Water Authority Board Discussed Short-Term Rental Ordinance, Location for Sewage Treatment Plant

Effingham Water Authority trustees heard that the wording in the short-term rental ordinance needs some work.

Pamela Apke of the Law Group said that the wording regarding warnings and violations is ambiguous and should be re-worded. The Law Group will create an amended ordinance to be reviewed by the Board for approval.

The Board reviewed the lease rent. Article I of the lease states that the Board will re-evaluate the rent increase in January of 2025.

The Board agreed to continue with the previous rates of increase, which were a $15 increase every five years. The vote was to approve the rate increase to $150 for five years beginning in 2026. The rent increase will then be revisited in 2030.

Trustees heard from Joe Jansen of Lake Sara Water Co-operative on future placement of a sewage treatment plant. Jansen suggested building a lagoon-type system on Water Authority owned property. He said they're interested in 20 acres behind the staging area where the Water Authority presently stores rock and other material across from Water Authority Administration property.

Due to lack of funds, the Co-operative would prefer to rent with an option to purchase the property. 

The Board indicated they are not in favor of that location, but could consider other locations.

Tom Ryan of the Parks and Rec Committee reported that Phase 2 will be complete as soon as the fiscal year reports are filed with the State. Ryan also updated the Board regarding the Master Plan and upcoming fundraisers for the project. He said they will be at the Boat Show to take place soon and discussed getting with the Boating Committee for possible handouts.