City Council Approves Bonding for Paying Off EPC Debt, Purchasing Development Tract

Effingham City Council members Tuesday night approved bonding for refinancing debt remaining on the Effingham Performance Center, and for the acquisition of development acreage along south US Route 45.

City Administrator Steve Miller said the EPC refinancing will save the city $100,000 in interest costs. The other bonding plus $1 million the City has on account will pay for the purchase of 153 acres of land owned by the Hawickhorst Family Land Trust, north of John Boos and Company.

Council members also voted unanimously to make a $100,000 contribution to the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance. The contribution comes with a stipulation that the funding will be used within the corporate limits of the City of Effingham.

The Council approved a liquor license for the Golden Corral expected to begin operation this year; approved an agreement with IDOT for the planned extension of Thies Avenue in the area of John Boos and Company; and approved a downtown/southtown business area redevelopment program agreement for improvements to the Joe Sipper's Cafe building at 4th and Section.