Comissioners Report on the State of the County
County Commissioner Doug Spencer sees a positive state of the county in 2024.
"I am pleased to state the affairs and financial standing of Auglaize County are strong and favorable," Spencer said.
Spencer spoke about the five pillars that help the county keep its motto great past, greater future. Spencer spoke about providing services residents expect as one of those pillars.
He reminded the audience that about two thirds of the budget is spent on law enforcement. The latest project being a renovation of the law enforcement center. We want to be safe, we want to know that we have the adequate resources, and appropriate staffing to make Auglaize County that safe place to live.
Due to changes in jail demographics they are increasing the capacity from a 72 bed to a 102 bed facility accounting for more capacity for women and mental health issues.
The $6.7 million dollar renovation qualified for a $2 million state grant and is expected to save money over building a new facility. ARPA funding also allowed commissioners to set aside funds for the project. Spencer explained that an additional facility would bring additional overhead costs. He expects the facility to be renovated by next year.
In 2023 there was a radio study that was commissioned and a
few gaps were discovered on the county's east side.
"We need to have interoperability," Spencer said. He said they are working to install a Multi Agency Radio Communication System tower on the east side of the county. The location of the tower is still being worked out as officials communicate with the state on details. The project is still in the early stages, but Spencer hopes it will be completed by the end of next year.
He said another pillar is working to retain and attract the best people to provide services.
He said personnel costs are about 62 percent of the general revenue fund.
"One of the things we are finding in 2024, late 2023, once you get into the OPERS system doesn't necessarily mean you are going to stay in the OPERS system. People aren't as vested in it as what they once were." Spencer said, adding they are exploring a longevity payment to add to the county's benefits to retain employees.
He said they also remain financially solvent with appropriate budgets and maintaining at least 92 days cash on hand. In 2023 the general revenue fund had $19.8 million in revenue, and $18.6 million in expenditures. Sales tax accounted for $12.4 million in 2023. He said it was a good economic barometer for the county, as the amount collected was 7% higher than last year.
Spencer also spoke about property Taxes, he reminded the audience that Auglaize county only realizes 2.5 mils of the 10 mils from inside millage but has seen their revenue from property taxes increase. He noted it was near
2007 levels which saw $1.2 million of property tax revenue. conveyance tax revenue dipped slightly.
Another pillar is Appropriately funding permanent improvement projects and working with all political subdivisions. "You have money in hand before you do capital projects," Spencer said. "I don't know if we even have a debt rate. "he did note that it takes time to get projects done.
Spencer said in 2023 they bought the former Speckman building at Auglaize and Water Streets to be a climate controlled document imaging center to house records.
The county also purchased land adjacent to the Neil Armstrong Airport and Ricks 501 Motors at 1202 Lincoln Highway which is now the county's maintenance building.
The Auglaize County Engineer is exploring a building new facility and are stocking away funds.
Spencer recalled redistributing federal ARPA dollars as Auglaize Development funds as entities applied for them. The largest recipient was the Crossroads development in Cridersville for a new main road. Cities and organizations like the YMCA received hundreds of thousands of dollars for projects.