PROJECT IN WAITING … The project to reseal this parking lot is on hold due to state funding cuts. (PHOTO BY BILL O’CONNELL, STAFF
By: Bill O’Connell
During the Finance Committee portion of the May 11 Swanton Village Council meeting, Committee Chair Councilman Mike Rochelle and Fiscal Officer Jennifer Harkey laid out the financial impact on Village revenue and expenditures caused by the COVID 19 Pandemic since it began. Ms. Harkey did caution that comparing last year’s numbers over the same time span to this year’s numbers would be unlike previous annual comparisons due to the unusual circumstances.
On the revenue side of the ledger, income tax collected from January 2020 to May 2020 was down $34,495 from last year, a decrease of 4.1% compared to the average of 9.0% across the state. These figures are typically dependent on the types of businesses affected and the timing of the payments.
Utility revenue dropped about 3.5% or just over $22,000. Vehicle registration and license tax is down approximately 20% but is expected to rebound once the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is instructed to re-open. Motor Fuel tax is down and, despite the recent increase in traffic, the lost revenue will not be recovered.
On the expenditure side, all department heads were notified on March 18, 2020 to restrict purchases to essentials and hold off on any capital expenditures until further notice. Additionally, the Village is planning for a reduction in revenues for the remainder of the year and beyond.
Several road repair projects were put on hold including the curb/road repairs required due to the train derailment. The Memorial Park drainage project is also on hold which will save about $26,000. The replacement of the Beard Pavilion will either be covered by insurance or postponed until 2021.
In discussions with Fire Chief Anthony Schaffer, the Fire Department’s expenditure fund was reduced by $27,000 with another overall reduction of $18,000 needed. An overall budget reduction of $40,000 is needed by the Police Department which was discussed with Chief Adam Berg.
In her Administrator’s Report, Rosanna Hoelzle informed the Council the Ohio Department of Natural Resources would not be accepting applications for Nature Works funding due to the uncertainty of funding for the state fiscal year 2021-2022. The Village was set to apply for a grant for a project that would sealcoat the upper parking areas between the softball diamond and the tennis courts at Memorial Park. The total cost estimate was $13,000 with 75% ($9,750) being funded by the grant and the balance of $3,250 contributed by the Village.
Changes for business being conducted at the Municipal Building were presented by Ms. Hoelzle. “Our team is finalizing operations for the Municipal Building once it is open to foot traffic. All information will be placed on the Village’s website and social media sites,” she reported. “I kindly ask all residents to review the list, once posted, as we are all in this together. Our staff is still happy to help over email or the phone. Many administrative services can be done over the phone.”
To decrease cross contamination due to COVID-19, Public Service employees are now working staggered four 10-hour days on a trial basis. The Police Department has also adjusted their shift schedules for the same reason.
Administrative Assistant Lisa Aller has submitted her resignation effective May 29, 2020. Consequently, a job posting has been placed for a replacement.
The 2020Census report as of May 7 shows the Village of Swanton with a 69.6% response rate compared to a final response rate of 76.6% in 2010. The National response rate is 57.7%, State of Ohio is at 62.8%, Fulton County is 68.7% and Lucas County is 58.5%.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at a time and format, yet to be decided.
Bill can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
