County Board Moves Ahead w/Energy Savings Work

The Effingham County Board Monday approved an agreement with SmartWatt for energy efficiency work at the Effingham County Office Building and the Effingham County Jail.

The Board reviewed four scenarios and went with one that makes some improvements with the cost to be recouped from the energy savings to be realized. The plan could eventually involve replacing the air handlers and have different temperature controls installed. That system would be the same as in the Effingham County Government Center.

In other action, the Board approved two appointments to the Effingham County 911 Board, with David Budde's appointment as public safety member changed to community-at-large member and Effingham Fire Chief Bob Tutko appointed as a public safety member. An intergovernmental agreement to utilize space on the second floor of the Effingham County Office Building was approved for another year; the salary schedule for non-union employees for another year was approved; it was agreed to participate in the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor's Service for another year; a resolution was approved in support of the Illinois oil and gas industry; property/casualty/liability insurance coverage was renewed for another year; individual coverage HRA service was approved; and County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel's request to have early voting take place on the first floor of the County Office Building for the March 2020 primary was approved. 

The County Board amended the revolving loan fund agreement with Two Guys Pallets revised to allow up to a 10-year payback of the loan to the County; County Transportation Liaison Phil Toops reported that work continues on a loop around town in concert with the City of Effingham; a bridge aid petition was approved for work on a bridge east of Mason on 225th Avenue for $13,000 with the County covering half the cost; Supervisor of Assessments Pam Braun said delinquent notices will be going out next week; and a special Board meeting was approved for November 26 to close the books on the fiscal year that ends November 30.

Board member John Perry was not present for Monday's meeting.