News & Announcements
Mayor delivers State of the City
The month of May marked the completion of the City Council’s second year, and as mayor of the City of Effingham, I am happy to provide the State of the City Address.
The City of Effingham’s workforce has proven to be a committed crew of employees in all departments. These individuals strive to work diligently on the community’s behalf to provide efficient and effective service to all of us, the residents.
This City Council understands that we commissioners must work together to lead each City department in order for all departments to operate competently.
The Water Department works hard to maintain and upgrade the City’s existing water mains as well as anticipating and satisfying the need for new water mains in our City. The Water Department meets the challenge of providing safe and ample water supply to the residents of the City, while responsibly managing Effingham’s state-of-the-art Water Treatment Plant.
The Street and Sewer Departments continue to provide their services, maintenance, and construction programs to make available the best infrastructure possible to our residents and businesses.
The Building Official’s office reports that approximately 148 building permits were issued with an estimated cost of construction of approximately $35 million, and importantly, residential construction remained steady with 34 new housing starts and commercial construction remained equally steady.
The Public Property Department secured a portion of a local trust fund, which was used in conjunction with available TIF funds, to provide funding for a substantial improvement project at City-owned Bliss Park.
Our City Fire and Police Departments continue quality training, preparedness, and recruitment to assure top-notch protection for the citizens of the City of Effingham.
Our Economic Development and Tourism team have worked responsibly and industriously to retain and expand businesses, to secure additional economic development interests and develop ongoing tourism attractions. The third wheel of economic development, the Engineering Department, continues to be a vital hub of city development. Their meticulous expertise and leadership consistently keeps our ambitions and goals in check.
We continue to emphasize our transportation advantages and build on our increasing retail and commercial development, supporting the City’s growth with expansive, healthy infrastructure programs. We strive to foster professional working relationships with our Federal and State legislators, as well as community and business leaders and organizations to form coalitions that will ensure prosperity, advancement, and quality of life within our community.
Our City Clerk’s Office and Treasurer’s Office continue their fine efforts to keep the City in compliance with the many rules and regulations regarding the City budget, investments, union negotiations, insurance and safety, personnel and recordkeeping.
With an eager and experienced staff, capable employees, a progressive, interactive City Council, and highly regarded input from citizen leaders, I feel this City administration is steadily accomplishing the goals, improvements, and changes that continue to make Effingham the dynamic environment for work, and for business, and for living, that we individually treasure.
As mayor, my time and abilities are always available to you, and I invite you to bring your city-related concerns to me personally. I will do my best to help each of you.
On behalf of the City Council, Commissioners Alan Harris, Karen Flach, Larry Micenheimer and Merv Gillenwater, I thank you for your support and for the opportunity to serve you.