The Effingham Park District Board approved their FY17 tax levy at Tuesday’s meeting. They’re asking for an approximately $500,000 increase from last year’s levy. Park District President Jeff Althoff said that one reason was to accommodate for the district’s increased EAV (equalized assessed value) and the other reason was to keep up with rising costs. “The expenses on everything constantly go up” Althoff said. “Whether it’s gas, whether it’s building maintenance, staffing, insurance has been a big one.” The district is levying $1,790,107.
The board also heard an update on the Workman Sports Complex from General Manager Jake Junghanel. Membership numbers continue to go up at the facility totaling 1818. At this point, the facility is operating in the black “with a net profit,” Junghanel reported. Proceeds in the facility will go back into the park district to cover their costs in building the complex.
Althoff also updated the board on progress on the Harmony Playground. So far, $375,000 out the $700,000 goal have been raised. Althoff hopes to break ground on the project by the fall.
Park District President Jeff Althoff discusses the tax levy.