EFFINGHAM —
After a recent logo drive yielded only one entry, Central Illinois Public Transit is looking for more options.
CIPT director Kristie Warfel told Effingham County Board's Tax & Finance Committee she felt like members of the transit group's steering committee would like more to choose from.
"It's hard to choose from just one," Warfel said. "We hope to get students from the (Lake Lake College) Kluthe Center or area high schools to compose a logo."
Warfel said the entry deadline was fluid.
The committee did recommend that the group's name - Effingham County Public Transportation - its mission statement, and slogan - "Get on the Bus - Ride With Us" - be forwarded to the full board for final approval Monday.
The committee also recommended the full board consider a revised memorandum of understanding that resolves conflicts with specialized services already in existence.
Warfel said the transit organization also planned to apply for a $71,715 Job Access Reverse Commute grant that would enable system hours to be extended for the benefit of workers who would rely on the bus for transportation.
"I hated to not give Effingham County an opportunity to participate in this program," Warfel said.
Also Thursday, the committee agreed to extend its maintenance contract with Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association for two years. While part of the museum is open, museum representatives said they needed a little time before they could assume responsibility for maintenance of the museum, located in the 141-year-old old Effingham County Courthouse.
Board member David Campbell said the extensive amount of volunteer work that has been done warrants the extension.
"I think they've made great strides," Campbell said. "I'm willing to give them two more years."
Also Thursday, Animal Control Supervisor Brent Budde proposed a number of increased fees for the county shelter. Under Budde's proposal, adoption fees would increase from $20 for puppies and $30 for adult dogs, to $75 for all dogs. Cat adoption fees would increase from $5 to $50.
The new fee schedule would include a $30 fee for after-hours services and an increase in the boarding fee from $5 to $15 per day.
Budde has said the increased fees are warranted to recoup costs incurred by the county for spaying and neutering adoptable pets.
"I think it's a win-win," board Chairman Jim Niemann said.
Committee Chairman Rob Arnold said he would direct State's Attorney Bryan Kibler to develop an ordinance reflecting the new fees.
Several board members asked Budde if he could resume Saturday hours, especially since personnel are on hand at the shelter to clean cages and feed animals.Budde said he would consider opening the shelter for a couple of hours on Saturday morning.
Budde said he offered Saturday hours for about a year, but pulled back for lack of public interest.
"There wasn't anybody coming over, and we felt like it was a waste a taxpayer money," he said.
Also Thursday, the committee agreed to recommended paying $11,000 to the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor Program.
"It's a necessity that we do every year," Arnold said.
Bill Grimes can be reached at 217-347-7151, ext. 132, or bill.grimes@ effinghamdailynews.com.
Local News
March 15, 2013
Public transit logo drive yields only one entry
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