Published on January 20, 2026 7:00 pm
Last Updated on January 20, 2026 7:00 pm
Effingham City Council members Tuesday discussed funding options for a refurbishing of the wastewater treatment plant that could cost as much as $20 million. Effingham and many other communities have to reduce phosphorus levels in their treatment system.
Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman asked for Council input on how to pay for the project. Bonding is an option. It could take up to 30 years to pay off the cost of the project.
City Planner Greg Koester reminded Council members of the meeting Thursday at 6pm on the Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The Council, the Plan Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Steering Committee that has worked on the plan the past several months will all gather for the Thursday meeting, which will be streamed. There will also be gatherings this Saturday morning and next Thursday, the 29th, from 6-7:30pm.
There was discussion on text amendments to the zoning ordinance on special use regulations on vacations and short term rentals. There was no action on the amendments.
The Council also finalized an agreement with the Park Board for the construction of a storage building at Community Park where the Wonderland in Lights decorations are to be housed, and discussed a facility use agreement with the Oneighty building owned by New Hope Baptist Church for use as an emergency facility. The Council accepted a proposal for the Evergreen Avenue box culvert replacement project for $728,940 from A&R Services, the lowest of seven bidders.
