[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6165084,"mediaKeyId","5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8","parentId",5426085,"title","Committee recommends ARPA spending for pavilion benches, pet-waste dispensers and landscaping rock","audioSeconds",725,"startMs",4808000,"endMs",5533000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8&start=4808&end=5533","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8/thumbnail_4808000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165084/Effingham-County/Illinois/Committee-recommends-ARPA-spending-for-pavilion-benches-pet-waste-dispensers-and-landscaping-rock","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165084-c42130a01b31e82877340a1e9c4c8d06/orig.mp4?Expires=1773573602&Signature=MFizL5w56lVOpuPZrcB8umFzBwBHEd-AueUQojjvOmXH0Ceu9uGq9ZEd1wkGYJPH85fiJQK9j5JngkV2DNCFGsSg45oPBIfDODDuHqaWud7ZnHIbPEPZvHvXG1NZt33IVMe65-RDB6z61f4y5bUZcFoF29ZEzPMCfRLhjuN9wXQXsx15nlq3vsc~As9NM-M~UjM5khWe-i1uH8z3y2hcAJApOIzheqeMg-x5XwgjvmginwlxCaQqDcc8MKQd7EHSEV2zkTucDr-m279AhHEdQWiKLTaCYOSaVe0UsYnx6tEbZVYmloNmy6BZntKrQOgssOeGOF-CmwLN9qMI65QJww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Effingham County, IL","date","2025-07-18T19:25:05.277Z","article","The committee recommended using remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for several small projects: purchasing benches for the courthouse pavilion, installing pet-waste bag dispensers, and filling a trip hazard around the courthouse with landscaping rock.

At the building-and-grounds committee's recommendation, members agreed to forward a proposal to purchase four 8-foot benches that match the pavilion's aesthetic. Estimated bench cost discussed was about $1,000 each. Committee members discussed finish choices (cedar vs. black iron) and asked staff to confirm measurements and final pricing before county-board action.

The committee approved buying pet-waste bag dispensers (poll-style units) to encourage pet owners to collect and dispose of dog waste; the plan calls for dispensers that residents will use with existing public trash receptacles rather than adding new waste cans. The committee discussed the number of posts to install (about 22) and the logistic of replacing bag rolls.

Committee members also authorized up to $1,200 from ARPA funds to fill a drop-off area where new sidewalks created a trip hazard, recommending a layered approach of CA-16 chips, landscape fabric, and river-rock top dressing. The committee noted a remaining ARPA balance of roughly $4,084.06 before tax and shipping.

All three items were recommended to the full county board; the committee asked staff to confirm final product choices and shipping/tax before final purchase.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tax and Finance Committee Meeting - Thursday, July 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Using remaining ARPA funds, the committee recommended buying benches for the courthouse pavilion, approved pet-waste bag dispensers, and authorized up to $1,200 to address a trip hazard with landscaping rock.","taxTitle","Effingham County, Illinois","taxId",60065,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165089,"Committee approves funding request for recovery-oriented services including peer coach and test kits",1900,2670000,4570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8&start=2670&end=4570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8/thumbnail_2670000.jpg","/articles/6165089/Effingham-County/Illinois/Committee-approves-funding-request-for-recovery-oriented-services-including-peer-coach-and-test-kits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165089-789fe7a1218fbc306472c71a18b9fa7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773573602&Signature=R17HxFDdvcSvfy~GbmEhOH0ZOBRer22bqTzJgRzeaX0g6JzjSOYkL~sOXyjyiUPro9V3Www83CLVXxoJpHC2JRxl4Tu20BoCf-ArRsHVmTz06AEy~DJ0bN23G7lzVdnNKalj2Z6PGc89XBiYWGdeJGDys~wZEjy7~aK477h94w9W90-kbecu8JAoD7RMe4-a7CHcwGrejco5~aujTnF4e6QDmH2m2jNM1DjYhWJnx011Lp20QZG9VGrlZ0H5qdfs26zs607eZ7P-sdpkTIpuBoAvNT5VMQZLcyGU27C0XcFsVAyn~M4iuBMS~OTY6A13Ceum37GrLZQmCIePKRaKAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee recommended allocating opioid-settlement funds to support recovery-oriented services in the county, approving a proposal that includes funding for a part-time certified peer recovery specialist (CPRS), transportation assistance and additional harm-reduction supplies.

Samantha (presenter) explained that the program is led by Our House, a 24-hour treatment facility and recovery provider, and requested $35,134 to employ a 20-hour-per-week CPRS for county services (including mileage and fringe benefits). The proposal also requested $2,750 to construct and distribute fentanyl-testing kits and asked for small transportation supports such as gas gift cards and public-transit tokens to reduce barriers to treatment and appointments.

Committee members asked several operational and oversight questions: how the CPRS position would differ from existing caseworkers; how partner agencies (including the sheriff's office, health department and public defender) would coordinate warm handoffs; whether the prior opioid funds distributed in 2024 were evaluated; and how the applicant would report outcomes. The presenter said the CPRS would provide peer-based outreach and recovery coaching based on lived experience and that partner agencies were engaged and under discussion.

A committee member noted a discrepancy between a cover letter and the application about the requested amounts; the presenter said the application total is the correct figure. Committee members asked for performance reporting; the presenter said they track referrals to partner agencies, connections to treatment, and individuals receiving regular one-on-one support and would provide documentation.

After discussion, the committee approved a motion to fund the proposal and forward it to the full board. Several members emphasized the need for coordinated services, performance measures, and clarity on prior fund use. The committee did not create a permanent county position at the meeting; it approved the proposal for opioid funds subject to the standard reporting expectations discussed during the session.","The committee approved a recommendation to allocate opioid-relief funds toward a part-time certified peer recovery specialist and fentanyl testing kits, after discussion about partnerships and previous funding use; the committee asked for reporting on outcomes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165094,"Committee recommends annexing about 640 acres into enterprise zone to spur housing and commercial projects",466,2265000,2731000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8&start=2265&end=2731","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8/thumbnail_2265000.jpg","/articles/6165094/Effingham-County/Illinois/Committee-recommends-annexing-about-640-acres-into-enterprise-zone-to-spur-housing-and-commercial-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165094-5bf36977d6c4a855bedfa1445d97cd25/orig.mp4?Expires=1773573602&Signature=h3ytvOEaXpgQKwJlVg3xiU0GFKXNNu8Nc2E5Cjtt88jREJm0UQdLnrUzGWEds--0kLsZUCkBp7qICargAHvs8su5glUk-RPzQP1jvXHZxUvL4HEX8vQnMFXbXz5TCeE4Qs2Q-zeZAJ1otSd9zmlS8WfcXaIRNfjO~q8kwPljRd67yrEe4WvHxT3bB5JCrM8bCxjX8zxeofmpCKwtmfBbQ906S3I6ZX3HI1ENjtwLPHbfJvQSIetGkBEp71nFQ73e4LuiNkygt~RUMaoGEpKDbCPSDMetJcCJg5vhbSNfW-82rN2yiAVcnYCjQei5Lb~Hneh799fjLnpJbVAa4k5I9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tax and Finance Committee recommended that the full county board approve an annexation of about 640 acres into the county's enterprise zone, a change the presenter said would make sites eligible for property-tax abatements and sales-tax exemptions to encourage redevelopment and new construction.

The presenter said the annexation includes a one-square-mile area along Heritage Avenue where the city has constructed a street and where the county anticipates requests for duplex and multifamily development. The annexation packet also includes individual parcels proposed by private property owners and a site proposed by Rue Hall Trailer Sales to locate a new business in the village of Teutopolis.

The presenter provided a parcel-based breakdown of land classifications inside the proposed boundary: about 176 acres classified residential or vacant (including roughly 90 acres vacant residential), 146 acres classified commercial, about 180 acres rural unimproved land on the city fringe, and smaller amounts of industrial, institutional and other categories. The presenter said one apartment complex near the hospital is waiting for the enterprise-zone decision before proceeding.

The presenter outlined the incentives available if properties are included in the enterprise zone: three years of property-tax abatement for commercial and new multifamily projects, five years for new single-family homes, and seven years for industrial projects; abatements apply to increases above the base assessed value. The presenter also said projects could use a sales-tax exemption on permanently affixed building materials for projects with construction costs over $50,000.

Committee members asked about the zone's remaining capacity; the presenter said the county would have about 4 square miles left of capacity after the annexation and was not at risk of exceeding a 20-square-mile maximum. The committee voted to send the annexation request to the full board for approval; the presenter said she would seek city approval in August and then forward the approved materials to the state.

No formal approval from the state was granted at the meeting; the committee action is a recommendation to the county board to proceed with the annexation process.","The committee recommended sending an annexation request to the full board to add approximately 640 acres (about 1 square mile) to the county enterprise zone, aiming to encourage multifamily and infill development and provide tax incentives for qualifying projects.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165099,"Committee hears demonstration of TextMyGov texting service; committee votes not to adopt at this time",475,1401000,1876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8&start=1401&end=1876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8/thumbnail_1401000.jpg","/articles/6165099/Effingham-County/Illinois/Committee-hears-demonstration-of-TextMyGov-texting-service-committee-votes-not-to-adopt-at-this-time","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165099-6842a66db3766cd8af3764772f976cb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773573602&Signature=UxNCwc8523UuOO~-NYh-hozuQL1sSK2RH6pbgADqLYBdRt3eWtMV2Ttbt-A9A84j9wcu0g1b2EBzglnelpWjhupCdfpl-l6m6d23v5SW-FIfQJ7P~L6fyZL4gFC-YcEyuKxYyW79tsjJuU5XWikvNyxlGtcJX4mgLLw95VMOo32Px2n8GJP-MUuWCf7Y2MZhS1lObor1TMh5EzfHCdGYyq04hmkrWmXNFsm3Coevmy9Jbz56V0FeWp6DMQl4gyGZ7BKIIsjfcji4ghLdzmwQNqYRTSNrYHgghrPBqqt30dviZSD3yygh01eVsEYYzuvGM47DCXzK7J-WOZI--nJnuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A vendor demonstration of TextMyGov, a texting and interactive-resident engagement platform, drew questions about overlap with existing emergency-notification systems and the county's need for the product. Committee members voted to decline pursuit of the system at this time.

TextMyGov representatives said the product provides countywide unlimited user licenses, alerts for meeting and tax reminders, two-way question handling with automated replies, issue reporting that routes resident reports to staff, and survey tools. The vendor said it can supply an initial database of roughly 10,000 to 12,000 mobile numbers for the county from postal-service address-based data to jump-start outreach, and that about 90% of recipients historically remain opted in after a welcome message.

Committee members raised several concerns: the county and many municipalities already use emergency-notification platforms such as RapidWarn, Everbridge or CodeRED; the county's emergency-management agency uses its own alerting system; and the vendor's database provides one mobile number per household, which committee members said would not reach all residents. One member asked whether phone numbers could come from other states; the vendor said the postal-service-derived database uses the phone number the postal service has for a service address, which could reflect past addresses.

A motion was offered to decline adopting TextMyGov at this time; the motion was seconded and carried. Committee members said no action would be taken immediately and that departments could continue to discuss the product privately.

The committee did not allocate funds or enter into a procurement at the meeting. The vendor left the presentation materials and pricing: an annual fee of $8,000 and a one-time setup fee normally equal to half the annual fee, discounted to $2,000 if the county executed by the end of the month. Committee members said they would continue internal discussion if departments saw a use case in the future.","A vendor demonstrated TextMyGov, a countywide texting and interactive-resident engagement platform. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing emergency-notification tools and coverage; the committee voted not to adopt the service at this meeting.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165104,"County audit returns unmodified opinion; committee accepts report and authorizes audit RFP",433,242000,675000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8&start=242&end=675","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426085-da538f6f874a0dcdd7d4daa7d4632fc8/thumbnail_242000.jpg","/articles/6165104/Effingham-County/Illinois/County-audit-returns-unmodified-opinion-committee-accepts-report-and-authorizes-audit-RFP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165104-f047131920600fe91cca4ceab4e7f6ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1773573602&Signature=SDmeY2m-3UHqANLzBpKrFrOB5OdZR7FI5qdRVJ42nR270sM0f2sTDdzGsdoUxOapUaKpCQZRsNwAA2jI3ppXmlHUNYKvIkcUR1-u1nCBsyKLaiJ10a5gL6RZaVWzNg~7gH6nSxVoOyWvD-v0SJpYoJqQw0UVC31ngpLulMyow~xgOQ6Byuh2d71zIS7dk6t6oA4JLllDZoLn1O7L~b0wg-A8Ah3BorQq1aYYPIExqSQ5muUz~s1uD2PkWSF-a-lZxn6os31qbW6vgdGUTiTdReOGmoIS3~sH1-8HLksB63cFT44L5BVzF-fITWpm4J3L~SnlmEhk8khaHMVzjAPrqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Effingham County Tax and Finance Committee accepted an external audit for the fiscal year ended Nov. 30, 2024, and authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for auditing services next year.

The audit presentation said the auditors issued an unmodified opinion on the county's financial statements and on the single audit required for federal expenditures over $750,000. The presenter noted an \"emphasis of matter\" because the county reports on a cash basis rather than using generally accepted accounting principles.

Committee members said they were satisfied with the audit results and moved to accept the audit findings and forward the report to the full county board for approval. The committee also voted to release a request for proposals for audit services because the current contract is ending.

Auditors described one recurring finding: the county does not prepare its own financial statements for audit; instead, auditors prepare the statements from county-provided records. The auditors said that under professional standards management retains responsibility for reviewing and accepting the financial statements and related notes. The audit team also reported no findings in the single-audit testing of federal awards and identified management-letter items including misclassified capital outlay expenditures and interfund activity that did not net to zero.

Committee discussion touched on staffing options to address the recurring finding. One member asked whether hiring an in-house employee with the capability to prepare financial statements would resolve the internal-control comment and whether such a hire would be cost-effective. The auditor said that the county could employ someone with the qualifications to prepare statements but that whether it would save money depends on local circumstances and costs.

After the presentation, the committee approved a motion to accept the audit findings and forward the report to the full board. Later in the meeting the committee voted to issue an RFP for audit services and to forward that request to the full board.

The committee asked county staff to include the application materials from the current engagement when preparing the RFP and noted the county's ordinance preference to accept the low bid unless a clear reason exists to choose otherwise.

No additional formal actions (such as hiring decisions or changes to accounting policy) were taken during the meeting; the decisions were to forward the audit and to seek proposals for the next contract.","An external audit for the fiscal year ended Nov. 30, 2024, received an unmodified opinion and limited findings. The committee voted to accept the audit deliverables and to issue a request for proposals for next year's audit contract.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee recommends ARPA spending for pavilion benches, pet-waste dispensers and landscaping rock

Committee approves funding request for recovery-oriented services including peer coach and test kits

Committee recommends annexing about 640 acres into enterprise zone to spur housing and commercial projects

Committee hears demonstration of TextMyGov texting service; committee votes not to adopt at this time

County audit returns unmodified opinion; committee accepts report and authorizes audit RFP