At the October 21, 2015 meeting of the Clark County Commissioners, the commissioners approved the issuance of three bond issues totaling $5,000,000.

First, the commissioners approved a resolution for $4,020,000 for the purpose of remodeling, renovating and improving county buildings and related facilities including the County Courthouse, A.B. Graham Building and the Springview Government Center. The remodeling and renovations include building exteriors, roofs, electrical, HVAC, Fire Suppression systems, plumbing and windows. According to Nathan Kennedy, County Administrator, "The Courthouse and A.B. Graham buildings are in sorry repair. The electrical systems are arching in some of the jury rooms, and the HVAC systems do not work properly." Kennedy added, "It may not be necessary to spend all of the money." He estimated that the Courthouse and the A.B. Graham would cost about $1.5 million to upgrade. In addition, another $.5 million will be needed to pay for engineering plans and the upgrade to the top floor of the Springview Government Center. He noted, "Springview will be done only if it makes sense to tackle the project at this time."

Second, the commissioners approved the issuance and sale of $380,000 of notes to pay the costs of renovating and improving the Juvenile Court Building including the creation of an interior multipurpose space. The renovation requires upgrading the backside of the building including the removal of the razor wire, addition of a roof and installation of insulation in the walls and ceiling. In addition, the HVAC system must be redone. Detrick asked, "Has the county sought a grant to cover any of the costs?" Kennedy replied, "Joseph Monnin, Juvenile Court Judge, has agreed to contribute between $100,000 and $150,000 for the renovation project. This will reduce the amount coming from the County's general fund."

Third, the commissioners approved the issuance of bonds for $600,000 to pay costs to equip county facilities on Home Road, Lagonda Avenue, Springview Government Center, and downtown campuses with new and upgraded security systems. The upgrades include cameras, strike pads, locks, panic buttons and central processing units. The current system was installed in 1998 and is outdated. According to Kennedy, "The county will reuse as much of the old equipment as possible. The largest chunk of the monies will pay for the data system that supports the cameras, strike pads and locks."

Detrick praised Kennedy for his fiscal management of the county government. "Because we are fiscally responsible, we are able to borrow at a much lower rate than a lot of other government agencies. In addition, we have an excellent long-range plan to upgrade and maintain all of our facilities."

For the Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS), the commissioners authorized a contract with Rite of Passage, Inc. for $15,000 to provide foster care and residential placement for children effective October 21, 2015 through June 30, 2017.

In addition, the commissioners authorized the purchase of a 2015 Dodge Caravan from Key Chrysler Jeep Dodge for $28,178.10 for transportation at the Visitation Center. The purchase is to be paid with State of Ohio Efficiency and Innovation Grant Funds and the Children's Services Levy.

They also authorized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Clark County Board of Commissioners and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1939 to grant non-bargaining employees at DJFS additional holidays as approved by the Commissioner for union members.

For the Emergency Management Director, the commissioners accepted a grant agreement with Ohio Emergency Management Agency for $90,834 to sustain the Clark County Emergency Management program. The grant is in effect from October 1, 2014 through June 20, 2016. The department receives the grant every year for approximately the same amount.

The next regular meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for October 28, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners' Conference Room at 50 E. Columbia Street.