The Effingham City Council heard the Quarterly Library Report From Director Amanda McKay at their Tuesday night meeting. McKay said that overall circulation of library materials was on the rise.
The Effingham Public Library has also seen a 24% increase in the circulation of e-material, such as e-books and music. McKay also informed the board about the progress of the summer reading program which is now into its fourth week.
According to McKay, it’s not late too join the summer reading program. Visit effinghamlibrary.org for more information.
The City Council also heard a presentation from City Administrator Jim Arndt on the Fiscal Year 2016 Fourth Quarter Financial Report. Arndt said that overall, the city was in strong financial shape and had remained mostly within budget. Of the major city funds, only the Tourism and TIF Funds currently have a deficit. The Tourism fund has received 57% of revenues expected and has spent 64%, leaving a deficit of $149,423. The TIF Fund has received 48% of expected revenues and has spend 68% leaving a deficit of 3,177,057. Arndt explained that money is often transferred from the TIF Fund to the Capital Projects Fund, used for large projects, which helps to explain the large deficit. He also explained that the Tourism Fund would need to monitored more closely in the future to ensure that the City was not spending beyond its means.
The City Council also heard from Mark Goekner regarding a petition to rezone a property he owns from residential to commercial in order to use the spot for a new parking lot. The planning commission did recommend the change, but only by 3-2 vote. The item was for discussion only and will be voted on by the City Council in July.
Chad Hawkins of E.P. Legends petitioned the Council to support a downtown rehabilitation project where he would be adding windows to his building located 209 N. 4th Street in Effingham. The Project will cost $11,005 with the city picking up $5750. The Council will vote on the project next month.
The Council also heard from Ed Deters, of McDevitt, Osteen, Chojnicki, and Deters. Deters is looking to rehabilitate their downtown law offices located at 127 W. Jefferson Avenue in Effingham. The rehabilitation will include creating a facade on the front of two buildings owned by the firm to make them look like one. Deters said that work has already been done on the interiors to connect the buildings. The cost of the project will be $93,461 with the City paying $46,730. The City Council will vote on the project next month.