LISBON - Columbiana County residents needing help with their failing septic system still have an opportunity to apply for federal stimulus money to cover the cost, but the contract deadline is Dec. 1.

Lori Barnes, environmental director for the county general health district, updated health board members about the status of the program Wednesday, advising the county received more money than originally allocated and can receive more with the expanded deadline.

The deadline to have contracts in place for the septic system repairs originally fell on Nov. 1, but the government extended the time because some counties couldn't meet the deadline. Columbiana County met the deadline for lining up projects for its $112,000 allocation, then lined up some more when additional funds were allocated, bringing the county's total to $150,000. With the deadline extension, Barnes said they'll receive even more funding if they line up some projects.

"So because we were on the ball, we got more money," board Vice Chairman Shawn Apple said.

To date seven systems have been installed, with 13 more to finish. Barnes explained that some of those may not be completed until the spring, but the contracts are in place.

Interested persons can call the health department at 330-424-0272. To be eligible, household income must fall at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $44,100 for a family of four. The property also must be occupied by the owner.

The stimulus funding covers 75 percent of the cost, with the homeowner responsible for coming up with the rest, although they can request assistance through the Community Action Agency, which is handling the income-eligibility paperwork.

In another septic system matter, the board heard a complaint from Bill Cundiff, who owns a property on Maple Street in Minerva in West Township and wanted a refund of the $175 application fee he paid for a septic system inspection he requested, then canceled when plans to sell his house fell through. He said no time was wasted by having someone from the health department come out since the appointment was canceled.

"No service has been rendered," he said, saying $175 was "nothing to sneeze at and these are hard times."

He criticized the no refund policy and told board members "no legal authority exists to keep my money."

Apple explained that they do spend time and conduct research on a property before going to a site, with Health Commissioner Wes Vins adding "we do incur costs in advance of inspection."

He explained they must pull records about the property, including reports about the well, the tax record and the tax map in some cases, which takes time. He also noted the application clearly states that there are no refunds and the process for doing one would be difficult because it would have to go through the auditor's office and paper's would have to be filed.

Cundiff said they plan to sell at some point and would reapply and repay the $175 when they're ready. Apple noted that the health department never said they weren't going to do his inspection and would be happy to do it when it's time since the fee's already been paid.

A motion to refund the money died for lack of a second, which is required to bring a motion up for a vote. The board advised Cundiff they would put a 5-year time limit on the request for inspection and put it in writing. He responded he still has a right to pursue what he wants through a higher authority.

In other business, Vins updated board members on the status of the H1N1 inoculation clinics, praising all staff members for their efforts and noting they'll be finished with students at all county schools by next Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. He also gave thanks to East Liverpool City Hospital for sharing some of its vaccine supply with the county health department.

As more vaccine becomes available, he said they'll continue innoculating the targeted groups and start opening it up to other groups, such as adults with chronic conditions.

The board also:

issued orders for Greg Casto, who owns property at 31040 Haessly Road, Hanoverton, to remove a second home from the property. Only one dwelling is permitted on a septic system, except in the case of a hardship. The second home is vacant.

ordered David and/or Ellen Conrad, 53 Bayview Drive, Beloit, to repair a failing septic system which is draining into Westville Lake.

ordered Scott Schrencengost, 937 12th St., Beloit, to finish removing a dilapidated trailer and trash from the property.

declared a vacant property owned by Mary Cole at 282 Main St., Leetonia condemned and unfit for human habitation at the request of the village of Leetonia, citing unsafe conditions inside from animal waste.

granted a variance to William Shank, of 4485 Hawkins Road, New Waterford, to run a sewer line to a second home on the property to care for an elderly parent in ill health, basing the decision on this being a hardship case and no nuisance existing.