Council Hears About Possible Boost in Funding for Broadband Internet

Effingham City Council members Tuesday heard from two representatives of expanded broadband internet coverage for the city.

A listening session is scheduled for Wednesday evening, March 22, to get input from the public on needs for internet service in the Effingham community. The session will run from 6 to 7pm on the 22nd at the Effingham County Extension Center at 1209 North Wenthe Drive in Effingham. You can also email questions to broadband@illinois.gov. 

Also Tuesday, the Council granted a special use permit so El Shaddai Homes can operate a pregnancy center at 505 West Temple Avenue; added a liquor license so The Local Sports Bar and Grill can operate on Keller Drive, authorized an agreement with TextMyGov for texting communication services; approved an agreement with Sarah Bush Lincoln Bonutti Clinic for pre-employment and in-service physical testing services; and approved a plat for Oak Point Subdivision which is to be a residential development along Lake Pauline north of Kohl's. 

The Council discussed acquisition of additional Christmas light displays; discussed a two-year agreement for services at the water treatment plant; heard from City Administrator Steve Miller that $1.7 million in ARPA funds could be designated for city police and fire services, and for a street sweeper. 

Council members learned about the schedule for the budget process leading up to adoption of the next year's budget in April; heard that the amendment to the City-County Enterprise Zone to add a housing component has passed its first hurdle; that the fire department has a smoke detector promotion planned for next week following the time change this weekend; and that work should begin March 20 on updated websites for the City and for the City Tourism Department.