Published on December 17, 2025 11:08 am
Last Updated on December 17, 2025 11:08 am
Effingham City Council members Tuesday discussed whether to grant hotel/motel tax dollars to downtown business Wheat Penny due to the success of their “Miracle at Wheat Penny” promotion.
City Commissioner Libby Moeller suggested a $5,000 grant to Wheat Penny due to the number of visitors to the establishment and the amount of social media traffic the business has received. The matter went before the City’s Tourism Advisory Board. The Board voted 6-3 to approve a $1,000 contribution, but that amount was declined.
Mayor Mike Schutzbach had reservations about grant funds for businesses, saying that would lead to many funding requests. City commissioners felt differently, though, with Commissioner Hank Stephens saying there are funds available and “we need to put the money to work”.
Wheat Penny co-owner Michael Brummer said they are projected to have 12,000 people over the seven-week run of “Miracle at Wheat Penny”.
The decision was to have the matter back on the next Council agenda for further discussion and a vote.
The Council also voted to approve a four-year tree pruning contract with Eco-Trim for $157,048.84 as part of the City’s urban forestry program. A vacation of a portion of an alley south of Fayette Avenue and west of 4th Street was approved by the current A-1 Liquors location. Also approved was the purchase of real estate for right of way and a temporary construction easement for the 4th and Rickelman intersection, and for the Ford Avenue connector. A replat of three lots into two lots in Hidden Hills Subdivision was also approved.
The Council discussed a sanitary sewer relocation along Fayette Avenue from Banker Street to Long Street and a water main relocation in the same area, along with a Downtown/Southtown TIF rehabilitation program at Full Circle Realty downtown, and a bid letting for a box culvert on Evergreen Avenue. Also, City Planner Greg Koester said the final draft of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan is ready and a meeting of the City Council, Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals will likely be held for a review on either January 8th or 15th.
