Roadway Work Major Focus at City Council Meeting

The City of Effingham's new fiscal year begins May 1, and a host of capital improvement projects are going to be pursued.

Some of the highlights will include reconstruction of Jefferson Avenue from 3rd to 1st Streets and 2nd Street from Jefferson to Market Avenues. Another big project is the planned resurfacing of Temple Avenue from Keller Drive east to Merchant Street. Work is also planned on Outer Belt West, north of Evergreen Avenue to Avenue of Mid America. A series of street resurfacing projects elsewhere in town are also planned in the coming fiscal year.

The Council approved an agreement for an upgrade of property at 1601 South Banker Street. Jim Mayhood plans to redevelop the former service station into a retail business. The fuel tanks have been removed. Mayhood is buying the site for $56,500. If the project isn't completed, the City can buy the site back for 50% of the sale price. 

Council members also committed local funds toward the City's share of Phase I of the Fayette Avenue reconstruction project. Also approved was a memorandum of understanding with the Effingham Unit 40 Board of Education for a School Resource Officer. The agreement is for the coming three fiscal years at a cost to the school district of $28/student the first year, $29/student the second year, and $30/student the third year.

The Council approved letters of support for life extensions of the Industrial and Central Tax Increment Financing Districts. Even though the City initiates the TIF Districts, the City still has to endorse the districts along with other affected taxing bodies.

Council members also heard from Deputy City Administrator Kelsey Lock that it appears the group health insurance coverage will see just a point-nine-percent premium increase for the new fiscal year.