A few quick notes on positive things happening in Licking County…
Economic Development, as always, is a major priority for the County. I am pleased to tell you that interest from business prospects continues to be strong and unemployment in the County continues to trend downward.
Here are three examples of local success. A combination of local incentives and a State Job Creation Tax Credit has resulted in the California based company, Catalina Tempering, now planning to open their eighth U.S. plant in Utica. Catalina’s $4-million investment in our County will create 50-jobs in the next three years at the former Holophane Plant.
Similar incentives have resulted in expansion and job growth for Momentive Performance Materials in the Newark Ohio Industrial Park in Union Township. Making binders, adhesives, coatings and ink resins for mostly international sales; Momentive, with some 245 workers, is expected to add some 20-jobs locally.
In the former Diebold Plant, in the same industrial Park as above, Polymera is setting up shop to manufacturer wood and polymer composites by mid year. Initially employing 6-people, they are expected to grow to 20 by year end and 60-employees within three years.
We continue to benefit from our excellent location here in Central Ohio and from the hard work of the County Development Team and our many community partners! Indeed for us – it is all about JOBS!
Allow me to share some great news on the financial management side for Licking County Government. The County Team including the Commissioners, Treasurer and Auditor recently participated in an exhaustive re-evaluation of the County’s credit worthiness by Moody’s Investors Service. Due to a balanced budget with appropriate reserves, excellent planning, and a growing and healthy local economy; Moody’s analysts determined the County will retain its favorable Aa2 bond rating, placing it among the best managed counties in the Midwest.
In a related note and taking advantage of this favorable rate, the County within two weeks will buy back three long term facility bonds, and consolidate them in a new unified bond offering of some $6.2-million. The refinancing will save local taxpayers some 2-percentage points, which translates into a $700-thousand savings in interest payments over the remaining 14-years of the bond.
The creation of the Licking County Building Code Department was a major success in its first year 2010. The transition from Newark City was seamless and the new department paid its own way and more. Now, with a year of experience behind this new and lean operation, the Commissioners decided to reduce fees and further benefit the county.
Beginning March 1st all building permit fees will be reduced three percent, benefitting projects of all sizes. In addition, the cost of permits for residential interior alterations, residential decks and porches, and detached unfinished residential accessory structures will be reduced to a standard permit fee of $25. Residential interior alterations include interior remodeling, electrical service replacements and upgrades, and re-roofing projects where new roof sheathing is required.
Communities served by County Building Code include all the townships, along with Granville, Hebron, Kirkersville, Pataskala, Utica, Heath, Newark, Johnstown and Buckeye Lake.
Let me add a quick word on the positive work that continues at the Licking County Department of Animal Control. The end of January ‘Dog-Tag-A-Thon’ promotion, in conjunction with Tri-County Auto, was a success and resulted in 15-dog adoptions, 5-dogs reunited with their families and an increase in dog tag sales for 2011.
Another adoption event is planned for the final weekend of February. It will be a ‘Cat-A-Thon’ at Complete Petmart, 597 Hebron Road, in the Southgate Shopping Center in Heath. Anyone interested in adopting one of a number of friendly cats is invited to stop by the store during regular hours Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 25 thru 27. The only cost related to a cat adoption is for vaccinations and spay/neuter services. County staff and volunteers will man the event.
Remember to check Facebook and visit ‘Licking County Animal Shelter’. It is a great page to learn about animal adoption possibilities. It is important to note that Licking County is among the leaders in the state in helping stray animals find their way home, or finding new homes through adoption and rescue! And we couldn’t do it without the help of our volunteers and the numerous dedicated rescue groups!
Finally, any February summary of County activities must include a word or two about the recent investigations of paranormal activity at the County’s Historic Jail on South Third Street in downtown Newark.
Last fall we permitted three independent paranormal investigation groups, on different weekends, to look into reports of unexplained noises and other activity in the historic old lock-up that dates to 1889, and is now used to house the County’s Records Destruction Center.
In recent presentations they came forth with both audio and video evidence of unexplained paranormal happenings at the historic former jail. This information and a variety of ideas are part of a developing plan to work toward preservation and eventual restoration of the historic jail, and future uses such as a tourist attraction to ensure its viability in the decades ahead.
The Commissioners are committed to the preservation of this important public building and its local history. Anyone interested in serving on a task force to help “Save Our Jail” is welcome to call or e-mail and express your interest.
Thanks for taking time to read this February 2011 Commissioner Update. Feel free to forward in any direction you would like. Please advise by sending the e-mail address of anyone who would like to be included on my Update Newsletter list.
Also, feel free to visit my website … TimBubb.com, where I post updates on my personal blog.
I can also be e-mailed at tbubb@lcounty.com, and my desk phone number at the Commissioner’s Office is 740-670-5118.
Best Regards…Tim Bubb
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