County Board Committee Discusses Airport Funding, Health Insurance Premiums

Print

Published on September 12 2024 5:10 pm
Last Updated on September 12 2024 5:13 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

A full agenda Thursday greeted the Effingham County Board's Tax and Finance Committee.

The committee heard that bids will be opened in November on the extension of the east-west runway and companion taxiway at Effingham County Regional Airport. 

Also shared was that five gap scholarships will be continued and two more could be offered through the County's Childcare program, and that funding is available for work in the Mason Township Park District.

There was some discussion of funding for the replacement facility on the northwest corner of the old Courthouse lawn. County Board Chairman Josh Douthit said it is his understanding that the City is going to contribute funds toward the project, with the County utilizing any ARPA funds to take care of the balance, if there is a balance. It was also agreed to take care of tree removal on the TREC Trail using ARPA funds, with hotel/motel tax dollars covering the balance.

Representatives of the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association were on hand to discuss the need for a patch on the roof of the Courthouse Museum, but the need for additional funding for more roof repairs. Douthit said his hope is that grant funds can be secured to cover the cost of the work. The Museum Association will pay for the patch, estimated at about $4,700.

There was discussion of flooring replacement on the fourth floor of the County Office Building. Committee members discussed a $21,232 project utilizing capital imrovement funds.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Travis Buhnerkempe shared the flooring replacement information, then also shared about an initiative of Sheriff Paul Kuhns. The sheriff is looking at utilizing opioid settlement funds to treat those incarcerated with kicking their opioid addiction. The goal is a healthier life for the addicts and lower costs to the County. The matter will be revisited. 

Committee members also spent a considerable amount of time discussing group health insurance coverage for County employees. The matter will be discussed at the County Board's monthly meeting on Monday.