County Board Continues Work on Fiscal Blueprint

Effingham County Board members Monday continued work on the budget for the fiscal year that begins December 1.

The Board has to finalize the use of ARPA funds received from the Federal government at the height of the COVID scare by the end of 2024. They must be spent by the end of 2026.

A large portion of Monday's meeting involved the allocation of the funds. Expenditures include:

--$63,000 toward the cost of a building for Mason Township to store equipment and for an office

--$10,000 for a rooftop air conditioning unit at the airport

--$25,000 for roof work at the Dieterich Village Hall

--$5,000 for the Dive Rescue Team for a "towfish"

--just under $13,000 for Banner Township toward the cost of a truck

--just over $24,000 for a padded cell at the county jail

A special Board meeting is going to be held November 25 to finalize all things fiscal.

Effingham County Clerk Michelle Kollmann reported that voter turnout earlier this month was 79%. Kollmann said the results will be sent to the State Board of Elections by week's end.

There was no action on a morgue to be used by County Coroner Kim Rhodes and perhaps by neighboring counties. Financing still needs to be finalized.

The Board also recognized Phil Hardiek, who is retiring from the Effingham County Sheriff's Office after 21 years' service.