Commissioners approve 2013 EDIT plan

Friday, June 7, 2013

With exact figures finally available from the state, the Putnam County Commissioners have approved the 2013 allocation of County Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds.

With the arrival of the approved 2013 budget, the county received an EDIT allocation of $910,966.85, to be split between nine different funds.

The commissioners approved the annual plan as follows:

* Jail Bond: $458,350

* West Central Economic Development: $9,000

* Economic development: $32,500

* Putnam County Senior Center: $5,000

* Edgelea project start-up: $123,800

* Edgelea project annual payment: $32,435

* Airport operations: $29,900

* Highway roads: $212,000

* Miscellaneous: $7,981.85

A number of these uses have been discussed by county commissioners in recent months, most notably the allocation to highway roads. Last year, $450,000 went to roads, compared to only $212,000 in 2013.

Commissioners informed highway officials of this change last month.

Much of the difference can be accounted for in the payments for the Edgelea project, which total $156,235. Most of this sum is in start-up costs, but the $32,435 will be an annual fee for 20 years.

Additionally, the payment for airport operations is to assist the Board of Airport Commissioners in paying the new fixed base operator for the Putnam County Airport through the end of the year.

Most of the other allocations in the EDIT plan remain largely unchanged since 2012.

Even with the reduced budget, county highway representatives reported that work is proceeding for the summer with patching and ditching.

Co-supervisor Mike Ricketts estimated that chip and seal work will be going by the end of June, with paving on County Road 900 East to commence by mid-July.

Highway officials also said an outside contractor will be offering dust oil applications to property owners on gravel roads.

Lee Hoopengarner, who had been retired, will again be doing the work this year, for a fee of $330 for 300 feet of road. Call 653-1495 to learn more.

While county workers assist with the prep work for the application, the oil is applied by Hoopengarner and his sons.

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