Tax and Finance Committee Hears Series of Funding Requests

A series of funding requests were screened by the Effingham County Board's Tax and Finance Committee Thursday.

The committee recommended the full board grant the Millroad Thresherman's Association $5,000 for expenses at their three-day event in August at the Effingham County Fairgrounds. This will be the 41st annual celebration.

The committee recommended another $5,000 allocation to E-C Jobs, the employment portal sponsored by the Effingham County Chamber Foundation. Jeff Fritchtnitch of E-C Jobs said they've worked with 119 jobseekers, and 60 individuals who have secured a job. They are also developing an educational portal for students in Grades 5-12, with the younger children searching information on careers and the older students working on developing resumes and other job seeking skills.

Sheriff Paul Kuhns shared that Process Server Troy Davis will be retiring soon and that he would like to replace Davis with a sworn law enforcement officer. That would bring the number of sworn officers to 19 in addition to the sheriff and Chief Deputy Sheriff Larry Finfrock. Kuhns said that a newly-hired sworn officer would be a cost savings for the next few years. There were no objections heard from the board members.

Kuhns also reported that there has been damage to the roof of the County Office Building, so repairs will be needed. 

Phil Toops reported that grant funds might be available for additional buses for the county public transportation system. Board member Norbert Soltwedel voiced reservations since he sees vehicles parked and not in use on a regular basis. It was noted that all of the vehicles, some from different agencies, are parked together, and that there is uncertainty as to when additional funds for vehicles will be available. It was decided to move ahead with the process of seeking funds, with Soltwedel voting No. 

County Board Chairman Jim Niemann reported that Federal ARPA funds may need addressed to make sure they remain available for various uses.

The committee also agreed to recommend Bill Passalacqua as the Democrat representative on the county's ethics committee, replacing Dan Niebrugge who is moving out of state. It was also shared that Johnna Schultz is retiring, so Library Director Amanda McKay will succeed Schultz on the Childcare Research Committee.

All of those items shared in committee Thursday will be voted on by the full County Board at their meeting on Monday.