Harrison receives financial windfall
By KAY SEDGMER, Times Leader Staff WriterCADIZ-Harrison County leaders learned of a small financial windfall that has materialized from a recent decision to help a struggling program.
On Wednesday morning Kimberly Arbaugh, of the Harrison Soil and Water Conservation District, told the Board of Commissioners of monies generated through a state match funding program after a decision to give them a $12,500 boost in early April. The money provided by the board came from an annual "gift" provided through Waste Management Inc. The business provides the funds to the county each quarter to be used where needed.
Commissioners approved the vote by a 2-1 count after the district had tried unsuccessfully to gain the support of taxpayers for an operating levy during the latest election.
"We received $20,180 from the state for our programs because of the money you provided to us in the spring," Arbaugh said. "And we were able to pay our rent to you through those funds."
She said the payment for $5,400 for rent at the district's office which is located in the county's Government Center comes from the $12,500.
"That money was an investment on the county's part," said Commission Chair Mike Vinka. "We not only got over $5,000 back from it in rent but we also aided the SWCD in bringing in additional funding on their own."
Even as recently as last week, the financial aid to the SWCD has been questioned by members of a local watch group. During the Aug. 13 commission meeting county resident Clarence Burkholder praised Commissioner Phil Madzia for voting against providing the SWCD with the monies earlier in the year. However, he criticized the entire board for not dissolving the district or at the very least, requiring them to seek their own funding.
"We want Mr. Burkholder and the other residents of the county to know that we do seek funding from additional sources," Arbaugh noted. "In fact, we have received a $35,000 program assistance grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in addition to the state matching funds."
During the meeting, Arbaugh also requested that commissioners increase appropriations for the district by a total amount of $8,400.
"These appropriations are not coming from any county money," she noted. "The line items were there but due to the financial situation at the beginning of the year no monies were originally allocated. They are now being provided through the state match and the grant funds."
In addition, the district has cut its budget in numerous areas. A full-time employee was not replaced after resigning, insurance packages were cut and Arbaugh said the district is operating at the bare-bone minimum.
"We are being very careful with our funds," she noted.
In other business, commissioners learned from Engineer Rob Sterling that work is expected to begin on county roads 2, 3 and 57 during the latter part of September.
"The roads will be paved by Shelly and Sands," Sterling said.
He also noted that an anticipated visit from U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown to the county on Thursday has been cancelled.
"We hope to be able to reschedule that soon," he concluded.
Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleaderonline.com
