County Board Moves Ahead w/Gazebo Replacement Project

Effingham County Board members Monday agreed to move ahead with the historic courtyard and gazebo project on the lawn of the courthouse.

F&C Concrete and Excavating was again the sole bidder, but at a lower price than a previous bid. The price tag is $353,195. The motion stipulated that no local county tax dollars can be used on the project. Instead, ARPA funds and other dollars will pay for the project. The amount of ARPA funds is yet to be finalized, and there is indication that the City plans to contribute toward the cost of the project. 

The new price tag is $100,000 lower than an earlier bid, which included decorative fencing and other amenities.

The Board also reviewed development of an Opioid Advisory Committee, as proposed by the Board's Health and Insurance Committee. The matter was referred back to committee.

Board members updated committee member assignments; named Joe Niemerg, Curtis Stortzum, Dennis Niemerg and Steve Borries as drainage district trustees; approved a second addition to Eugene Niemerg Subdivision #2; approved the Highway Department removing two dying trees on the historic courthouse courtyard; approved use of exterior county property for the Cruise Show on September 7; approved carpet replacement on the fourth floor of the County Office Building; updated the Title 6 Plan; and approved allocation of ARPA Funds...$32,500 for the Effingham Regional Career Foundation, $33,693 for a Dive Rescue vehicle purchase, and $99,120 for payment of the second installment for fire department radios.

The Board also allocated $20,000 in revolving loan funds for an arena trampoliine park to be deveoped in the Fritz Krampe building in the City Business Park on Raney Street.

County Treasurer Deb Ruholl reported that another $7 million in property tax payments have been received. At least the first installment of payments is due September 6 to avoid the 1-1/2% per month penalty for late payment of taxes.

County Engineer Greg Koester reported that the reconstructed portion of the Airport Road will open next week. Koester reminded that the groundbreaking on the extension of the east-west runway is set for 10:30am on September 4.