Pre-meeting release for 12/22 session

Commissioners to continue budget discussions during Tuesday Zoom meeting

[Tiffin, OH Dec. 20, 2020] – The Seneca County Board of Commissioners is to meet at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
The commissioners are encouraging residents to join them in the online meeting through the application Zoom. To maintain maximum accessibility, the meeting will be recorded, archived and streamed live through Zoom. Residents can join the meeting by computer or mobile device at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/92595230790?pwd=c0d1cVJ0MVY4RXUwSERweXo4SnE2QT09.
Residents also can download the Zoom meeting app and join with meeting ID 925 9523 0790. The passcode for the meeting is 453802. Those who would rather call in and listen to the audio of the meeting can dial (646) 558-8656 and use the meeting ID and then enter the passcode.
The meeting also is to be streamed on Facebook Live on the Seneca County Commissioners page. The board is to meet Tuesday, due to the Christmas holiday on Thursday.
During old business, the commissioners are to continue the discussion on the budget for 2021.
Last week the board tentatively approved a $17.9 million General Fund budget, while also adopting the non-General Fund budget, including the capital projects line.
County Administrator Stacy Wilson said departments initially requested a General Fund budget of about $18.4 million. Since the county’s budget commission certified revenue for 2021 at $17.5 million, the commissioners wanted to reduce the projected expense figure to approve a balanced budget.
Proposed cuts included removing travel and equipment expenditures from the General Fund, bringing Thursday’s proposal in at about $17.9 million. This figure includes an additional $300,000 commitment to Seneca County EMS.
The board unanimously agreed to approve the General Fund budget at this figure, as long as the Seneca County Budget Commission makes amendments to its revenue estimate for 2021.
Commissioner Shayne Thomas said he believes the commission, which meets before the commissioners on Tuesday, may increase revenue estimates because of some new data points. These points include unexpected revenues such as the higher sales tax collection figure a larger than expected rebate of Bureau of Workers Compensation.
Board President Mike Kerschner said the commissioners plan to revisit the General Fund budget if the budget commission does not make any amendments, to ensure the passage of a balanced budget.
Also during the meeting, the board will consider the appointment of Seneca County Sheriff-elect Fred Stevens, as the acting sheriff effective Jan. 1. Stevens was initially due to begin his term on Jan. 4, but Sheriff Eckelberry informed the commissioners his last day would be Dec. 31.
The commissioners have one more scheduled meeting for 2020 at 11 a.m. on Dec. 29.
During new business, the board is to consider:
* A $300,000 supplemental appropriation fund transfer from the General Fund to the transfers out line, to then be transferred to the Children Services Fund.
* Authorizing Seneca County Job and Family Services to transfer unused TANF funds to Summit County Family Services.