Commissioners discuss EMS, finances and alley vacations Thursday
[Tiffin, OH – July 20, 2023] – The Seneca County Commissioners gave updates on Seneca County EMS, provided a financial overview and made decisions on several alley vacations Thursday morning.
Commissioner Anthony Paradiso expressed his satisfaction with the progress of Seneca County EMS (SCEMS). He revealed that he had a productive meeting with leaders from Bascom EMS and he said his goal and vision is to enhance collaboration between SCEMS and other ambulance service providers in the county. These providers include Tiffin, Fostoria, Bascom and North Central EMS.
Paradiso emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus among all parties and proposed the creation of a philosophy statement or a memorandum of understanding. Such an agreement would ensure seamless coordination among agencies, leading to the establishment of a “true” countywide system. While acknowledging the positive efforts in working together, Paradiso encouraged continuous improvement and seamless mutual aid between the departments when required.
Commissioner Bill Frankart shared that discussions were underway for Green Springs to join the Seneca County Joint Ambulance District. He said Green Springs Mayor Adam Greenslade told him he is working with the village solicitor in preparation for joining the district by Jan. 1. Currently covered by North Central EMS, this transition would bring the number of entities (townships and villages) in the SCJAD to 17.
In other business, County Administrator Barb Patterson presented a financial update. According to the July Sales Tax report, receipts for May amounted to $949,246.63. While this shows a decrease of approximately two percent compared to the figure from July 2022, the year-to-date sales through July totaled $6,944,477.88, reflecting an approximate increase of about 5.5 percent compared to the same period in 2022.
In the analysis of the figures, it was noted that this is the first time in 11 months that a year-over-year increase in the raw sales tax figure was not observed (comparing it to the report from last July).
Last year’s “down” July was followed by an extraordinary August report, showing a 9.2 percent increase from the previous year.
The sales tax pace, using data from the past five non-COVID years, is now about $12.1 million, Patterson said. This is about $50,000 higher than what was certified by the Seneca County Budget Commission.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners held separate continued hearings for alley vacations and approved each of them. The alleys that were vacated are located in Springville (Big Spring Township), Alvada (Big Spring Township), and in the Hamlet of Caroline (Venice Township).
In new business, the commissioners approved the following:
A $6,500.80 supplemental appropriation to the Sheriff’s Commissary Fund for Supplies.
A $2,907 supplemental appropriation to the Sewer District Fund for the Bascom Transfer Out Line.
A $3,160 supplemental appropriation to the Sewer District Fund for the New Riegel Transfer Out Line.
A $100,000 supplemental appropriation to the Mental Health and Recovery Services Grant Fund.
A resolution approving the agreement between the County Engineer and the American Federation of state, county, and municipal employees Ohio Council No. 8, Local No. 3540, AFL-CIO.
Authorization for the County Treasurer to cease payment of interest earned on Star Ohio Investment Account for Park and Sewer Districts effective July 1, 2023.