Board OKs $20,517 access-control payment and approves two GIS abatements

The Effingham County Board approved several financial items on the consent and regular agenda, including a capital payment of $20,517.81 to SECO Incorporated for access-control upgrades at the government center and two annual GIS-service abatements for neighboring cities.

Jeremy Ders moved and Doug McCain seconded approval of payment to SECO Incorporated for $20,517.81 from capital improvement funds; the clerk recorded a roll-call vote with all voting members present recorded in favor.

On intergovernmental and abatement matters, the board approved a $25,000 abatement for the City of Effingham. The clerk recorded an abstention by Sandy Rich; other board members voted yes. The board also approved a $5,000 abatement for the City of Altamont (Altamont spelled in packet), with a unanimous vote.

Board members noted the SECO final invoice was $158 higher than the original quote but still below the next bid and within procurement rules. For the GIS abatements the GIS office will continue providing services; staff said they will confirm the specific scope of work and any updates before future abatements are finalized.

Next steps: Finance staff will issue the SECO payment, and the clerk will finalize abatement paperwork for the two cities.