City Council hears financial information

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A short-handed Van Wert City Council also had a fairly short agenda to deal with as well during its regular meeting held Monday in Council Chambers.

Council first excused Council President Ken Mengerink and Second Ward Councilman Joi Mergy, who were unable to attend. Councilman At-Large Stan Agler presided over Council as president pro tempore.

Legislative action included passage of a measure authorizing Mayor Don Farmer to sign an agreement with the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners to apply jointly for Community Development Block Grant program funds, while a number of supplemental appropriations were adopted, as well as approval of a zoning change from R-2 (residential) to B-1 (business) for 235 W. Third St., where a bait and tackle shop will be located.

During his report, the mayor noted that, while income tax receipts were down a little more than $5,000 in May, income tax revenues for the year to date have increased 3 percent over last year.

City Auditor Martha Balyeat also reported on city finances, noting that General Fund revenue has increased more than $12,000 over last year, but also stating that permits and fees, Van Wert Municipal Court fines and cable franchise fees are all lower than 2013 so far this year.

Balyeat noted that the city has received $71,000 more in revenues than it has spent at this point, but cautioned that expenses could exceed revenues later in the year, since .22 percent safety fund money is not being used for police and fire expenses this year.

The city auditor also noted that the city would be receiving an additional $7,800 this year in Moving Ohio Forward funding. The money is to be used to demolish condemned buildings within the city.

Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming told Council members that a significant amount of equipment and furnishings were left in the former First Financial Bank building on East Main Street that is being purchased by the city to house the Van Wert Municipal Court and noted that an auction would likely be held to sell off any unused equipment or furniture.

A meeting of Council’s Property and Equipment Committee was planned for 6:45 p.m. Monday, June 23, to discuss the auction idea, while a committee meeting will also be held to discuss renovation plans for the new court building.

Fleming also noted that Municipal Court Judge Jill Leatherman is opening up the former bank building to members of City Council for a tour to be held June 16.