Park Board Authorizes Issuance of Bonds to Finance 2021 Projects

Effingham Park Board members have authorized the issuance of bonds to finance improvement projects for 2021.

Park District Director Jeff Althoff said the bonds total $625,000, and said Washington Savings Bank offered an interest rate of 0.45% on the bonds. Projects this year are expected to include replacement of fence at various locations, as well as converting the tennis courts at Hendelmeyer Park to pickleball courts.

Park commissioners met in closed session to discuss the possibility of raises, but Althoff said the District took a hit in last year's budget since so many programs were canceled due to the pandemic so no raises were approved. He said the issue could be revisited in the spring, once they know how programs can be offered this year.

The report on activities at the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex is that turnout is increasing, particularly youth activity, and the work to keep the facility clean and disinfected continues.