Allen County’s expenditures in 2014 are forecast at just a touch over $14 million, or about $2.4 million more than this year’s $11.6 million. DEPENDING on availability of funds, the courthouse may get a new coat of paint in 2014. STEVE PRASKO, Advantage Computer, told commissioners his examinations indicated at least two cameras would be needed to ensure a clear view of loading, unloading and other activities on the county’s Elderly Services bus. Equipment and installation costs would be about $2,500.
Specific things have caused net expenditures to rise.
Financial considerations for maintenance of Allen County Hospital during the new year is one.
The county’s new hospital on North Kentucky will open this fall, and commissioners want to ensure that the older one, even while abandoned as a healthcare facility, remains in good condition for whatever may become of it.
Consequently, they set aside $150,000 in the 2014 budget to pay for supervision and maintenance of the vacant structure.
No one has stepped forward with a plan for use of the building, although several have told commissioners they might be interested in the 60-year-old structure.
“With one person it depends on whether a grant is approved after the first of the year,” said Chairman Dick Works, without specifying who was interested or what plans might be.
Commissioners earlier embraced recommendations by Pat Rowe, maintenance supervisor, that utilities should be monitored on a regular basis and the building’s assets should be watched closely after the move.
Public safety departments accounted for $158,000 of increased budget expenditures, or about 1.6 mills. Individually those increases were $60,000 for law enforcement, $40,000 for the jail, $15,000 for coroner services, $20,000 for jail medical expenses, $14,000 for 911 emergency dispatch and $9,000 for emergency preparedness.
Commissioners approved a third of a mill, $32,000, for the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, a substantial increase from previous support of $2,500.
“The Bowlus brings resources that benefit everyone,” said Commissioner Tom Williams. “Teaching young people some of the finer things in life have long-term benefits.”
The budget settled out with an ad valorem tax levy increase of 3.827 mills at 71.282, up from this year’s 6.7538 mills.
For perspective, a house with market value of $100,000 is assessed for taxing purposes at $11,500. Consequently a levy of 1 mill raises $11.50 and the homeowner’s support of the county budget would be $820.
Ron Holman, maintenance supervisor, suggested commissioners take a look at its exterior. They agreed new paint was in order, but put off a decision. Meanwhile, Holman was asked to look into costs.
Also, Holman said bricks on a chimney on the north side of the courthouse were scaling off whenever foul weather occurred. Contractor Larry Robertson, Gas, told Holman repairs might cost as much as $5,000.
Commissioners wondered whether the chimney could be removed, since it serves no purpose. Boilers used in courthouse heating have vent pipes. Holman said he would check into what structural concerns might be associated with removing the chimney.
The cameras would be operated whenever the bus was in use and images could be downloaded to a laptop computer at the end of the day.
Commissioners said they would give the idea more thought.
Budget up $2.4 million
