Commissioners urge state lawmakers to take action on loss of tax revenue; proclaim Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Lead Summary
By
Rory Ryan-hcpress@cinci.rr.com
Highland County Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Jeff Duncan and Terry Britton proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month during their March 29 meeting.
Dara Gullette of the Alternatives to Violence Center, along with Barbara Shoemaker, Jamie McCoy, Crystal Saunders and Bill Fife, met with commissioners Wednesday morning.
Gullette updated the board on the sexual assault response team services in Clinton and Highland counties.
In addition, the Alternatives to Violence Center’s sixth annual Tea for Tweens, Teens and Queens will be held Saturday, April 22 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Hillsboro Elementary School cafeteria.
The event, sponsored in part by the Cassner Foundation and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1161, is open to females ages 11 and up. The tea includes brunch and activities focused on teen dating violence awareness and tips on action to take when witnessing violence. Pampering stations will include massage, hair, nails, waxing and jewelry making.
For more information, call (937) 393-8118.
* * *
Recycling news
• Highland County Recycling Outreach Specialist Heidi Devine reminded any non-profit groups or township trustees that the deadline for the 2017 recycling grant application is May 1. Completed grant applications may be submitted to the county commissioners at 119 Gov. Foraker Place, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Application materials are available online at http://co.highland.oh.us/recycling/ or call Devine at (937) 509-2899.
Devine also noted that an electronics collection event will be held from 8 a.m.-noon on Aug. 5 at Premier Grain, 116 S. Fairfield St., Leesburg. A tire collection event will be held from 8 a.m.-noon on Aug. 19 at 1575 N. High St., Hillsboro. For information, go to http://rphfsolidwastedistrict.com/.
* * *
Lawmakers urged to act
• In other business, commissioners passed a resolution urging state legislators to "take immediate action as part of the Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) sales tax revenue."
Last month, Wilkin discussed the pending two-year budget for the state of Ohio and lawmakers' efforts to offset some of the losses in local funding.
Highland County's projected loss in Medicaid-related tax revenues is approximately $800,000 out of the annual budget. These tax dollars end June 30, 2017. The state's more rural counties are losing a larger percentage of their tax dollars due to this change by the federal government.
Wilkin said the MCO tax revenue has been a "saving grace" to the county budget.
"The state has found a way to cover its shortfall, but we are being encouraged to do without," Wilkin said. "It looks like a one-time payment is going to be subject to your (a given county's) ability to add a tax."
Former Ohio Senate President Keith Faber informed commissioners of the pending sales tax changes in an Aug. 8, 2016 letter to the board.
In his letter, Faber wrote: "Specifically, the feds have indicated that the application of Ohio's state and county level sales tax on MCOs (Managed Care Organizations) can no longer continue. Ohio has applied these taxes since 2009. For the state, the issue won't be upon us until July 1, 2017, when Ohio adopts a new two-year state budget and begins our new fiscal year. But for our 88 counties and local transit authorities, that will come right in the middle of your 2017 calendar year budget which I know you have already started preparing."
"We would lose 12.4 percent of our tax revenues if the Legislature doesn't act," Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley told the board. "It affects all counties differently. In Adams County, it's 16.9 percent, and in Vinton County, it's 22 percent."
Commissioners are urging state lawmakers to assist in offsetting the loss of revenue.
* * *
Development Strategies Group
hired for RFL ASAP project
Rocky Fork Lake Area Safety and Advancement Plan Site Coordinator LuAnn Winkle also met with commissioners and announced that Development Strategies Group (DSG), a Cincinnati-based economic development consulting firm, has been hired for the next 18 months for a total cost of $68,000 to work with the implementation of the lake project.
According to its website, Development Strategies Group "helps clients identify, assess, negotiate and secure public incentives available to promote business location, expansion and job retention."
"We're excited to have them on board," Winkle said. "After meeting with our steering committee, we felt Development Strategies best meets the needs of our community."
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded an $843,498 grant to Rocky Fork Lake ASAP. The project has been fully funded, and the budget and implementation plan was approved by the Department of Justice.
Priorities of the grant include:
• The development of a land bank.
• Transportation from the Rocky Fork area to Hillsboro and Greenfield, through FRS Transportation.
• Targeted enforcement areas as identified by Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera.
• The implementation of a 411 anonymous crime tip line.
• A part-time sanitation officer at the lake, through the Health Department.
• Economic development.
Commissioners passed a resolution accepting Development Strategies Group.
* * *
Courthouse repairs under way
• Commissioner Duncan said that a new door for the Highland County Courthouse is being custom made. With installation, the cost will be $12,000. Duncan said the county has worked with the Highland County Historical Society and the Ohio Historical Society in order to maintain the building's historic integrity.
"We're trying to maintain the historic integrity of the courthouse, and that comes at a cost," Duncan said.
* * *
Courthouse fountain discussed
• Wilkin said he has met again with city officials about constructing an outside fountain on the courthouse square. Wilkin said he wasn't aware of any objections, and that the city would be responsible for maintenance and upkeep.
Wilkin also updated the board on his meeting last week in Washington, D.C. with Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission Executive Director John Hemmings, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Ohio Republican members of Congress Steve Stivers, Bill Johnson and Brad Wenstrup.
Wilkin said three programs – Community Development Block Grant, Economic Development and the Appalachian Regional Commission – have been "zeroed out" in President Trump's proposed budget.
"I felt all four of those guys (Portman, Stivers, Johnson and Wenstrup) are on board (with trying to maintain program funding), especially ARC," Wilkin said. "CDBG funding provides funds for important projects like roads and sidewalks. OVRDC is our advocate for this."
* * *
Resolutions
Commissioners unanimously passed the following resolutions:
• Res No 17-82 – Engineer request a modification of appropriations within the Engineer Budget from Salary, Employees to Equipment in the amount of $10,000.
• Res No 17-83 – Commissioners request a transfer from O-7 Debt Retire – Leesburg Industrial Park, Transfers Out to County A-00 in the amount of $41,607.10. The request is being made for excess funds because the debt is paid off. An additional appropriation is requested to County, Transfers Out in the amount of $41,607.10. Also requested is a transfer from A-00 County, Transfers Out to N-07 Capital Improvement Leesburg Industrial Park in the amount of $41,607.10.
• Res No 17-84 – Highland County Commissioners urge state legislators to take immediate action as part of the MCO sales tax revenue.
• Res No 17-85 – Commissioners request an additional appropriation to O-21 Debt Retire – 2007 Various Purpose, Transfers Out in the amount of $332,651.18. Commissioners request a transfer from O-21 Debt Retire – 2007 Various Purpose, Transfers Out to County A-00 in the amount of $332,651.18, the request is being made because these are excess funds. Also requested is an additional appropriation within County to the following line items, see resolution. Commissioners request a transfer from County A-00, Transfers Out to N-01 Cap. Imp. GIS, Other Expense in the amount of $140,722.00. Also requested is an additional appropriation to N-01 Cap. Imp/ GIS, to other Expense in the amount of $35,180.50. Commissioners request a transfer from County, A-00 Transfers Out to the following line items for the balance of $173,929.18.
• Res No 17-86 – Commissioners authorize County Engineer Dean Otworth to prepare and submit an application to participate in the OPWC state capital improvement program to make improvements to C.R. 4-A., 15-A, 93-B and TR391A (Lovers Lane).
• Res No 17-87 – RFL ASAP Joint Steering Team and Economic Development Subcommittee award Development Strategies Group LLC and Rocky Fork Lake Economic Development Plan.
• Res No 17-88 – Commissioners authorize the disposal of obsolete property and equipment for Job & Family Services.
* * *
• The Wednesday, April 5 board meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m., as commissioners will be attending an economic breakfast forum in Clermont County.
Dara Gullette of the Alternatives to Violence Center, along with Barbara Shoemaker, Jamie McCoy, Crystal Saunders and Bill Fife, met with commissioners Wednesday morning.
Gullette updated the board on the sexual assault response team services in Clinton and Highland counties.
In addition, the Alternatives to Violence Center’s sixth annual Tea for Tweens, Teens and Queens will be held Saturday, April 22 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Hillsboro Elementary School cafeteria.
The event, sponsored in part by the Cassner Foundation and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1161, is open to females ages 11 and up. The tea includes brunch and activities focused on teen dating violence awareness and tips on action to take when witnessing violence. Pampering stations will include massage, hair, nails, waxing and jewelry making.
For more information, call (937) 393-8118.
* * *
Recycling news
• Highland County Recycling Outreach Specialist Heidi Devine reminded any non-profit groups or township trustees that the deadline for the 2017 recycling grant application is May 1. Completed grant applications may be submitted to the county commissioners at 119 Gov. Foraker Place, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Application materials are available online at http://co.highland.oh.us/recycling/ or call Devine at (937) 509-2899.
Devine also noted that an electronics collection event will be held from 8 a.m.-noon on Aug. 5 at Premier Grain, 116 S. Fairfield St., Leesburg. A tire collection event will be held from 8 a.m.-noon on Aug. 19 at 1575 N. High St., Hillsboro. For information, go to http://rphfsolidwastedistrict.com/.
* * *
Lawmakers urged to act
• In other business, commissioners passed a resolution urging state legislators to "take immediate action as part of the Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) sales tax revenue."
Last month, Wilkin discussed the pending two-year budget for the state of Ohio and lawmakers' efforts to offset some of the losses in local funding.
Highland County's projected loss in Medicaid-related tax revenues is approximately $800,000 out of the annual budget. These tax dollars end June 30, 2017. The state's more rural counties are losing a larger percentage of their tax dollars due to this change by the federal government.
Wilkin said the MCO tax revenue has been a "saving grace" to the county budget.
"The state has found a way to cover its shortfall, but we are being encouraged to do without," Wilkin said. "It looks like a one-time payment is going to be subject to your (a given county's) ability to add a tax."
Former Ohio Senate President Keith Faber informed commissioners of the pending sales tax changes in an Aug. 8, 2016 letter to the board.
In his letter, Faber wrote: "Specifically, the feds have indicated that the application of Ohio's state and county level sales tax on MCOs (Managed Care Organizations) can no longer continue. Ohio has applied these taxes since 2009. For the state, the issue won't be upon us until July 1, 2017, when Ohio adopts a new two-year state budget and begins our new fiscal year. But for our 88 counties and local transit authorities, that will come right in the middle of your 2017 calendar year budget which I know you have already started preparing."
"We would lose 12.4 percent of our tax revenues if the Legislature doesn't act," Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley told the board. "It affects all counties differently. In Adams County, it's 16.9 percent, and in Vinton County, it's 22 percent."
Commissioners are urging state lawmakers to assist in offsetting the loss of revenue.
* * *
Development Strategies Group
hired for RFL ASAP project
Rocky Fork Lake Area Safety and Advancement Plan Site Coordinator LuAnn Winkle also met with commissioners and announced that Development Strategies Group (DSG), a Cincinnati-based economic development consulting firm, has been hired for the next 18 months for a total cost of $68,000 to work with the implementation of the lake project.
According to its website, Development Strategies Group "helps clients identify, assess, negotiate and secure public incentives available to promote business location, expansion and job retention."
"We're excited to have them on board," Winkle said. "After meeting with our steering committee, we felt Development Strategies best meets the needs of our community."
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded an $843,498 grant to Rocky Fork Lake ASAP. The project has been fully funded, and the budget and implementation plan was approved by the Department of Justice.
Priorities of the grant include:
• The development of a land bank.
• Transportation from the Rocky Fork area to Hillsboro and Greenfield, through FRS Transportation.
• Targeted enforcement areas as identified by Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera.
• The implementation of a 411 anonymous crime tip line.
• A part-time sanitation officer at the lake, through the Health Department.
• Economic development.
Commissioners passed a resolution accepting Development Strategies Group.
* * *
Courthouse repairs under way
• Commissioner Duncan said that a new door for the Highland County Courthouse is being custom made. With installation, the cost will be $12,000. Duncan said the county has worked with the Highland County Historical Society and the Ohio Historical Society in order to maintain the building's historic integrity.
"We're trying to maintain the historic integrity of the courthouse, and that comes at a cost," Duncan said.
* * *
Courthouse fountain discussed
• Wilkin said he has met again with city officials about constructing an outside fountain on the courthouse square. Wilkin said he wasn't aware of any objections, and that the city would be responsible for maintenance and upkeep.
Wilkin also updated the board on his meeting last week in Washington, D.C. with Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission Executive Director John Hemmings, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Ohio Republican members of Congress Steve Stivers, Bill Johnson and Brad Wenstrup.
Wilkin said three programs – Community Development Block Grant, Economic Development and the Appalachian Regional Commission – have been "zeroed out" in President Trump's proposed budget.
"I felt all four of those guys (Portman, Stivers, Johnson and Wenstrup) are on board (with trying to maintain program funding), especially ARC," Wilkin said. "CDBG funding provides funds for important projects like roads and sidewalks. OVRDC is our advocate for this."
* * *
Resolutions
Commissioners unanimously passed the following resolutions:
• Res No 17-82 – Engineer request a modification of appropriations within the Engineer Budget from Salary, Employees to Equipment in the amount of $10,000.
• Res No 17-83 – Commissioners request a transfer from O-7 Debt Retire – Leesburg Industrial Park, Transfers Out to County A-00 in the amount of $41,607.10. The request is being made for excess funds because the debt is paid off. An additional appropriation is requested to County, Transfers Out in the amount of $41,607.10. Also requested is a transfer from A-00 County, Transfers Out to N-07 Capital Improvement Leesburg Industrial Park in the amount of $41,607.10.
• Res No 17-84 – Highland County Commissioners urge state legislators to take immediate action as part of the MCO sales tax revenue.
• Res No 17-85 – Commissioners request an additional appropriation to O-21 Debt Retire – 2007 Various Purpose, Transfers Out in the amount of $332,651.18. Commissioners request a transfer from O-21 Debt Retire – 2007 Various Purpose, Transfers Out to County A-00 in the amount of $332,651.18, the request is being made because these are excess funds. Also requested is an additional appropriation within County to the following line items, see resolution. Commissioners request a transfer from County A-00, Transfers Out to N-01 Cap. Imp. GIS, Other Expense in the amount of $140,722.00. Also requested is an additional appropriation to N-01 Cap. Imp/ GIS, to other Expense in the amount of $35,180.50. Commissioners request a transfer from County, A-00 Transfers Out to the following line items for the balance of $173,929.18.
• Res No 17-86 – Commissioners authorize County Engineer Dean Otworth to prepare and submit an application to participate in the OPWC state capital improvement program to make improvements to C.R. 4-A., 15-A, 93-B and TR391A (Lovers Lane).
• Res No 17-87 – RFL ASAP Joint Steering Team and Economic Development Subcommittee award Development Strategies Group LLC and Rocky Fork Lake Economic Development Plan.
• Res No 17-88 – Commissioners authorize the disposal of obsolete property and equipment for Job & Family Services.
* * *
• The Wednesday, April 5 board meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m., as commissioners will be attending an economic breakfast forum in Clermont County.