EFFINGHAM – Fire Chief Brant Yochum informed the city council on Tuesday that the fire department received $700,000 to help purchase a new ladder fire truck.
The funds come after Congressman Mike Bost requested legislation funds from President Trump, which he signed for on Nov. 12. This is the first substantial investment in funding the $2 million project.
“We appreciate the collaboration of Congressman Bost and his staff on this project,” said Mayor Mike Schutzbach in a press release. “The funding will reduce the tax burden on the residents of Effingham and expedite the timeline of the ladder truck project.”
In addition to saving taxpayers money by receiving government funds, City Administrator Steve Miller informed the council of the city’s fiscal year 25 tax levy request. If approved, the levy will be $1,236,858, which includes the Effingham Public Library. This year’s tax levy is about 78% less than 2024’s.
Because the city council approved the 1% sales tax earlier this year, property taxes on the tax levy are slim.
“This is three-tenths of one percent of what we levied last year,” said City Commissioner Hank Stephens. “So it’s as close to eliminating [property taxes] as you can get.”
In other news, the city commissioners voted to re-zone 1219 E. Rickelman Avenue from NU nonurban to B-2 general commercial district. Schutzbach voted to keep the zoning the same. The decision was made after hearing various testimonies, having discussions and receiving a unanimous vote from the Plan Commission to re-zone the land. The re-zoning also aligns with the city’s Future Land Use Map.
“This is a general commercial, as opposed to a highway commercial, and based upon the Plan Commission’s unanimous recommendation, I think this is the most appropriate zoning for this property,” said Stephens.
City Engineer Luke Theole discussed an agreement regarding Jaycee Avenue improvements for pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm sewer and more to bring the half-mile stretch from Route 45 to Veterans Avenue up to the city’s standards. The agreement with Milano & Grunloh would be for $172,562.05 and be funded through the city’s general fund.
“This is sorely needed. There’s countless school buses [that] go that way, and it’s like, ‘Oh my God,’” said City Commissioner Larry Micenheimer. “Pedestrians, you don’t have a chance. It’s gonna be nice.”
Public Works Director Jeremy Heuerman brought a quote from ACP International for more decorative street signs in the city’s commercial corridors and collector streets. The $91,489 project cost would be split between all the city’s funding sources.
“The best thing about these, too, is like I said last time, we went with a nine inch sign with a six inch letter, instead of the old ones [that] are six inch signs with a four inch letter,” said Heuerman. “So you can see them quite a bit better.”
“I think they look wonderful,” said City Commissioner Jake Niebrugge. “I’d love for every single street in Effingham to have these. Something that the citizens and residents – in my opinion – deserve.”
Meanwhile, the council voted not to renew its billboard contracts with Dusty’s Outdoor Media for the city’s billboards near Vandalia and Kankakee. Instead, the funds will go toward different types of advertising for the city, like targeted online advertisements.
Heuerman brought a proposal from Stantec for a Water Rate Study, which sets the city’s water rates. The study includes model details, water rates, water systems, operations, maintenance, salaries, capital projects that are needed and everything for retailers and wholesalers.
The rate found by the study would be put in place for four years beginning on May 1, 2026.
Heuerman also informed the council that bids for the city’s first tree-pruning program will be accepted on Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.
Economic Development Director Todd Hull informed the council of a Tax Increment Financing project at 511 S. Fifth Street. Barbara and Kevin Beals want to replace the building’s windows and some of the soffit for $18,362, which would make the city’s 25% reimbursement cost be $4,590.58.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.