Forward with funding plans

CADIZ - Harrison County commissioners are moving ahead with a plan to seek additional funding for a proposed biodiesel/wastewater facility to be constructed near the county seat.

Harrison County Engineer Robert Sterling on Wednesday asked the three-panel board to approve a move to ask for stimulus dollars to support the endeavor between the county and village of Cadiz.

"Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, has told us to list the facility for funding once again," said Sterling. "He believes we can obtain additional money."

The $6 million project will allow the county to produce a biodiesel fuel for use as a fuel source for the county's government vehicles and will also alleviate the burden on the wastewater system for Cadiz which has been deemed inadequate, according to officials.

Plans call for the facility to allow the village to divert two-thirds of its wastewater to the site. Algae will be cultivated in a 10-acre pond to produce the biodiesel fuel.

Commissioners previously approved a move to allow Sterling to apply for, accept and enter into an agreement with the Ohio Water Development Authority for a $3 million Water Pollution Control Loan. That funding would be used for the planning, design and/or construction of the wastewater facilities. The county also is seeking funds through the Ohio Rural Communities Assistance Program and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Ground could be broken around February, according to Sterling. Construction is expected to take just over one year and could create 30-40 jobs. Sterling has said the plant would employ 15 people.

In other business, commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the board and directing Chairman Bill Host to execute the housing revolving loan fund administration agreement.

The agreement period begins Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2012.

Commissioners also approved individual line items in the 2010 general fund budget for the general division of the county's common pleas court.

Last week the board announced Judge Michael K. Nunner had reduced his request for money from the general fund by approximately 10 percent.

Earlier in the year the judge had requested $95,032 from the county's general fund to operate his court for the upcoming year. However, after all county department heads received a request from county leaders to trim their budgets for the new year, Nunner was able to reduce his budget to $86,000.

In a press release, Nunner indicated he is "convinced that Harrison County is facing a serious financial crisis. Given the financial crisis, Judge Nunner believes that is essential for all aspects of county government to 'pitch in' and make a reasonable sacrifice to help reduce the effect of the lost revenue."

In making the reduction on the funding from the county's general fund, the biggest cuts came from the salaries of court personnel. One employee has volunteered to a reduced work week while two others are foregoing their two weeks' vacation pay. In addition, Nunner has said he will reduce his salary.

Commissioners thanked Nunner and his staff for the action.