12/17/12 Sales tax to fund 9-1-1, build capital improvements fund

  • By Nick Sabo
  • December 17, 2012
  • 365
                        
SUMMARY: $246,000 for emergency network, future purchases and keep up with landfill debt service Banking on the conservative side, the commissioners should have more than enough sales tax next year to shore up 9-1-1, cover debt on the county landfill and build up funds for capital improvements. The Holmes County Auditor estimates that the county will receive at least $4 million in sales tax next year. Of that, $246,000 has been laid aside by commissioners to take care of a few lingering issues for 2013. Of the total, commissioners voted Monday Dec. 17 that $100,000 will go to Holmes County 9-1-1, $100,000 to the solid waste fund and $46,000 to capital improvements. The 9-1-1 fund was facing difficulties going into 2013 on two fronts. Ohio lawmakers were considering tossing a .28 cent per month fee charged on cell phone bills that goes to local 9-1-1 boards. (The fee was renewed at the last minute, having been reduced to .25 cents). Also, investment income on funds that were to sustain 9-1-1 is down. Tom Vaughn, Holmes 9-1-1 board chairman, said he is glad the cell phone fee was extended. He is not sure what the future needs monetary of 9-1-1 will be, only that it will grow as technology keeps changing. “It is good to know there is secure funding, even though it was reduced,” Vaughn said of the cell phone fee. “It gives you a little comfort level, you can plan better.” Commissioners had not informed Vaughn of their vote Monday when Vaughn was contacted for comment. The $100,000 goes into the solid waste fund, which pays for the county’s recycling program. Last month, commissioners had to hit up the solid waste fund to make the semi-annual payment on the debt service for the closure of the county landfill. The cash infusion to the capital improvements line item is intended to build up the fund to the point that purchases can be made without going into debt, Commissioner Joe Miller said. The money is the amount formerly spent to pay off the debt on the Clinton Street office building. The last payment on the building, which houses several county offices, was due in November, Auditor Jackie McKee said. McKee said the sales tax should be more than enough to cover the monthly payments passed by commissioners Monday. Sales tax collections for the county in 2012 are expected to come in at $5.5 million. “I don’t know how much anyone is going to spend on any one thing, so we base it off our history,” McKee said. “In 2009, we had $4.2 million, $4.4 million in 2010, $4.8 million in 2011. It is better to (budget) on the conservative side, that way you’re safe.” The next meeting of the Holmes County Commissioners will be held Dec. 27.


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