Published on April 21, 2026 7:53 pm
Last Updated on April 21, 2026 7:53 pm
Effingham City Council members Tuesday passed the budget for the City fiscal year that begins May 1.
The measure includes a general fund budget of just under $45.6 million.
The Council approved a subdivision plat for Heritage Crossing Subdivision, a development along Heritage Avenue for 18 attached single-family dwellings. That followed the sale of the property to Heritage Drive, LLC, for $200,000 where the housing will be developed.
The project is part of an effort to make more housing available in Effingham. The City acquired the property to make it available for residential development.
City Commissioner Jake Niebrugge also shared that three building permits were issued for new homes in Effingham in the past quarter. Niebrugge said, though, that more needs to be done.
The Council also approved a replat of a lot in the first addition to Beckman Estates Subdivision, dividing one lot into two residential lots.
Also approved was 2% water rate increases in each of the coming four years, as well as rates for wholesale water customers. The Council approved a bar and tavern license for Upper Deck Bar and Grill at A-1 Liquors at 4th and Fayette.
The Council renewed the Downtown/Southtown Business Area Redevelopment Program for another year. The City pays a portion of the cost of improvement projects. The TIF Housing Redevelopment Program was also renewed for another year. Council members also purchased property from Stacey Durbin and from J&R Collision Centers. The land will facilitate a westerly extension of Airport Road from South US 45, west to the CN Railroad to allow commercial development of the city-owned property.
The Council approved an agreement with IDOT for $1,140,000 for sanitary sewer replacement east of Willow Street. The work is related to Phase II of the Fayette Avenue reconstruction project, but the City is covering this portion of the work.
Council members approved a community tree planting event for this Saturday at City Hall. Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman said activities will begin at 9am. 22 trees will be planted as part of an urban forestry project. Also approved was a quote for $46,296 from the Potted Charm for downtown hanging flower baskets, a project that was an outgrowth of the City’s new Comprehensive Plan.
The Council also the appointment of various individuals to new terms. That includes Dave Mahon to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, City Administrator Steve Miller to the Police Pension Board and the Fire Pension Board, Jeremy Heuerman, Greg Sapp and Todd Hull to the Human Relations Commission, Kara Wade as the ethics advisor of the Ethics Commission, Don Bushue, Cindy Vogel and Clint Spruell to the Plan Commission, Val Broeringmeyer, Assistant City Administrator Dennis Presley, City Commissioner Hank Stephens and Charlene Topel to the Public Library Board, Jeff Althoff, Nicole Morrison, Wanda Pitcher and Lori Worman to the Tourism Advisory Board, and Luke Hayes to the Enterprise Zone Commission.
The Council discussed funding for the 4th of July fireworks display. Amanda McKay of Effingham Noon Rotary asked for an increase to $30,000 for America’s 250th anniversary celebration. This will be the 11th year that Noon Rotary has organized the fireworks display. City Tourism Director Jodi Thoele is working on other ways to celebrate the occasion, as is Sunrise Rotary. We will keep you up to date on the various celebrations.
