COMMISSION FACING MAJOR ROOF REPAIR TO COURTHOUSE - Commissioner Says Calhoun EMS 'Further In Hole'

(08/11/2012)
The county courthouse roof is in terrible shape and leaking.

A bid letting for repairs to the roof was canceled following a further examination of the problem.

The commission was told the roof's condition was so bad that the contractors would not warrant the proposed repairs.

Diane Ludwig of the LKADC said contractors say the roof will need a major replacement, and patching efforts will do little to relieve the problem.

The commission is moving ahead to make the needed repairs, partially using a $80,000 courthouse improvement grant.

The county is obtaining a required asbestos analysis of the roof.

Old county records stored on the top floor are at risk from water damage.

Efforts are being made regarding the disposition of a large number of records from the old Calhoun General Hospital stored in the courthouse.

Calhoun EMS, who provides ambulance service to the county, is continuing to face financial challenges, according to Calhoun Commission President Kevin Helmick, who serves on the EMS board.

"They are getting further and further in the hole," Helmick said, with an increase in the number of calls.

Helmick said, "The numbers are not looking good, about $20,000 less than last year," despite some reductions and changes made in operations.

Calhoun EMS, according to Helmick, is wanting the Calhoun Commission, to forgive the balance of a $25,000 interest free loan issued them to purchase a new ambulance.

The commission issued the loan to save EMS interest fees.

Clay Rader appeared before the commission to obtain information regarding a proposed waterline extension down Rt. 5 from the armory building near the Annamoriah Bridge to the Wirt County line.

Rader said local residents are collecting petition names to request the extension by the Pleasant Hill PSD.

In the settlement of the Cleo Jack Hall estate, the commission approved the recommendations of appointed fiduciary Richard Frum.

The commission renewed a service contract for elections, related to software systems.

Carl Shaw appeared before the commission advocating for a land-use taxation system.

Bob Leach of the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council obtained a final draw-down payment for the Mt. Zion PSD's water extension project.

The commission adopted a Medical Emergency Absentee Voting Policy, and approved several budget revisions for elected officials.

The commission approved a $1,000 Community Partnership Grant for the Calhoun Historical Society.

Julie Sears was approved as a 911 mapping, addressing and flood plain coordinator.

Amanda Morris was appointed to the Calhoun Solid Waste Authority, and the commissioners appointed a fiduciary to review the Whipkey estate.

The next regular meeting is set for September 12 at 9 a.m.