Commissioners hear presentation on utility costs

The Highland County Board of Commissioners met with Champion Energy Services Wednesday, in yet another of several such meetings with electric providers.

At 8:35 a.m., "With all members present, we'll call to order and welcome Tom back from prison," Commission President Shane Wilkin began the meeting.

Commissioner Horst, a longtime law enforcement professional, explained his absence from the Aug. 15 board meeting, as he was part of a tour of the Ross County and Chillicothe correctional facilities last week.

Commissioners passed seven resolutions, all by 3-0 votes, as follows:

• A modification in the county engineer's budget of $25,000;

• A series of modifications, transfers and appropriations in the county clerk of courts' budget to facilitate the installation of new filing cabinets for record storage.

• A reimbursement from Job and Family Services for child support enforcement.

• An additional appropriation of $6,540.82 in the county sheriff's budget for employee salaries.

Following the passage of resolutions, Wilkin updated the board on recent discussions with Frank Leone on increases in electric bills at the Rocky Fork sewer system.

Wilkin said the county also has had increases in electric bills at the courthouse. Wilkin said John Zaegel of Muirfield Energy is checking on a better rate if the county extends its current contract.

Wilkin also informed commissioners of the possibility of a U.S. Department of Labor grant opportunity. Wilkin said the county could approach the grant as a project related to the five-county South Central Ohio Regional Juvenile Detention Center, which includes Highland County. The facility is located in Chillicothe.

Wilkin said he has been in communication with LuAnn Winkle of Turning Point, Fayette County commissioner Doug Anderson, Ross County commissioner Doug Corcoran, and Mike Oyer from the SCRJDC. Oyer told Wilkin there are certain requirements that must be in accordance with the facility's trust.

The counties could approach the grant opportunity as a potential treatment facility for juveniles, Wilkin said.

"Most of the kids who are getting in trouble, it starts with a substance abuse problem," Horst said.

Horst and commissioner Jeremy Shaffer agreed that discussions should continue.

"I'm not overly optimistic, but we'll continue the talks," Wilkin said.

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In other business, the Board of Revision's hearings concluded this week. The board includes Wilkin, county auditor Bill Fawley and county treasurer Vickie Warnock.

Wilkin said a majority of the property tax appeals were approved by the board. "Maybe not at the level that they wanted, but many were reduced," he said.

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Champion Energy representatives Jeremy Smith, Bill Turner and Joel Schultz presented a potential cost-saving plan on electric utilities for commissioners' consideration.

In an hourlong presentation, Smith told commissioners of several areas in which Champion Energy has entered into contractual agreements, including the village of Peebles and Lake Waynoka.

Smith warned commissioners of so-called "teaser rates" from energy providers that might not include capacity.

"This is the first time in history you are better off buying term than rate," Smith said.

"When coal plants get shut down – and switch to gas – it costs X number of dollars to convert a coal plant. They found it's cheaper to build a new gas plant than convert a coal plant."

Smith suggested commissioners visit the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio website and look up its "apples to apples" comparisons of utility service providers.

Commissioners asked Smith if Champion Energy also worked with residential customers.

Smith replied that the company would work with residential users as well as businesses and public entities.

"Our responsibility is to the people of Highland County," Wilkin told Smith. "We are going to get a number of estimates."

Smith said he would encourage the commissioners to get several estimates before making any decision.