Thursday, November 19th, 2015
Board OKs looking into countywide health levy
By Shelley Grieshop
CELINA - The local health board on Wednesday officially authorized the health commissioner to explore options for a countywide operating levy on the November 2016 ballot.
However, the Mercer County-Celina City Board of Health would have to approve terms of a property tax levy and take other action before the issue could be placed before voters.
Health commissioner Amy Poor discussed possible millage amounts for the levy. Preliminary figures would cost a homeowner with a $100,000 home about $35 per year, she said.
Poor introduced to the board the idea for a levy in April. At Wednesday's board meeting, she said the goal is to terminate the current funding of the health department by the townships and the city of Celina, and start collecting from property owners across the county.
"Because the townships can't afford it?" board member Pete Hierholzer asked.
"Yes," Poor replied, explaining that state funding cuts and other sources of township revenue have been substantially cut in recent years.
Poor said she has spoken to county auditor Randy Grapner and the health department's attorney, assistant prosector Andy Hinders, about a proposed levy. One or both of them will attend the December health board meeting to provide further information, she said.
Most county health departments in Ohio, including Auglaize County's, are subsidized by some type of operating levy. Mercer County is not. An attempt to pass a 0.6-mill, five-year countywide levy in 2011 was defeated by voters.
The county's political subdivisions - townships, villages and the city of Celina - pay about 26 percent of the health department's general expenses. Other funding sources are fees for services and state and federal grants.
Health officials earlier this year projected revenues of $1.99 million and expenditures of $1.66 million for 2015. Next year's budget has not yet been approved.
Poor also noted the reference to the city of Celina would be omitted from the health department's name if voters approve a levy. The idea was suggested by board member Jim Moran at September's meeting.
In June 1952, Celina and county officials agreed to partner under one health district. The agreement became effective Jan. 1, 1953, and the city of Celina pledged to pay 22 percent of the health department's annual budget, as it still does today.
