Published on July 7, 2026 6:38 pm
Last Updated on July 7, 2026 6:38 pm
Effingham City Council members Tuesday approved a design engineering contract to extend Ford Avenue to connect it to Rickelman Avenue at 4th Street.
Farnsworth Group of Effingham will do the work for $387,261.
Council members also acquired land for $28,500 from a land trust to facilitate the construction of the project.
The Council discussed a contract to build a storage shed and restrooms at Community Park, but did not vote on the contract as the project came in over budget.
The consensus was to modify the project to lower the cost. The price reductions will be made to the storage shed, since the agreement with the Park District to get a site for the storage shed is contingent on building the restroom facility. A vote on the agreement will come at a future meeting.
Council members discussed a proposal for a downtown audio system for just over $91,000. Such a system was discussed during development of the city’s new Comprehensive Plan. The project is designed to enhance the shopping experience downtown, but could also be used at Christmastime and for events such as Cruise Night and HAM-JAM.
The Council granted a special use permit allowing Edward and Maria Emmerich to operate a short-term rental facility at 1104 South 4th Street, and approved a fence installation to Jason and Kearsten Givens at 302 Granada Drive. There was discussion of a grant to Arts Connection of Central Illinois not to exceed $292,000 for improvements at the Effingham Performance Center, with a vote to come at a future meeting. Also discussed was an agreement with Farnsworth Group for storm sewer improvements south of Wabash Avenue for $140,400.
Council members discussed a TIF residential rehab project with Stephen Moore at 607 South 5th Street for just over $28,000, and discussed an agreement with The Alliance for $110,000 along with the appointment of City Commissioner Libby Moeller and Economic Development Director Sasha Althoff to the Alliance Board. Also discussed was the sale of property at 511 West Edgar to allow construction of a home.
The Council voted to approve agreements with Placer Labs and with The Retail Coach for economic development assistance to the City for another year for just over $41,000.
Council members discussed whether to grant a liquor license to China Buffet.
