County Board Awards Window Replacement Project

The Effingham County Board Monday awarded work to replace windows in the County Office Building.

The work was awarded to low bidder Superior Window Company of Centralia for $196,421. Superior's bid was about $79,000 less than the other bidder.

The project will cost considerably less than what was projected when the window work was part of a solar energy project that was later dropped.

The Board also approved a proposed request for proposals for replacement of the gazebo on the northwest corner of the historic Courtyard lawn. A grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will pay half the cost of the project.

County Board Chairman Josh Douthit said artist's renderings of the project will appear on the County website. The project will include a ground level facility designed to complement the historic Courthouse, new sidewalks, underground drainage lines, new bushes, and lighting.

The Board also disbursed $17,000 in ARPA funds for the Effingham Regional Career Foundation; disbursed $2,500 in hotel/motel funding for Lake Sara 4th of July fireworks; approved decennial reports for various taxing bodies; abated the GIS fee for the cities of Altamont and Effingham; approved the Sidwell Company for an ArcGIS Pro Parcel Fabric Migration contract totaling $24,050; and approved the annual agreement with Bushue Human Resources.

Board members appointed John Taylor and Jim Ping to the Board of Review for three years; Jake Buhnerkempe to a three-year term on the 911 Board; Doug McCain to the Agricultural Area Advisory Board for three years; approved Jeffrey Evans as a trustee of the Tri-County Fire Protection District for three years; Eric Webb to a three-year term as a trustee of the Watson Fire Protection District; and Bill Passalacqua to a three-year term on the Ethics Commission. Bids were awarded for road maintenance materials to the low bidders. 

The Board appointed Roy Bailey to the Agricultural Area Committee for three years; awarded National Police Week and recognized Peace Officers Memorial Day; and updated the damage assessment team agreement between the City of Effingham and the Effingham County Dive Rescue Team. The City will pay the team $10,000 for 10 years of work to conduct damage assessment work. If the agreement is terminated, the City will be reimbursed according to the remaining time left on the agreement.

Board members approved an agreement for school resource officers, and purchased two postage machines. 

Board member Dave Campbell said there is a little more than $30,000 available for new or expanding businesses that want funding for their projects. Contact the County Office Building at 217-342-4990 for more information.

Board member Sandy Gillett, a city employee, abstained from any votes on agreements involving the City.

Board member Elizabeth Huston was not present for the meeting.