County Seeking Additional Economic Development Funds

Effingham County Board members Tuesday approved a $1,000 allocation to South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission to seek a $99,000 grant. The funds would be used by the County's Economic Development Advisory Board to loan to new or expanding businesses. 

This would be the second such grant that the County could use as an economic development tool.

The Board also approved a resolution increasing the percentage of operating costs paid from the downstate operating assistance program. The change would mean the percentage of funding the county would receive for its rural transportation system would go to 75% rather than 65%. The hope is that the State would increase the match to all rural transportation systems.

There were two presentations at Tuesday's meeting. 

County Board Chairman Josh Douthit recognized Courtney Yockey of The Alliance for his work to lead the county's Childcare Research Committee. Douthit said the recognition came at the request of board member Norbert Soltwedel, also a member of the childcare committee.

(JOSH DOUTHIT AND COURTNEY YOCKEY)

The other person recognized Tuesday was Cindy Deters on her retirement after 35 years service with the Effingham County Health Department.

(CINDY DETERS AND JOSH DOUTHIT)

Douthit also shared that roof work would be getting underway soon on the Courthouse Museum so those who will be around the project area should use caution.