To be eligible for money through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, the Lucas County commissioners established an ARP Act fund at the May 4 meeting.
A $1.9 trillion economic COVID-19 stimulus package signed into law on March 11, the ARP provides additional relief to address the continued impact of the pandemic on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals and businesses.
As part of the package, $350 billion in additional funding is being provided to state and local governments as well as others areas such as education, rental assistance and transit.
“This is the first step in the process,” said Tim Revard, director of the county office of management and budget.
“This is a significant first step,” added Commissioner Pete Gerken.
Administrator Megan Vahey Casiere expects the first funds to come in May with the next round of funding in May 2022. “The county must spend it by 2024,” she said.
She pointed out that establishing the ARP fund allows the county to begin receiving the money.
Tina Skeldon Wozniak, board president, expressed her satisfaction with the time frame to spend the funds.
“I’m glad there is time,” she said, adding that the needs of the county today could be entirely different in 12 months.
Commissioner Gary Byers concurred, “I absolutely agree. We want to be smart in how effectively it is used in our community.”
Other Business
In other business, the commissioners:
•Accepted a grant from the Office of Criminal Justice Services for coronavirus funds of $74,636.
•Approved the vacation of portions of Howard, Clarice, and Carillon roads and DeMar Avenue in Jerusalem Township.
•Authorized the sheriff’s office to apply for funding through the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
•Approved a maintenance base for improvements to the Fieldbrook subdivision drainage infrastructure in Springfield Township.
County Engineer Mike Pniewski explained that the document allows the county to maintain the stormwater should the subdivision’s “homeowners association fail to do so for whatever reason.”
The county would maintain it to be compliant with the stormwater permit, he said.
•Appointed Philip Carlisle to the regional child abuse and neglect prevention council. His term expired April 12, 2023.
•Agreed to accept $5,000 from the statewide Consortium of County Law Library Resources. The funds will go toward the law library’s website and digital services.
•Approved Ohio Public Works Commission project joint cooperation agreements with Monclova, Springfield and Sylvania townships, the Village of Whitehouse and City of Sylvania.
•Reappointed Sena Friedman to the mental health and recovery services board for a term that begins July 1, and ends June 30, 2024. They also appointed Neema Bell to fill a term that begins July 1 and concludes June 30, 2024, and Tricia White to fill a term vacated by Tim Valko’s resignation. Ms. White’s term begins June 1 and runs through June 30, 2022, after which she could serve two additional four-year terms.
•Entered into a two-year maintenance agreement with ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation of Kennesaw, Georgia, for $141,068.
•Approved canine care and control’s request to apply for $2,000 from Best Friends Animal Society, which would be used to assist pet owners with vaccinating their dogs.
•Employed, following an executive session, Breanne Penington, support services worker department of job and family services, $14 per hour; Elgin Rogers, property and lease manager, facilities department, $31.25/hour, and Robert Lloyd, 911 systems analyst, emergency services, $28.36/hour.
They also promoted Barbara Jones-Robinson, case financial processing supervisor, child support endorsement division of job and family services, $25.06/hour.
The next county commissioners meeting is 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 18, and can be viewed on the commissioners Facebook page.
