Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Effingham’s city council has enacted a 12-month moratorium halting all new applications, permits, and approvals for cryptocurrency mining operations and data centers within city limits and its 1.5-mile extraterritorial zone. City Attorney Tracy Willenborg explained this pause gives the city time to study environmental impacts, including pollution and water consumption, before allowing such entities to operate locally.
Support for the moratorium was voiced by Nicholas Tkachuk, who cited concerns over resource usage. The measure passed unanimously, 5-0.
In other business, the council is considering increasing funding for the Effingham Knights of Columbus Building Corporation to $500k for improvements at Effingham Event Center. Final approval is expected at a future meeting.
Approvals at the session included a new liquor license for Looper’s Golf Lounge, a $1.6 million city-funded water main project on Fayette Avenue, and the purchase of a new aerial ladder truck. The council also adopted a 30-year solar power agreement with Keystone Power Holdings, annexed an addition to Golden Fields Subdivision, and discussed upcoming community events and further infrastructure projects.
Joe Williamson, a city employee of 38 years and recent state award finalist, was honored as Employee of the Quarter.
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