City Council Approves Incentive Agreement w/Continental Mills

Effingham City Council members approved an economic incentive agreement with Continental Mills, which has acquired the former Harlan Bakery plant in the city business park.

The agreement includes a property tax abatement for a specified period of time, and a job creation grant.  Continental officials say they intend to create 60 jobs at the facility over the next two to three years.  The grant will also provide funds for the 13 jobs retained from when Harlan Bakery was in operation.  The facility was originally built as a Krispy Kreme donut batch plant.  

Continental officials say they plan to invest up to $10 million in the facility.

Also Tuesday, the Council authorized issuance of a Class B-1 liquor license to Bowski Incorporated, the new operator of Scrubby's Pub downtown.  New owner Colby Patterson asked for a change in license to also allow package sales.

Council members approved the sale of property at 709 Lawrence Avenue to Lilley Land Improvement, the sole bidder on the property for just under $1,000 with the agreement to take down the existing structure on the property.

There was to be a discussion on wholesale water rates and ongoing talks with Lake Sara Area Water Cooperative on a new contract, but the consultant was unable to come to Effingham due to the storm.