The Effingham City Council voted to appoint Michelle Wilkins to the position of City Building Official at Tuesday night’s meeting. Wilkins served as interim Building Official after Bruce Devall retired from the position several months ago. According to City Administrator Jim Arndt, Wilkins was recommended by the City Staff.
She was sworn in by City Clerk Kelsey Lock.
The Council also heard a presentation from Julian Jacquin of Economic Development Resources, a consulting firm employed by the city, on the new Triangle Business district. City Administrator Arndt said that business districts were a way for the city to generate revenue.
According to Arndt, the city revenue from a business district comes from an additional 1% sales tax increase that consumers pay on certain transactions. That money is used for improvements within the district.
In the past, the City of Effingham has allowed businesses to opt out of the business district program. However, in Tuesday’s discussion the council considered removing the option. Arndt said that under Illinois law, municipalities do have that authority.
The exact boundaries of the Triangle Business District have not been finalized, but tentatively include N. Keller Drive, from I-57/70, to W. Fayette Avenue, back to I-57/I-70. The council did not take any official action at the Tuesday meeting beyond discussion, but will hear another presentation on the Triangle Business District at the next City Council Meeting on July 19th.