollars only for those who are legally in the county. It also criticizes the Federal government for failing to "provide funds and take steps to address the issue."

The busing of illegals through the county is still being addressed. 

How the situation will be addressed by the law enforcement community is also yet to be addressed. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns said he has heard comments such as "we will have the sheriff take (the illegals) to Chicago" and similar statements if a bus carrying illegals leaves them in the county. Kuhns said, "I'm governed by statute. Don't take statements such as 'we're gonna have the Sheriff do this or that' at face value." 

Effingham County State's Attorney Aaron Jones said, "We don't want to tie anyone's hands in the law enforcement community if it's an emergency situation." Jones said that those in incorporated areas should decide their own actions.

Also Tuesday, the county board further discussed window repair or replacement and the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Effingham County Office Building. The Board heard from Blaine Meadows of Centrica Business Solutions and Craig Pals of Tik Tok Energy on the project,, which could cost several hundred thousand dollars but could mean substantial savings in energy costs. The Board joined a co-op featuring a list of vendors who could be awarded the project. Dan's Glass of Effingham was mentioned at the meeting as a possible provider of windows on the project.

The matter is headed back to the Board's Building and Grounds Committee to come up with a final recommendation to the full Board. August was mentioned as the "drop dead" date to reach a decision on whether to pursue the project.

Also Tuesday, the County Board:

--heard that February 8th will be the first date for early voting on the March 19th primary election

--heard from County Board member Norbert Soltwdel about vandalism at the county health department and the county highway department and that if kids are doing the damage that the names of their parents should be publicized

--approved $10,368 in opioid settlement funds for CEAD Council for their work at Hour House

--approved the annual U of I Extension contribution

--amended the wording in a lease agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs so the County will be properly reimbursed

--heard from County Treasurer Deb Ruholl that the County Tax Sale will be held this Thursday. At present, taxes on 196 delinquent parcels of property worth $475,000 will be sold if payments aren't in to her office by the close of business Wednesday