Strategic development targeted
By KAY SEDGMER, Times Leader Staff WriterCADIZ - Leaders are scheduling two meetings to discuss emergency response and economic development within the county.
On Wednesday, Harrison County commissioners said a strategic development plan kick-off gathering will be held June 18 from 5-7 p.m. at the Clifford Fire Station in Cadiz. The meeting will allow business and area government leaders the opportunity to discuss issues with legislative and development leaders.
Commissioners and Belmont Technical College will be hosts for the event.
Commissioners' Clerk Brandi Burton said the gathering will include Greg DiDonato, executive director of the Ohio Mid-East Governments Association, and a representative of U.S. Rep. Zack Space's office.
She also noted citizens interested in working with the group are welcome to attend Thursday's meeting.
In other business, commissioners announced a June 22 meeting to bring together local emergency volunteers and paid service providers for a discussion.
Commissioners tabled a four-year contract during last week's regular meeting with the county emergency medical services organization amid some heated debate. The stumbling block included a dispute with the Harrison Community Hospital who offers a similar service and is at odds with the county on its tone-out procedure.
Commissioner Barbara Pincola had said she wanted the groups, including other paid services, to bring an end to the "turf wars" and pushed for the meeting.
Two representatives from each squad are expected to attend the 6:30 p.m. meeting.
Commissioners also approved a purchase of service contract modification with Rural Transit increasing from $225,00 to $275,000.
Two sub-grant agreements with the Department of Job and Family Services and the county's Child Support Enforcement Agency were approved while they also renewed a subsidy grant agreement for the local Community Corrections Program. The latter approval came after the agreement was reviewed by Prosecutor T. Shawn Hervey.
County Highway Superintendent Dale Norris was re-appointed to the Ohio Public Works District 14 Integration Committee.
The board also approved a $136,786 bid from Lash Paving and Excavating of Colerain for reconstruction work on Harrison 19.
They also OK'd a transfer of $1,048 within the Veterans Service Commission's line items to cover worker compensation.
A total of $2,850 was transferred within the Soil and Water Conservation District's line items for salaries. The monies are expected to be replaced in either July or August when the funds are received from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleaderonline.com
