Jefferson County budget remains healthy
By MARK LAW, Staff writerSTEUBENVILLE - Jefferson County's general fund budget remains in good health half way through the year.
The county commissioners were informed by the auditor's office staff Thursday that all county departments, with the exception of the jail account, have spent 50 percent of revenue allocated for the year.
The jail account at the sheriff's department again this year is in danger of running low by early fall. County voters have rejected levies to fund the jail.
County Commissioner Thomas Graham said a letter will be sent to Sheriff Fred Abdalla warning him of the budget problem.
County Commissioner David Maple said he wants letters sent to all elected officials and department heads to watch spending in the second half of this year in preparation for what may be a much smaller budget in 2010.
"They need to start curtailing expenses now," Maple said.
Commissioners also tabled a request from the county health department for increases of more than 20 percent for funding for programs serving children with medical handicaps and residents with tuberculosis. The health department wants $100,143 for children with medical handicaps and $115,806 for TB clinics and treatment. The health department last year was given $81,964 for children with medical handicaps and $94,095 for TB programs.
The county years ago removed the levy for tuberculosis and children with handicaps off the books and combined the $1 million in the funds.
Commissioners said they are concerned general fund money will have to be used in the future when the levy money runs out.
Commissioners also:
Were informed of an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency public meeting on the proposed draft to increase the daily tonnage allowed at the Apex Landfill from 5,200 tons to 7,500 tons. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at Ohio Catering on state Route 43, East Springfield.
Graham said he has received several continuing complaints about odors at the landfill. The commissioners have written a letter to the OEPA opposing an increase in daily garbage tonnage at the landfill.
Bruce Misselwitz, county health department administrator, said the health department wants the OEPA to have stricter enforcement of odor control at the landfill.
Were informed state money is available to income-eligible homeowners with faulty septic tanks. Ohio has received federal stimulus money to help repair the septic system, and homeowners interested in the program should contact the county health department.
Were informed of a drainage problem on Rush Run Road caused by the installation of a county water line along the road. Jack Gilmore, county sanitary engineer, said the water runoff needs to be directed away from the road and a driveway. The county's contractor for the water line project said it would cost $9,458 to install culverts and catch basins. Commissioners opted to ask for proposals from other contractors.
Heard from Robert Steve Vukelic of RSV Inc. concerning extra expenses his company incurred in demolishing an old school in Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant received a $50,000 Community Development Block Grant to tear down the school. An engineering firm hired by Mount Pleasant underestimated the amount of asbestos in the building, which led to an increased cost, Vukelic said.
Domenick Mucci, county Regional Planning Commissioner director, said Mount Pleasant agreed to pay any costs above the $50,000 CDBG grant.
(Law can be contacted at mlaw@heraldstaronline.com.)
