Effingham County Board Says Thanks to Sheriff, Retiring Employees

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Published on October 17 2016 6:09 pm
Last Updated on October 17 2016 6:09 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham County Board opened their meeting Monday by saying thanks to Sheriff David Mahon and to three retiring County employees.

The sheriff was recognized for receiving the 2016 American Legion's National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. A ceremony was held earlier this year in Cincinnati for presentation of the national award.

Mahon was grateful for the recognition, but joked that there are some days he wouldn't mind being one of the retiring County employees.

(SHERIFF DAVE MAHON THANKS COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM NIEMANN FOR THE RECOGNITION)

As for the retirees, Becky Bailey was recognized for her 52 years' service for the Regional Office of Education. Bailey began working for the late Lowell Lewis in 1964.

(BECKY BAILEY WITH BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM NIEMANN)

John Niccum and Bill Arnold were both recognized as retiring members of the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, Niccum after 34 years and Arnold after 21 years.

(JOHN NICCUM WITH BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM NIEMANN)

Niccum began his service in 1982 under the late Kenneth Moore when the jail was still located on the north side of Washington Avenue, north across the street from the old Courthouse. The building is long gone and is now a parking lot. 

Arnold began his career with the County in 1995 under Sheriff Ron Meek.

(BILL ARNOLD WITH BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM NIEMANN)

Board members discussed insurance and acted on some coverages. 

The Board voted to renew health insurance coverage through Health Alliance. County Board Chairman Jim Niemann said, "We had a good year." The premium increase is about 4%. Also approved was a Ware Group proposal for supplemental benefits that County employees will pay for if they decide to sign up. A New York Life coverage was also approved, again to be paid for by County workers if they want the coverage.

Board members approved an ordinance establishing the reimbursement of all travel, meal and lodging expenses of County officers and employers. Niemann said the action reflects current policy, but said State law now requires the policy to be in writing. 

The Board appointed City Council member Kevin Willis to the County Board's Ambulance Oversight Committee. Committee Chairman Mike DePoister said "it's time" that the City have a seat on the Board since "they use the same people we do".

Board members approved a $3,631 per capita payment to South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission for grant-writing services; approved the auction of two parcels on which no property taxes are being paid; approved a grant for the public transportation system; and agreed to go 50/50 with West Township on a culvert replacement project priced at $7,000, north of 500th Avenue and 500th Street.

County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel reported over 900 people have picked up a ballot for the November election; Sheriff Mahon voiced appreciation for the cooperation seen among the various law enforcement and emergency services agencies in overseeing the Luke Bryan concert Saturday; and over 600 books have been taken in a month from the new book box in the County Office Building lobby supplied by Effingham Public Library.