City Council Debates Funding for The Alliance

There was much debate at Tuesday night's Effingham City Council as to whether $100,000 in City funds should be allocated toward the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance.

There was debate over the allocation, and also some discussion of the amount to be allocated.

Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach acknowledged, "$100,000 is a big ask, but I am in favor of moving forward (with the allocation)." Schutzbach did also suggest that a method needs to be developed to quantify what the City is getting for the funds allocated to The Alliance, now in excess of $200,000 through the years. He said, "We need to figure out a year from now how it has been successful."

Commissioner Merv Gillenwater, who was mayor when The Alliance was established, has had reservations about various aspects of the endeavor through the years. Gillenwater said he'd like funds allocated by Effingham to generate projects that benefit Effingham. He said, "We hear 'wait til next year' each year."

Commissioner Hank Stephens told Gillenwater that they will likely always have a difference of opinion on this issue, and said regional development is the trend nationwide. He said, "We are building a foundation to see the City grow 10, 20, 30 years from now."

Commissioners Larry Micenheimer and Libby Moeller also were supportive of the allocation, Moeller agreeing that "we won't see the fruits of this for 20 or 30 years."

Mark Mayhood of The Alliance said their goals are to attract and retain jobs, and to develop affordable housing that would attract workers to the area.

The allocation will likely be voted on at the next Council meeting.

The Council also heard about a proposed Downtown Tax Increment Financing District rehabilitation project. The project involves exterior renovation for SC3F Wealth Management Group, to be located in the former West and Company building at the intersection of Jefferson and Willow. Under the revised TIF rehabilitation program, the City would cover 25% of the exterior renovation costs, or just over $4,200. A vote is likely at the next Council meeting.

City Tourism Director Jodi Thoele also reported on the highly successful Christmas lighting effort in Effingham, both downtown and at Community Park. Thoele said 8,819 vehicles visited the Wonderland in Lights display in the park, and received $27,557.87 in donations at the park, which she said is $10,000 more than has ever been received. All of the proceeds will be plowed back into next year's display. Thoele also thanked all of those who volunteered to help staff Wonderland in Lights.