News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.
Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.
Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.
The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.
An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.
Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.
Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.
Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.
Registration begins at noon.
The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.
The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.
For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.
Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.
Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.
Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.
A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.
Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.
People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.
The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.
26 Comments (3 pages)
Latest comments listed first.Thanks for clarifying why $2.5(.25%)million per year was chosen. (based on a 35% match of the $100 million estimated project cost)
I find no reference to a $100 million dollar estimate for the project prior to Sept. 29th of this year. In fact, the Northwest Ohio Flood Mitigation Partnership continues to state Findlay's portion of the flood solution could be in excess of $50 million....I dont see any figures near $100 million anywhere on their information. That doesn't mean it wasn't discussed somewhere, I just don't find any reference to it prior to Sept. 29th.
http://www.floodpartnership.org/media/Fast_Facts.pdf
I did find the Courier article about the $100 million dollar estimate from Sept. 29th...but they fail to mention that Mr. Berkeley actually stated it "could cost an estimated $107 million "plus or minus 50 percent,"...as the Blade reported from the same meeting. The Courier simply throws out a nice round $100 million dollar estimate for their article.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090929/NEWS16/909290363
So in the end, the estimates are $50+ million, $100 million, and $107 million (+ or - 50%, which equals a range of $53.5 million to as much as $160.5 million).......all while we cut services countywide now, and lay people off based on "projections" in both the 2010 tax collection figures, and what may actually be needed for the flood plan.
The Courier has had numerous articles written by at least 3 reporters over the past two years. there have been 6 public hearings, WFIN has held several Forums on the subject so I am just guessing you are either new to town or do not live here. The sales tax was created to fund the 35% match that is required of any Corps of Engineers project. The project had a ball park cost of even in 2007 of 100 million dollars. 2.5 million dollars times 10 which is the length of the tax equals 25 million dollars. It's that simple.
The Sheriff is in charge of his department if the paper was correct in quoting him he believes he can provide the necessary public safety with his recommended reduction in force. As far as whether or not those folks would still be available is speculation but again it would be the Sheriff's call not mine. The Ohio revised code stipulates the amount of sales or use taxes that can be utilized by a county we followed those statutes.
Why not .20% or .15% of the .5% tax , when you knew there was a shortfall for general operations? And now that you recognize the shortfall, why not ask for that court order, if thats what you need?
I understand it is now a dedicated amount to be used only for flodding, but why was it set at half of the .5%?
Seems a hundred year flood issue was used as a tactic to help pass the tax, but was there a study that said you need exactly $2.5 million (.25%) a year for this (flood mitigation)?
Also, what if those "highly skilled" employees aren't available for rehire? How much more (thousands of dollars?) will it cost to hire and train a new people as opposed to keeping currently trained employees?
Saying you hope to bring them back tells me you recognize they are needed now, but we just cant afford them. My question is, can we afford not to have them?
Everone posting here is a little bit right, but a lot of misunderstanding of the budget is apparent. While I agree that County financing is complicated it is still transparent but you have to know how state statute requires appropriations to be spent and what accounts are dedicated vs. flexible in how the monies can be appropriated.
First let me clarify why we are still projecting a shortfall even with the additional sales tax revenue for 2010. When the tax process began with public hearings early in 2008 interest rates were still at 4-5% sales tax revenues were flat and real estate was still selling. The requested 1/2% for operations and 1/4% capital seemed a reasonable request to fund flooding, county operations and for maintenance repair and replacement of county buildings. The sales tax was imposed during August of 2008 and began collecting on January 1 of 2009.
Since the beginning of 2009 the financial market's collapse along with the real estate debacal has reduced the revenue projections by almost 2 million. So even with the new 1/4% for county operations we are getting fewer dollars for 2010. This has resulted in further reductions for the budget. This was widely reported on that even with the tax increase the county would be seeing 10% cuts this is exactly the case. Most departments have accomplished this by reducing staff as with the Sheriff or by furlough days, reduced wages, higher benefit premiums to the employees. We do not forsee any quick turn around until we see a return of jobs and commerce to this county. The current sales tax is being collected and the 1/2% is split between the county and the flood project. The flood project is a dedicated account and once the money is in that account it can only be dedicated to flood control. The same goes for what has been collected for capital improvements. Once in that account short of a court order that money cannot be used for any other purpose, this is not something the commissioners designed it is part of the revised code.
While it is very unfortunate that some highly skilled people have to be laid off, it is everyone's hope that when the economy rebounds they could be rehired if they still are available.
So bottom line the flood money is for flood
Capital is dedicated to buildings
and operations are going to have to survive on the revenues we have. Recognize that if we did not have the capital account any repairs would still have to come from somewhere and hard decisions would have to be made then. We are electing to be as prudent as we can recognizing the year ahead will be a big challange.
Thanks Kyle for posting the number, I think my fingers will put those digits to good use!