Published on June 8, 2026 4:35 pm
Last Updated on June 8, 2026 5:19 pm
More concerns regarding data centers were heard during Monday’s meeting of the Effingham County Board’s Administrative Committee.
The Effingham City Council approved a 12-month moratorium on data centers so more research can be done on the impact of the centers. Pat Lewis of the EASE Community Alliance asked the Board to take a similar action.
Lewis said more research should be done on the data centers and encouraged county residents to contact their local state legislators.
Nicholas Tkachuk, who spoke at the Council meeting, also addressed the committee Monday in support of a moratorium.
County Board Chairman Josh Douthit said he agreed with Lewis and Tkachuk but noted that Effingham County doesn’t have zoning, so doesn’t believe the County can approve a moratorium.
There was also input that incorporated communities in the county would have to approve moratoriums on their own.
There was discussion Monday of opioid funding. Sheriff Paul Kuhns said more individuals have signed up for treatment and County officials said additional funding for the program is expected. Effingham County Health Department Administrator Jeff Workman said he has been meeting with ROSC officials and with the sheriff to see what more can be done.
The committee recommended the full Board approve $2,000 for 4th of July activities in Dieterich, and recommended a salary increase for an assistant public defender to $120,000 in conjunction with a change in state law regarding creation of a state public defender. That new official would be involved in appointing assistant public defenders.
Committee members approved a $2,500/month salary for the administrator of the public transit system; approved a service agreement with CEFS Public Transit System, and approved another year of the employee assistance system with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System.
The committee recommended appointment of Board of Health members Amy Schmidt, Grant Bushue, Dr. Greg Campos and Dr. Michael Williamson, appointment of Airport Commission member Doug McDevitt, and appointment of Housing Authority member Janelle Eck. No one took issue with those recommended for appointment, but some wished for an opening up of the process to let more people have the chance to serve.
The recommendations by the committee will be considered for formal adoption by the full County Board at their meeting next Monday.
