Home > Departments & Agencies > County Services > Board of Commissioners > 2011 Board Goals

2011 Board Goals

Mission Statement

To improve the health, safety and welfare of all Erie County citizens, the strength of its economy and the quality of the environment.

Board Goals:

Community & Economic Development

  1. Business Development. The Erie County Commissioners will encourage business expansion, job growth and workforce development by utilizing the County’s revolving loan fund (RLF), tax increment financing (TIF), tax abatement/enterprise zone (EZ) and community reinvestment (CRA) and other designated programs.

    In 2011, the Commissioners, their staff, the Planning Department and the Erie County Economic Development Corporation (ECEDC) plan to assist businesses and / or developers to create or retain jobs with the use of a variety of economic development tools.
    • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Agreements - the County is administering agreements with Northern Ohio Medical Center (NOMS), Quarry Lake Business Park, Kalahari resort and Lakecrest Town Center. The public improvements to be financed by these TIF’s have been completed or are in process.
    • Tax Abatement Agreements (EZ) – The County tax abatement committee has negotiated an agreement with Johns Manville, a roofing products company, that is considering purchasing the Tenneco plant in Milan and creating 100 jobs. . Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Agreements – the County is currently administrating the Con Agra (City of Huron), Vermilion East (City of Vermilion), Firelands (City of Huron) and South US Route 250 (Perkins / Huron Townships) CRA agreements. During 2011, the County will be working with local subdivisions and school districts to develop three (3) new CRA’s.
    • Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) – the RLF Committee, appointed by the Commissioners, review and approve loan applications for businesses seeking gap financing.
    • County Bed Tax – County Commissioners approved tax funds were approved to implement the recommendations of the US Route 250 Corridor Study for the development of the Gateway project.
    • Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The CEDS includes the findings and recommendations in the AngelouEconomics strategic action plan plus the long-range land use plan / development plan for NASA Plum Brook Station. The CEDS will assist the County in receiving Federal and State grant dollars in 2011.
  2. NASA - Plum Brook Station. Continue pursuing funding / construction of a 9000’ runway. . NASA Runway. The Erie County Commissioners along with NASA Plum Brook officials are pursuing federal and state economic development monies to fund this multi-million dollar project.
  3. Job Ready Sites. Finalize the development plans, seek federal /state grant funds and market the Job Ready Site (JRS) near the US Route 250 – Plum Brook area. The County has received a $2.38M U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant and a $2.75M ODOD JRS Grant for the U.S. Route 250 Sanitary Sewer Extension from Kalahari to the Ohio Turnpike This project will provide sewer service to NASA Plum Brook Station and contiguous area prime for development.
  4. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) – Sandusky Urbanized Area. The Commission supports the MPO Policy Board’s Long Range Transportation Plan and their recommendations for federally funded projects for SFY 2011.
    1. Cedar Point Drive, Cleveland Road to Fifth Street – pave and add new sidewalks $458,000 (City of Sandusky).
    2. Cleveland Road West – resurface and replace bridge (City of Huron).
    3. West River Drive, Liberty Avenue to Larchmont – resurface (City of Vermilion).
    4. US Route 250 Corridor Project improvements - $9M of ODOT TRAC and SAFETY funds.
    5. Safe Routes to School Program. Secure federal funds to establish safe school travel plans.
  5. Housing. Continue improving neighborhood-housing stock countywide with federal and state grant dollars.
    1. Lead Hazardous Control (LHC) Grants. The County, the City of Sandusky and Health Department received a $3M Grant application beginning in FY 2008 to abate lead based paint for 220 homes over a three (3) year period. A second HUD grant for FY 2010 has been awarded in the amount of $3.1M.
    2. Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP1). The County and the City of Sandusky received a $1.3M grant over 4 years. This grant will assist homeowners with residential development (financing mechanisms for foreclosed homes), land banks / demolition and initiatives to provide affordable rental housing.
    3. Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP). HUD approved the FFY10 application for $522,000 in funding.
  6. Transportation. Explore the opportunities to coordinate with several agencies the expansion of public transportation countywide.
    1. Coordination Services. The Commission supports the efforts of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) – Sandusky Urbanized Area by providing coordination services to the transportation planning process i.e. members of the MPO, SOS, STS and DD are meeting as a Transit Advisory Committee.
    2. West Shore Commuter Rail Project. Support the efforts of the State and Federal agencies in establishing a commuter rail system from Cleveland to Sandusky.
  7. Economic Development Office. Commissioners will continue to provide cash and in-kind support to Erie County Department of Economic Development (ECDEC). Staff will provide administrative support to ECDEC in the development of tax incentive packages to create jobs.
  8. One Stop Location for Business Assistance. Develop a one-stop location for businesses seeking to expand or relocate to Erie County. Relocation of the Planning and Development Department to the Services Center 3rd Floor (and possible other offices) to better assist businesses in one convenient location.

Environment & Energy

  1. Water. Participate in the Regional Water Advisory Board with Sandusky and Huron to provide quality water at the most economic price throughout the County. Continue water distribution system improvements to provide reliable, safe drinking water and adequate fire protection by DOES.
    1. Mutually discuss water issues at the Regional Water Advisory Board. Continue cooperative efforts by the parties i.e. water emergency agreements, chemical purchasing, and sharing personnel / equipment.
    2. Review the Sandusky – Erie County Water Agreement and explore ways to reduce the water rate charged to the County.
    3. Work cooperatively with NORWA (non member) to increase the volume of water sold.
    4. Pursue the concept of a Regional Water and Sewer Authority.


    Environmental Services (DOES) Projects:
    1. Add four (4) Chlorine residue Analyzers
    2. Paint Cedarbrook Water Tower
    3. Paint SR 60 Water Tower
    4. Relocate SR 101 Water line in ODOT ROW
  2. Wastewater (Sewer). Merge the Erie County and Huron Sewer Districts to combine facilities for environmental quality and to stabilize rates. Continue sanitary sewer projects to improve the environment by reducing wet weather flows, basement flooding and raw sewage overflows.
    1. Merge the Erie County and Huron Area sewer districts.

      Environmental Services (DOES) Projects:
      1. U.S. Route 250 Sanitary Sewer Extension Project. Constructing a new trunk sewer down U.S. Route 250 from Kalahari to the Ohio Turnpike, east on Huron Avery Road to the landfill and west on Mason Road to EHOVE. Grants for the project are U.S. EDA $2.38M and ODOD JRS $2.75M. Bid project and award contract in 2010.
      2. Sandusky Waster Water Treatment Plant Improvements – Phase 2. This project expands the secondary treatment peak capacity from 20 MGD to 42 MGD at the plant, which will provide additional treatment of wet weather flow.
      3. Bay View Sewer Project. Provide a sewerage collection system for the Village and have the wastewater pumped through a County owned line to the City of Sandusky. A tri-party wastewater agreement will be developed. Utilize grant dollars to design the project.
      4. Install pump station alarms in both sewer districts.
  3. Stormwater Utility District. Continue evaluating the feasibility of establishing a Stormwater Utility District in coordination with the County Engineer and ESWCD. This objective is to address the EPA Phase 2 requirements, drainage problems and flood hazards.
    1. Utility District. The County Engineer and ESWCD are taking the lead on this project. The County Commissioners have designated GF monies from ESWCD ditch projects for the local share.
    2. Drainage: Burdette – Wood Ditch (Groton Township) – a single County ditch project that has gone through the Commissioners hearing process and was approved to proceed per the County Engineers drawings and assessment plan. Addresses the flooding issues in the Township.
  4. Methane Gas to Energy. Monitor the contract to convert Landfill Gas to Energy (LGTE). Objective is to utilize methane gas to generate electricity. Continue to protect the environment and receive revenues for electricity and carbon credits. 1. Install additional recirculation piping to increase methane gas volume.
  5. Landfill - Lechate.
    1. Install a connection to the US Route 250 sewer to save the costs of trucking and treating the lechate.
  6. Solid Waste and Recycling. Implement the updated five (5) year Solid Waste District Management Plan.
    1. Through regionalization of the SWD and Landfill, provide cost effective services to a larger area.
    2. Expand curbside recycling programs within the District targeting the City of Sandusky, Perkins Township and Huron Township by 2015.
    3. Hold special events such as the Great American Clean Up, Earth Day Extravaganza, Appliance and Electronics Round Up and House Hold Hazardous Waste Collection.
    4. Provide for the collection of phone books, batteries and shrink-wrap during the year.
  7. Alternative Energies.
    1. Wind Turbine. The Huron Rive Basin Wastewater Treatment Plant location has been selected as the most optimal site. Evaluate cost benefit options.
    2. Solar Power. Evaluate programs and federal / state grant opportunities.

Finance

  1. Bond Rating. Maintain “Aa2” Moody’s bond rating by stabilizing the County’s long-term financial position. Continue austerity-spending program. Retain the GF credit rating reserve. Reduce debt amounts.
  2. 2011 Budget – “Balanced”. Operationally, balance expenses to anticipated revenues and establish a cash flow reserve for each fund.
  3. 2011 Capital Budgets. Set projects by priority and fund from available surplus dollars. If financed with bonds or notes, the financing will be consistent with established debt policies.
  4. Debt Reduction. The County will work to reduce the amount of debt service it is carrying in each of the departmental operating budgets.
  5. Financial Accountability. Continue to measure the how effective and efficient we deliver services to the community. Closely monitor the finances of the General Operating Fund (GF) and the Special Revenue funds of the Care Facility, Job and Family Services and Environmental Services (Water/Sewer/Landfill/SWD). Evaluate the need for cost cutting measures and / or revenue enhancement.
  6. State FY12 –13 Biennial Budget. Monitor the fiscal status of the State and proposed budgetary legislation. Determine the effects on Erie County operations.
    1. Oppose all unfunded State mandates.
    2. Monitor State proposed cuts to County funding, specifically LGF/RA funding.
  7. Taxation. “No increase” in real estate or sales taxes. User fees increases will only be considered after all other options have been exhausted.

Health

  1. Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Support funding and programming initiatives of the Erie County Health Department (ECHD) and the FQHC to provide health care to those that do not have health care or are underinsured.
  2. Community and Employee Wellness. The ECHD and our employee wellness committee participate in the prevention of chronic diseases by encouraging employees and citizens to pursue healthier life styles through proper nutrition and physical activity.

Human Services

  1. Dependent Children. Promote activities, which will ensure every Erie County child has an appropriate, permanent family and a home, which meets their needs. This includes delivering quality social services, improving the foster program and reducing the number of children awaiting adoption.
  2. Senior Citizens. Support the mission of the Serving Our Seniors (SOS) organization. Contract with SOS to provide senior programs and services countywide with levy dollars.

Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security

  1. Jail Overcrowding. Coordinate a holistic approach to addressing the jail overcrowding issue with the Sheriff, Judges and the Community Corrections Board (CCB).
    1. Support the Electronic Monitoring (EM) programs and other options to reduce costs.
  2. Wireless E-911. Implement the E-911 Dispatch System for wireless (celluar phone) response.
  3. Emergency Warning Sirens. Expand the number of emergency warning and notification sirens to 44.
    1. Install new siren on Frailey Road in Vermilion Township.
  4. Radio Narrow Band.
    1. Establish a Plan for narrow band compliance within the County.
    2. Utilize FY 2011 State Homeland Security Grant Funding.
  5. Centralize Dispatch Services.
    1. Centralize all dispatching services in one location for public safety services.
    2. Encourage the Sheriff, City of Sandusky, City of Huron and Perkins Township to co locate or have the Sheriff’s office do the dispatching.

Labor & Employment

  1. Jobs. Provide opportunities to reduce the Erie County Unemployment rate. 1. Advocate federal/state/local workforce resources continue to serve the specific needs of our citizens. Maximize federal/state funding for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the effectiveness of the County’s “Your Job Store”.
  2. Labor. Administrate and negotiate County collective bargaining agreements that are cost effective.

Public Works - County Engineer & Facilities

  1. County Engineers - Bridge Replacement Program.
    1. Higbee Road Bridge (Oxford Township).
    2. Main Road Bridge (Florence Township).
    3. Campbell Street Bridge (Perkins Township).
    4. Dean Road Bridge (Florence Township); Professional Services.
    5. Green Road Bridge (Florence Township)
  2. County Engineer – Road and Culvert Improvement Program.
    1. Campbell Street & Strub Road Signals
    2. Countywide Stripping Program.
    3. Countywide Resurfacing Program.
  3. County Engineer and MPO - High Accident Intersections. Continue to cooperate with ODOT; the County Engineer and the Erie County MPO on improving high accident intersections with turn lanes and signalization.
    1. SR 4 and West Strub Road (Margaretta Township).
    2. US Route 250 at Strub Road (Perkins Township).
    3. US Route 250 at Perkins Avenue (Sandusky).
  4. Facilities – Buildings and Grounds Projects.
    1. Services Center Parking Lot resurfacing
    2. Information Technology Data Center - HVAC improvements
    3. Services Center Fuel Center – security system
    4. County Engineer Salt Barn – replace roof
    5. Capital Improvement Plans (CIP). Approve 5 year CIP’s for Facilities, Environmental Services, Information Technology and County Engineer projects.

Telecommunications & Information Technology

  1. Telecommunications.
    1. Replace telephone system at Job and Family Services.
  2. Geographic Information System (GIS). Enhance the GIS and support the availability to all County political subdivisions.
  3. Information Technology. Support the upgrade of the information technology network connectivity, hardware and software to keep County IT operations efficient.
    1. Centralize IT Department into a Data Center and upgrade the County’s IT infrastructure including the network bandwidth at the JJC, Court House and Service Center.
    2. Website design / expansion including the intranet / extranet and a new governmental domain name.
    3. VPN Server to allow remote access for employees.
    4. One Community, federal grant application, for ARRA stimulus funds to provide a fiber network to hospitals and government buildings.
    5. Replace court system scanning software. Document Management (Imaging) System.
    6. Clerk of Courts – public access to court records. Replace 16 PC’s.
    7. Facilities – install IT HVAC system upgrade and Facilities office automation software system.
    8. Replace Servers in the Adult Probation Department, Care Facility, County Engineers’ Office and DOES Landfill Office.
    9. Replace PC’s in the offices of the Treasurer, Prosecutor, Clerk of Courts, Law Library, County Engineer and DOES Billing.
    10. Continue expansion of the Disaster Recovery Plan by utilizing Storage Array Network (SAN) technology.

Election 2011

Provide adequate budgetary resources to the Board of Elections for a successful general election.

Intergovernmental & Business Relations

  1. Continue communication with other elected officials, political subdivisions, businesses and citizens on important County issues. Attend City, Township and Village council meetings, Sandusky Area Safety Council (SASC) and schedule regular visits to key businesses.
  2. Continue participation in the Council of Governments (COG), Erie Regional Planning Commission (ERPC), Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Erie County Economic Development Corporation (ECEDC) and the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).

Back to Board of Commissioners