Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- ARPA (American Rescue Plan) funds were the center of the discussions at Monday’s County Board Meeting.
The Board earmarked $10,000 for work on the county website, approved $84,263.04 for Childcare Research Committee Stabilization Grant funds, approved allocation of $5,000 for a Childcare Research Committee Increased Capacity Program funds, and earmarked $30,000 for equipment for the County Board Meeting Room. $75,000 was also set aside for the Effingham County Fair, $2,500 for a people mover for the Mill Road Thresherman’s Association event, and set aside $10,500 for LED lights for stop signs in Montrose.
The Board also discussed the recent water leak in the jail along the north wall. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns said Holland and Holland Masonry and Crane of Shelbyville told him two in weeks the repairs could be started, with a two week timetable for the work. The cost of the work is $28,940. The Board also appointed Brenda Winskill to the 708 Board and appointed Sheriff Paul Kuhns to the 911 Board.
The Board voted to remove a walnut tree on the northeast corner of the courthouse museum square and replacing it with two smaller trees, and agreed to seek bids on the audience chairs in the County Board meeting room. The Board also approved a six-month probationary salary increase for County Board Administrator Angela Thompson and changed her job title to match. Board members also amended the Policy and Procedures Manual to include the County Board Administrator. Angie Thompson was then formally named to the position, eliminating “office” from the job title.
Board members Norbert Soltwedel and Dave Campbell then reminded residents of the broadband internet funding that is being made available, and that an informational meeting is set for 6pm on Wednesday, March 22 at the University of Illinois extension office. Sheriff Kuhns also expressed his hope to get more qualified people to apply to the Sheriff’s Department, stating the department is in need of good people to fill various positions. County Coroner Kim Rhodes mentioned that the construction on I-70 west of Effingham is going to be a long process, and reroutes of traffic to Route 40 will be more commonplace while this project is happening. She said for motorists to be mindful to avoid crashes wherever possible. County Clerk Michelle Kollmann then reminded that early voting in the April 4 election will continue until Monday, April 3. She said voter turnout is very low up to this point. A public test of the voting equipment is set for Friday, March 24.
Board members Chris Keller, Elizabeth Huston and Jeremy Kyle were absent from Monday’s meeting.
Comments