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Commissioner’s Corner
March a good
month for Darke County
March came in like a lion, mellowed just a little, then became a wet
lion at the end. This looks like one of those winters that will not go
away. As this is written, it has snowed on April 1st, then the forecast
is for rain! At least it is rain, but enough is enough. Time for warm
sunshine!
March was a good month for the county. We saw our projects moving in
the right direction, and things are settling in for the year. One of
our major projects this year is the courthouse steps. We have had a few
delays, but we have now received our engineering requests for
qualifications (RFQ), and we have chosen Mote & Associates
Engineering. We interviewed 3 companies, all were very good and well
qualified, but we felt that Mote’s presentation, along with their
knowledge of the courthouse, gave them the ability to oversee the
project. Plus, it didn’t hurt that they are only a block away! Thanks
to all the other firms who showed an interest in this project. We have
also looked at quotes and services for our airport consultant. We are
still looking at these presentations, and should have an announcement
later on.
The airport updating project should get underway in May. This is the
first actual work that has been done at the airport property other than
clearing of trees near the terminal. Like many construction jobs, a lot
depends on the weather. Hopefully the weather is favorable, and Sunesis
Construction out of West Chester, Ohio, can complete the project on
time. The contract calls for the airport to be closed for 71 days, but
hopefully, that will be the maximum time it will take. A repaving of
the runway, new improved lighting, and grading the edges of the runway
to the proper degree of slope is included in this project. As with any
project, the dirt work part is the most weather affected, so that is
why the length of the contract is that long.
One trend that we are seeing this year is a reduction in sales tax
income. So far for the year the county has seen a reduction of
$136,520.25 and is expected to continue for years to come due to the
state removing the Medicare Sales Tax (MCO) that had been coming back
to the counties for programming and operations. With this reduction in
the county budget, this coming year’s budget will need to adjustment
for the reduction in funding.
The Auditor has the basement of the courthouse almost complete. This
will be a great enhancement for the GIS department. Now the Auditor is
working on her area to enhance her efficiency and to make it more user
friendly for the public. Thanks to Carol Ginn for doing this project.
Coming up in the future is Board of Revision observations, and CDBG
applications coming due. Our E.D. (Economic Development) Department is
also working on projects for April, as Is JFS. (Jobs and Family
Services).
March has been a good month to start the Spring season, and we want to
share the news with all of you. Why don’t you plan on making one of our
meetings? We meet every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the
Administration Building, 520 South Broadway in Greenville, just south
of the Courthouse. Hope to see you there!
The Darke County Commissioners
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