A plan to move forward with removing TARTA from property tax rolls and replace it with a sales tax-based system received a thumbs up from the Lucas County commissioners along with several requests for levies on the fall ballot.
In separate sessions June 29 and 30, the commissioners discussed the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority proposal and levies.
The commissioners noted that currently TARTA derives funding from two property tax levies of 1 and 2.5 mills and serves Maumee, Rossford, Sylvania, Toledo, Waterville, Ottawa Hills and Sylvania Township.
Under the new plan, TARTA–like most other Ohio regional transit authorities– would be funded utilizing a 0.5 percent sales and use tax. “It is viewed as the preferable method because such a system is paid by both nonresidents and residents,” the commissioners wrote in their resolution.
Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak said it is important to note that the change will remove the property tax burden for homeowners. She added, “We’re a destination city, and we need to have a proper transit authority, funded appropriately.”
Commissioner Pete Gerken agreed, noting that the county has waited patiently for state law to open the door for a change in transit funding. “We’ve waited decades to get this vote,” he said. “Everyone has worked hard to get to this point.”
The commissioners approved the vote 2-0 with Commissioner Gary Byers abstaining. “My wife is general counsel for TARTA,” he said.
Three levy requests also were approved by the commissioners. They are a 0.17- mill, five-year replacement levy for Imagination Station; 0.7-mill, five-year operating and capital improvement levy for the 9-1-1 countywide radio communications system, and a 0.65-mill, five-year levy for the Toledo Zoo.
Mr. Gerken said the citizens levy review committee met with representatives from each group. “The committee put them through a fairly rigorous process,” to determine the need for each levy, he explained. “And all three were recommended.”
Personnel
The commissioners took action on a number of personnel matters. They:
•Approved a change in compensation for David Woodley, program administrator, department of job and family services, $35.63 per hour.
•Appointed Jennifer Corona, Marcella Guerra, Maria Martinez and Angela Sibley, eligibility specialist two positions, department of job and family services, $16.84/hour.
•Appointed Dr. Nicholas Sattelmaier to fill the veterinarian position at Lucas County Canine Care and Control, $43.27/hour.
•Approved Courtney Swafford, canine care technician and canine care and control, $16.05/hour.
The board also approved compensation for full-time, non-bargaining unit employees for 2021 only. Employees will receive a $1,500 lump sum payment and a one-time $500 Covid service remittance.
Other Business
In other business, the commissioners:
•Recognized Lee Armstrong, executive director of veterans service commission, on his 12 years of service and upcoming retirement. “Mr. Armstrong’s service to the public and citizens of Lucas County has been unparalleled in the administration of the Lucas County veterans service commission in assisting veterans facing issues with housing, employment, transportation and health care and developing and implementing programs and services to assist the men and women who have honorably served our country in the military,” Ms. Wozniak said.
•Donated a sheriff’s department vehicle, a 1940 Buick Sedan, to the Toledo Police Museum. They also accepted a donation of a 2006 Chevrolet life squad from Springfield Township for the sheriff’s office, and transferred an excess vehicle from the sheriff’s office to the facilities department.
•Authorized a grant application of $268,179 through the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. The funds will be split between Toledo police and the sheriff’s office for programs.
•Entered into a partnership with Mays and Associates and the Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute and University for the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). The commissioners are providing 700 square feet of space in-kind to house the Toledo MBAC and $75,000 annually in matching funds for two years to support the regional funding of $713,000.
•Extended through July 5, 2022, a food services contract with the Courthouse Café.
•Reissued a request for qualifications for non-emergency Medicaid and Title XX transportation services. The initial RFQs received were inadequate to serve the volume of clients utilizing medical transport services.
•Approved the issuance of bonds on behalf of Promedica. The bonds will refinance existing bonds at a lower interest rate, allowing the money saved to be used for other purposes. The county has no liability and will not be impacted, Ms. Wozniak said.
•Agreed to pick up the statutorily required contribution to the Ohio Public Employees Retirement system for all county employees who are members. The change impacts 37 part-time employees who will now be moved to the pre-tax plan.
•Adjusted 2021 appropriations to reflect an increase of $450,000 for the sewer department for contracted projects, and grant awards of $2.39 million and $9.1 million for the adult probation felony diversion and correctional treatment facility respectively.
•Approved an amendment with Toledo Public Schools, adding an additional $105,292 to support early Head Start operations, which are delegated by the county’s Family and Children’s First Council.
•Reappointed Bryan Ellis to the access management appeals board for a term expiring June 30, 2025.
The next commissioners’ meeting is set for 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, in the commissioners hearing room, first floor, One Government Center, and is open to the public.
