I will start with what came last. The Preble County Commissioners have granted a 3% pay raise for next year to "non union employees and outside general fund employees". These employees have not received a raise in three years or since this current commission came into office. There was a budget crisis shortly after they took office that caused drastic cuts and budget freezes. For more on the cause there was this explantation provided at the September 26 meeting during a discussion on health insurance:

File 9A ***2 hr. 47.6 Minute mark   Commissioner Wesler – Well as you know we use to advance a lot of places a lot of money the first of January and that caught up with us ahh several years ago. So even though they still get that same amount of money we just up fronted it and got you know short at the bank. So I don't see where the $38,200 is gonna be any effect, they are going to get it through out the year anyway.

Commissioner Day – Three years ago it would have been a factor laughter

Commissioner Wesler – That's what I am saying. We up fronted, we advanced, made so many advances in January and that's where we you know. My goodness we're ahh ran the bank account down.

Commissioner Stonecash – We just spent too damn much money. laughter

File 3 has the Preble County cash balance in the General Fund reaching an all time, if tentative, high of $3,917,243.68. Some $700,000 of it is under question. 

File 4 is the JFS and Children’s Services monthly meeting. For at least a while I will be posting the reports turned into the Commission. It saves me some time and provides a detailed record to the citizens of Preble County. This Preble County Commission should provide the service to the public online and free of charge but they don’t.

File 5 opens with Commissioner Stonecash mentioning that he is starting a list to get a feel for how many people would be coming to the Commission Ball which will be held the same night as the Preble Liberty Group Dinner October 22.

File 6 has what may be one of the longer five minute breaks on record. This one stretches for 52 minutes.

File 9 has Commissioner Wesler and Stonecash offering their views on an email received from the New Paris Area Chamber of Commerce.  To review that letter: link

Except for two abstentions (one of which was myself) this letter was approved without dissent at a very well attended Chamber meeting. To me, the commission comments describing the tentative make-up of the still to be formed County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and their intent for it are the same described by the Chamber letter and that is the concern.  I think everyone at the Chamber meeting understood that the trustees would make the decision as there was a trustee present and he was the other abstention from voting.

The comment that it was fine for the Village of New Paris to name the local Chamber as their CVB only adds to the weight of the argument in favor of Jefferson Township naming the New Paris Area Chamber of Commerce as their CVB. It is not unusual for a county to have more than one CVB. Butler County has a CVB and Oxford has a CVB.

I recommend the August 24, 2011 (File 8) and the August 29, 2011 (File 9) commission meetings for those who like to review the previous proposed comments on the make-up of the County CVB. There is also the July 11, 2011  (File 2) meeting where the commission passed the tax and the .pdf file of the transcription of  File 12  as well as the .pdf of the transcription

Preble County, Ohio

Preble County Commissioners

September 28, 2011

Three Commissioners in attendance

File 1

I. OPEN MEETING

II. CALL OF ROLL

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

IV. PRAYER

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING THE JOURNALIZATION & NOTE

RECEIPT OF THE CD RECORDATION BOTH AS THE OFFICIAL MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 26TH REGULAR SESSION MEETINGS

End 3 minute mark on CD – 713 KB

File 2

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Steve Dourson – Gratis Township

Issue with the Dayton Daily News littering his property with an unwanted free paper left weekly on his property.

Commissioner Wesler offers to call DDN.

15.1 minute mark on cd  

8.17 minutes – 1.89 MB

File 3

MINDY ROBBINS – GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL UPDATE

For the most accurate and thorough understanding of the Auditor's weekly update a copy is provided below:

Cash Balance as of September 27, 2011 – $3,917,243.68 – ALL TIME HIGH

Sale tax came in at $914,207.08 as the result of a three year audit that the state had done. A company had tried to claim an exemption. Preble County was one of seven. Mindy mentions that it could change. This would be on top of the $214,000 from June of 2010. This would put $700,000 + under question, even without this money the General Fund is still in record territory. The money in question is under a five year time frame where it could possibly be called back by the state. This adds $540,000 to the $214,000 from 2010 in question and inflates the general fund but is money not available to the county.

Commissioner Day mentions that it was an issue at the CORSA retreat he was at last week.

Mindy – Darke was hit with $200,000 that they had to pay back.

26.45 minute mark on cd  

11.18 minutes – 2.58 MB

File 4

JOB & FAMILY SVS. AND CHILDREN SVS. MONTHLY MEETING

.pdf of JFS REPORT

For the time being these reports will be provided in a .pdf file. I have requested copies of the print out given to the Preble County Commission.

Monthly JFS & Children's Services Reports – 10 page report. Not included is the monthly state unemployment report which has already been posted.

43 minute mark on cd  

16.39 minutes – 3.81 MB

File 5

Commissioner Stonecash mentions that he is starting a list so that he can get a feel for how many people will be going to the Commission Ball which will be held the same night as the Preble Liberty Group Dinner October 22.

44.5 Minute mark  FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

A. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #566-11-152

RE: TRANSFER – VARIOUS FUNDS

B. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #567-11-152

RE: AUTH. PAYMENT – EMA ($794.90); WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ($2,030.00; $1,020.50)

C. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #570-11-152

RE: AUTH. EXPEND. – $8,120.00 – PURCHASE OF (1) NEW CLEAN BURN FURNACE & TRADE-IN OF (1) OBSOLETE 1999 CLEAN BURN FURNACE Engineer's office

CORRESPONDENCE & REPORT

A. NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING A LETTER TO ELECTED OFFICIALS & DEPARTMENT HEADS

RE: NEW VEHICLE USE POLICY

AGREEMENTS & CONTRACTS

A. NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING AN AGREEMENT

RE: WWTP ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS AGREEMENT W/DOLLMANN ELECTRIC CO. – $31,606.00 – PCSD #2

B. NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING AN AGREEMENT

RE: COURTHOUSE HIGH EFFICIENCY BOILER & CONTROL UNIT – $22,500.00 – PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS

C. NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING A GRANT AGREEMENT

RE: VOCA/SVAA GRANT AGREEMENT WITH OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE

TRAVEL REQUESTS

NOTE RECEIPT & CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING TRAVEL REQUESTS:

A. RES. #568-11-152 – SHERIFF SIMPSON – SHERIFF FOJ Cost not to exceed $45

B. RES. #569-11-152 – MIKE SPITLER – SHERIFF FOJ TRAVEL REQUESTS Cost not to exceed $45

Use agreement with National Trail for informational meeting with Palmer Energy – October 18, 6:30 – 8:30. Starts at 7:00.

51 Minute mark   Signing of resolutions.

56 Minute mark   Five minute break as Dave leaves room.

56 minute mark on cd  

But one should be careful when taking this drug, as it can kick up some hugely unpleasant side effects. viagra online Facts about viagra online
13 minutes – 2.97 MB

File 6

The "Five minute break" stretches until the 1 hr. 48 minute mark.

Back ground office noise and discussions (audio included).

1 hr. 48 minute mark on cd  

52 minutes – 11.9 MB

File 7

Between meeting conversation.

1 hr. 56.26 minute mark on cd  

8.16 minutes – 1.89 MB

File 8

BILL HUTTON – PROGRESS REPORT ON CONSOLIDATED PLAN

Bill Hutton (HIT Foundation) in room, Mary Bullen, Tony Morgan and Rita Daily (County Director for CAP – Community Action Partnership).

1 hr. 59.5 Minute mark   Barriers to affordable housing committee – Shawnda Combs and Jeff Seifert – co-chairs.

2 hr.   .75 Minute mark  Bill Hutton mentions presenting plan to commissioners at January 10, 2012 meeting for review.

Hope to have plan printed in April 2012 to submit to HUD.

2 hr.   2 Minute mark  Mary Bullen

2 hr. 6 minute mark on cd  

9.44 minutes – 2.22 MB

File 9

Commissioner Wesler called DDN for Steve Dourson.

2 hr.   7.3 Minute mark   Commissioner Wesler – Ok Connie you got an email from Paul Ray about the New Paris Chamber of Commerce. Is it ok if I go ahead and read that into the record? See: link  

2 hr.   11 Minute mark   Commissioner Wesler – Well once again that will several lines bother me there but the one that says ahhm "by a committee comprised of members from other areas with their own local interests". That is not the intent, I am pretty sure of this board. When we were talking earlier about a committee, we talked about having a member from each chamber of commerce around the county and potentially a person from each township. Ahh but we are still waiting on that gentleman from the state CVB to come down and tell us what he has found in the past to be the best board make-up. This for all of Preble County not just one area of the county.

Commissioner Stonecash – Well they missed the point here I think ahh and the fact that it will be a countywide CVB that promotes everybody in Preble County. And made up by members from all over Preble County and Preble County will be one team promoting all of Preble County. I just don't think they understand the intent (paper passed and pen clicked) of that is where that comes from. (More writing on paper heard) I think they should reconsider their thoughts as right now we are through economic development we're working on areas in the New Paris area that promotes New Paris as it promotes ever city and village in the county. It is not a turf war type situation; it is a combined effort from everybody in Preble County to promote Preble County. Enough said by me.

Commissioner Wesler – Yeah New Paris is collecting their money from Natural Springs of course and they are using it in New Paris. And you know that is fine but there saying is for Jefferson Township has not named their CVB and they would like for it of course to remain in New Paris. That would be up to the Jefferson Township trustees I guess to decide I guess so.

Commissioner Stonecash – Yep

Except for two abstentions (one of which was myself) this letter was approved without dissent at a very well attended Chamber meeting. I think the Commission comments made here and describing the tentative make-up of the committee as well as the intent are the same as the Chamber concerns mentioned. I agree; it will be the Trustees that decide and I think the members present were all aware of that. The comment that it is fine for the Village of New Paris to name the Chamber only adds to the weight of the argument in favor of Jefferson Township naming the New Paris Area Chamber of Commerce as their CVB.

That said, I think it is the Preble County Commissioners that are missing the point. At the August 26, 2009 meeting the Preble County commissioners raised the conveyance fee/tax by one mill. The claim made was that it was to promote economic development throughout the whole county as the tax would be collected throughout the whole county. The commission audio record on the subject from the August 24, 2009 meeting is available below:

File 14

Conveyance Fee Discussion

Apparent agreement to raise fee 1 mill. Dedicate funding but not earmark for Economic Development.

Commissioner Stonecash adamant about money going to Economic Development. (Entire 1 mill)

Commissioner Day agrees.

Commissioner Stonecash "It's the public's responsibility to hold us accountable"

File 14A 

Commissioner Bob Stonecash: At this time the entire 1 mill should go for an office of economic development.  Now you need to track that, however maybe we receive quarterly reports as to what kind of money is in that. Quarter or semi-annual until such time as we can act upon hiring an economic development director and I would hope along the way that the rest of the villages and the city and townships in Preble County all join together to make a strong a strong alliance to take this county forward.

A county having more than one CVB is not unusual. These commissioners hired an Economic Development Director who had previously worked in Butler County. Butler County has a CVB and so does Oxford, this should not be news to the commission. If Oxford felt the County CVB represented their best interests the City would be part of the County effort, for whatever reason the City of Oxford has it own.

2 hr. 14.15 minute mark on cd  

8.07 minutes – 1.85 MB

File 10

Commissioner Wesler – Connie what else?

2 hr.   15.5 Minute mark  Connie on equipment demo/use/rental/bill at landfill.

2 hr.   18 Minute mark   Discussion on two vehicles to be sold.

2 hr.   20 Minute mark   Letter from Rick Keener on the work that he did at the Fairgrounds. Estimate of close to a thousand dollars mentioned.

2 hr.   23.75 Minute mark   October 7 luncheon at Versailles with Darke County Commissioners.

HIT Foundation invitation to house in Gratis. October 11, lunch at 12:00.

Camden Rd. property, trash left at rental property filled a large container. Broken windows being replaced and extermination being done. Base board damaged.

2 hr.   28 Minute mark   Keeping track of damage, repair cost and back rental in case of future charges.

Question on Duane Grimme and junior fair board furniture.

2 hr. 30.2 minute mark on cd  

16.02 minutes – 3.67 MB

File 11

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE COMPENSATION OF A COUNTY EMPLOYEE

Exit – no action taken.

RECESS FOR LUNCH

Back from lunch

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE COMPENSATION OF A COUNTY EMPLOYEE

Exit – no action taken.

2 hr.   32.5 Minute mark   HEALTH INSURANCE Connie – Next I have the health insurance resolution for your review.

Explanation of resolution.

Discussion on issue.

2 hr.   38 Minute mark   County employee pay increase discussion.

2 hr.   39.5 Minute mark  Commissioner Stonecash – I think 3% is appropriate. The fact that there had been no increases in the last three years and the employees of Preble County have stepped up to the plate and done more with less is certainly appreciated. They have made our job easier; everybody has participated in cutting costs. That's what the voters of Preble County have expressed is that they want more efficient government and we have given them more efficient government. I think those that are questioning that should look at the figures and use facts instead of emotions. They will see that we have done what good government does and that is to live within its budget.

Commissioner Wesler – Ok, so you are proposing 3%?

Commissioner Stonecash – 3%

Commissioner Wesler – Chris?

Commissioner Day – I would concur with that. I think that ahh its ahh in the three years that I have been here we have asked people to hold — they have done a great job. The employees are doing more with less and I it would be appropriate so I would concur with that.

Commissioner Wesler – …3% would be fine with me to I think that amounts to $65,000 is that what the figure was?

Commissioner Stonecash – 65,587

Commissioner Wesler – ..we have done some things this year to save well over that kind of money…. 3% is fine. Connie will you send that out in that budget letter.

Connie – ..non union employees and outside general fund employees.

Commissioner Wesler – Not elected officials.

ADJOURN

2 hr. 44 minute mark on cd  

13.49 minutes – 3.16 MB

The audio files will remain up for only a limited amount of time. If they are needed please email.