County Office Building Elevator Back in Operation

The elevator in the Effingham County Office Building is back in service and open to the public.

The elevator was closed for approximately six weeks while several components were changed and updated. The unit is now digitally controlled, instead of relying on points and contacts. The elevator raceway, track, doorways, wiring and hydraulic pump have also all been replaced. 

Cosmetic upgrades to the car's interior are being planned and will be implemented in the future.

While the elevator was out of service, public meetings were relocated to the first floor. County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel, Supervisor of Assessments Pam Braun, and County Treasurer Paula Miller kept a satellite office on the first floor to assist visitors and provided assistance to those unable to climb the stairs.

Effingham County Chief Deputy Sheriff Paul Kuhns, who oversaw the work for the County, said, "The work was completed on schedule by OTIS Elevator. A large part of this project's success can be attributed to our local contractors, Barlow Lock and Security and Sandschafer Electric. Both companies put forth extra effort toward the end of the project to make sure it was completed on time. Effingham County appreciates our local businesses and these two companies were a great asset to work with."

Kuhns added, "We hope this newly remodeled elevator, which has been mentioned in the local news a few times, can now settle into obscurity to provide reliable service for years to come. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this project."