Tax & Finance Committee Goes Over FY26 Budget & Tax Levy

Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Effingham County Tax & Finance Committee met Thursday and discussed the budget and tax levy for FY26.

Josh Douthit explained some guidelines he had made for the hotel/motel fund, with feedback from the committee members. The biggest discussion centered around how to keep extra funds available in case of pop-up requests, and to set a deadline for requests for funding. Josh said he will adjust the guidelines some and get back with the Committee.

The Committee also:

• Discussed Employee Insurance Stipend
• Recommended an extra $20k to the 708 Board to match 377 Board funding; moved to full board
• Discussed County Health Levy
• Moved Budget Layover to full board

The Committee also discussed County Employee Christmas bonus certificates, centered around tiering full-time and part-time employees’ bonus amounts. They reiterated that every employee is always welcome at the Christmas lunch.

The Board also heard updates from Casey Kimme with Illinois Extension and Courtney Yockey with the Alliance.