ST. CLAIRSVILLE The Belmont County Commissioners reviewed the status of the county's emergency services during Tuesday's meeting.
Director David Ivan of Belmont County Emergency, addressed commissioners regarding his budget. He presented EMA utility costs through December, 2012 and requested funding of $16,550.
"Right now we've got roughly $7,000 left in our coffers," he said. "Our utility money is pretty much spent."
He added that of the remaining $7,000, $5,000 was set aside for City Watch and $2,000 to cover added necessities and expenses.
Ivan added that he is also applying for a hazard mitigation grant of $25,000. The requested $16,550 includes the county's local share of $6,250. The rest would cover fuel, utilities, and a one-time purchase of $1,200 for floor mats since his department is doing away with a contract in the interest of saving money.
Ivan noted that his department has faced unforeseen expenditures of $1,150 for vehicle repair, $2,250 for the purchase of a laptop, and $3,020 for generator replacement.
He noted that the state could reimburse half of the funds allotted by the county for costs related to EMA daily operations. Minus the local share for the mitigation grant, this would come to about $5,000 in reimbursement. Ivan added he is expecting a reimbursement of $27,500 from prior expenses. He said the county should receive the funds next week.
Commissioners questioned Ivan about progress made on implementing an emergency navigation plan for five school districts, with three more to be completed. Implementation is set for the first week in September. The plan consists of supplying complete floor plans and identifying every room by number and color so that emergency response personnel can immediately locate the site of an emergency.
Cost came to about $90,000 and the work has continued for one and a half years. Revisions had caused unexpected delays. Ivan said implementation by school and emergency officials should be simple.
Commissioners motioned to offer employment for the position of assistant clerk for the office. The job is a replacement for a retired employee, not a new hire.
Commissioners motioned to advertise for bids for resurfacing the parking lot behind the courthouse. Work is to include a decorative brick wall and the removal of old pavement. The lot will be repaved with four and a half inches of pavement, curbing, spacing, signage, and striping. Commissioners noted the deteriorating condition of the lot, worsened by rainfall which resulted in the lot being roped off.
Commissioners motioned to adopt the resolution to establish the Capital Projects-Facilities Fund. The parking lot repairs will be paid for from the fund.
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
