City Council Finalizes 2025 Tax Levy

Effingham city council members Tuesday passed the tax levy for the coming fiscal year. 

The measure is 3.86% over last year's levy and is to generate $5,575,255 for the City and the Effingham Public Library.

The Council voted to terminate the Outer Belt West Tax Increment Finance District. Revenue from the district financed the roadway, which extends from Keller Drive, south to US Route 40. The district began in 2000.

Council members approved the extension of the city electric and gas taxes for another eight years at 1.5%; accepted right of way and easements for the intersection of Santa Maria Avenue and Maple Street; and contracted with Civil Design for engineering work on the reconstruction of First Street from Temple to Roadway Avenues, for $56,630.

The Council approved the acquisition of new tasers for the city police department for five years for $124,797; and committed local funds toward a request for $895,000 in grant funds for an extension of McGrath Avenue in the city business park for access to Stevens Industries' Effingham location.

Council members approved a special use permit for Travis Voelker to build miniwarehouses at 805 South Maple Street; and discussed the termination of wind energy conversion systems in Effingham.