Published on August 21, 2025 3:04 pm
Last Updated on August 21, 2025 3:04 pm
Effingham City Council members got good news this week concerning the construction of Santa Maria Avenue.
City Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman said that bids on the extension of Santa Maria from 4th Street to Maple Street by the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex came in “well under budget.”
Heuerman said that some components of the project have been able to be put back into the project. That will include the reconstruction of 4th Street between Santa Fe Avenue and Santa Barbara Avenue, including a turn lane into Santa Maria. Other enhancements will include thicker sidewalks, larger storm sewers, and a parking lot for the Workman Complex and for the pond being constructed next to the Workman Complex that can also be used by those utilizing the pond and Harmony Playground.
Construction is already underway on Santa Maria as well as the pond.
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Meanwhile, funding is still being captured for an extension of McGrath Avenue in the Effingham Business Park.
Grant funds totaling just under $1 million has been received that Heuerman said would cover half the project cost. Now, a grant is being sought that would cover the other half of the cost.
The project is being pursued with Stevens Industries to serve an expansion of the plant.
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There was also discussion of Effingham’s liability toward the police and fire pension funds.
Todd Shroeder with Lauterbach and Amen said the City will need to contribute just over $2.1 million for next year’s tax levy. That’s an increase of about $190,000.
The goal is to have the balance paid off over the next 15 years. The State wants government entities to have pensions fully funded by 2040. It was shared that Effingham is “above average” for what they kick in.
