Council Earmarks Funds for Airport Project

Effingham City Council members Tuesday informally agreed to contribute $100,000 toward the local share of the cost of a runway and taxiway extension at Effingham County Regional Airport.

The County has already spent its 10% local match toward the cost of the project. 

County Engineer Greg Koester and Airport Commissioner Ken Wohltman said the airport is a selling point for economic development. City Commissioner Hank Stephens was pointed out for his work behind the scenes in support of the airport.

State funds have been committed to cover the lion's share of the project cost.

The Council voiced support for a property transfer with Doug Kabbes and Todd Kabbes. The Kabbeses and the City will exchange 4.81 acres of ground. Each tract is valued at $60,000. The land being swapped by the City is expected to be developed by the Kabbeses as a 22-lot residential subdivision next to the city Water Treatment Plant to be known as River Ridge. The property exchange will be finalized at a future meeting.

Council members also agreed to contribute $50,000 in hotel/motel tax funds toward the cost of a new gazebo on the lawn of the Courthouse Museum, with a vote on the contribution still to come. Mayor Mike Schutzbach said he would support the action, but said the City can't randomly spend funds. He said City residents get a "double pop" on such endeavors. Commissioner Larry Micenheimer said the new facility will be ADA accessible and noted that the City has events downtown on a regular basis. Also discussed, but not acted on were a rezoning of property at 713 South Park Street, the purchase of new portable radios for the city police force, and work continuing on the City's 2050 Comprehensive Plan.