County Gets Hit w/Big Insurance Premium Increase

The premium will jump by $116,000, to $348,053 for the coming year. 

The County had been paying increases as part of a cooperative of counties, but when it was decided to seek bids on coverage rather than renewing with the cooperative, the cooperative reviewed the County's loss history and jumped premiums accordingly. 

The County's insurance representative told the Board Monday she's "not sure we will see the other rates again."

The cooperative's bid was the only one received on the total insurance package. Board member John Perry voted No.

The Board Monday also modified the County's ground ambulance service ordinance, removing a line regarding utilizing other services in case of a life-threatening injury. In the meantime, the Board agreed to table the question of issuing Lakeside EMS a letter of authorization to operate in the county to handle transfers until circuit court and federal court cases involving Lakeside and the County are settled. Board member John Perry voted No.

Board members authorized execution of a letter for Landfill 33's application for significant modification to the local landfill. State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the authorization concerns a change in the slope of the landfill, not the height of the landfill.

The Board authorized a revolving loan fund loan to Two Guys Pallets LLC. The $35,000 will help finance a rebuild of the pallet business on the site of the former Best Homes facility off South Banker Street that was damaged by fire earlier this year. The funds are repaid to the County, and then loaned again to other interested borrowers.

Board member Joe Thoele asked to address the issue of on street parking by County employees. Thoele asked the Board to encourage County employees to park in parking lots, rather than on the streets around the buildings where they work. There has been discussion about reinstalling parking meters and issuing parking lots to prevent those who work downtown from parking along the streets for lengthy periods of time. Perry also voted No on this item.

Public Transportation Coordinator Phil Toops reported that Central Illinois Public Transportation has two new buses, is working on outside contracts, and is looking for additional drivers.

The Board agreed to submit Greg Koester for another six-year term as Effingham County Engineer, and agreed to recess Monday's meeting to Friday, November 30 at 4pm to wrap up the County fiscal year.

Board members also heard from Effingham County Democrat Central Committee Chairman Dan Niebrugge, who read a farewell letter from Board Member Karen Luchtefeld. Luchtefeld was with her husband, who is recovering from surgery for ongoing medical difficulties, so could not attend.

In the letter, Luchfefeld thanked those who supported her, and her family, and acknowledged current and former county board members. She wrote, "I have served the citizens of Effingham County wth a sincere commitment for the best interests of the electorate, not merely for personal interest. In my heart, I did what was most beneficial for all the people in Effingham County. I did my best to assure the issues brought to the County Board were truly county government business."