SIDNEY – Tax dollars and unkept promises topped opinions and updates from state, federal and local government agencies Monday during the annual Legislative Breakfast. Voting history and upcoming legislation matters were reviewed during open discussion sessions.
Many community leaders joined elected officials at the Shelby Oaks Club for the annual event sponsored by the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Addressing the group were U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, 4th District, State Rep. Keith Faber, R-Celina, 84th District, Shelby County Commissioner Bob Guillozet, and Sidney Mayor Michael Barhorst.
Opening the event, Jordan said Washington politicians need to pay attention to voters. He reviewed election upsets culminating with underdog presidential candidate Donald Trump taking office.
“It’s time for the establishment to wake up and see that voters are trying to send them a message,” he said.
Jordan spoke of recent healthcare bill failures noting the loss of Republican support. He spoke of his attempt to first repeal Obamacare, then replace it. The plan failed when it was proposed as a single bill with changed language.
He spoke of favorable reaction to tax cuts recently announced by Trump. A reduction in taxes, a simpler tax form, and a growth in personal spending, are positive aspects of the measure.
The congressman spoke of a 3 percent growth rate for the gross national product for the third quarter is a great improvement. He claims it’s impossible to manage the trillions of dollars of national debt without a minimum of 3 percent growth.
He spoke of Trump’s campaign promise to build a wall along the nation’s southern border to stem illegal immigration. He noted promises made during a campaign need to be carried out once in office to maintain their integrity.
Jordan said every country has the right to secure their borders, and monitor who enters and leaves. He expects a strong push for the wall to become a large debate in December.
When quizzed about sanctuary cities, he said federal funding should be withheld from cities and colleges that take the same approach. All entities should be required to notify officials if they find someone in violation of immigration laws.
Faber has problems with governor’s proposed budget
Faber, who is also running for state auditor, said he voted no on the budget submitted by Gov. John Kasich. The amended budget plan fell victim to the governor’s veto including the Medicaid expansion in Ohio.
He focused on the Managed Care Tax generated from the tax on managed health care plans through Medicaid. Those funds are now being channeled to state coffers with little being returned to Shelby County. Faber claims some $40 million has been lost statewide.
He asked the audience if they knew that the cost of a college education is increasing faster than healthcare costs. He said legislators continue to work with educators to lower costs including tuition, residential costs, books, etc.
Faber said 11.7 percent of Ohio colleges have reduced costs, but others have not. He noted Ohio was recognized for having the lowest cost increase in the nation last year.
While discussing state budget issues, he noted the costs of social benefits. He supports current work to restructure the eligibility rules. He hopes the new plan will include an able-bodied law that would require people to either be seeking a job or taking training program to find a better job.
County commissioner, mayor update projects, goals
Guillozet provided the group with updates on county projects and goals for 2018.
The annex building is expected to finish with a cost of $2.2 million. He noted several unanticipated setbacks such as a water sprinkler system replacement, mold in the basement, and lead paint issues.
He reported all the project work is being done by local contractors.
Construction of the Newport sanitary sewer system is now underway. The $3 million project is being funded by five grants and a loan.
Guillozet spoke of a $13 million renovation and new construction at the Fair Haven Shelby County Home. He said initial prep work is nearing completion with bids now being taken for the project.
Construction work is now going through the bidding process. No General Fund money will be used for work at Fair Haven, he said.
Guillozet reported the current county’s General Fund budget is the same as it was in 2002. During this same period, the state budget has been increased 54 percent.
In 2018, commissioners will be addressing an estimated $4.5 million in improvements to the Lake Loramie waste water treatment plant. Also, replacement of a countywide emergency radio system will also be sought. Originally installed in the 1970’s, Guillozet reported the anticipated costs to replace the current system at $4.5 million.
Barhorst first spoke of the good working relationship between city and county officials stating many places cannot boast of that status. “I believe it’s the best it’s ever been,” he said.
He said Sidney and Shelby County has answered the call to a changing manufacturing atmosphere. He noted that companies now seek communities that offer a “quality of life” atmosphere regarding business, educational, and well-rounded community.
Barhorst told of the eight goals the city council members had set for themselves this year. These include a new water source expansion. The project faced setbacks when they encountered bedrock in the Great Miami River.
He said the new water source should be providing new water by Friday.
Other projects included recreational paths, citywide entrance upgrades, Sidney Alive, a branding strategy, and enforcement of existing city code violations.
