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Fiscal emergency release looms for Wellsville

WELLSVILLE — Wellsville is one step closer to financial freedom.

Tim Lintner of the Ohio Auditor’s office spoke to the board via conference call during the village council’s meeting last week, noting there was a lot of positive things going on in the village’s numbers that were favorable for release from fiscal emergency status.

Wellsville entered fiscal emergency due to deficits in both their general and cemetery funds, which are still less than expected; however, they aren’t in the negative.

Lintner also noted both tax collections seemed strong, forecasted to be $86,000 for properties and $513,000 in income. With properties set to be reappraised in 2022, he agreed that should bump those collections up a few thousand dollars as well.

In 2017, Wellsville had deficits of $232,000 for the general fund and $26,000 for the cemetery fund; however, three years later, both numbers are set to be in the black, $328,000 for the general fund and $23,000 for the cemetery fund.

Earlier this year, the commission determined that the village was ready for state review and will have to meet in order to sign off on the document, after council did so Monday night.

Wellsville had declared fiscal emergency in November of 2015. There were 22 items the auditor’s office wanted to see implemented and fixed before the village could apply for release. Lintner announced all items were managed, and the cash balances for the village were better than the budgeted balances.

Fiscal officer Hoi Wah Black was to scan a copy of the signed document and mail the original to the state auditor’s office.

In other action, council members unanimously approved its new health care plan with United Health Care, which will offer a higher benefit to Wellsville employees for a much lower hike under a different agent. Cost was supposed to be raised to $1,060 per employee for coverage, but instead it will be $987 per employee.

Councilman Keith Thorn did question whether there was an increase at all. “Hey, we cannot afford to pay this – especially when we might have just got out of fiscal emergency. If we aren’t careful, we might put ourselves back in there,” he said before advocating for possibly having employees pay a percentage of their health insurance or switch to a stipend-based benefit.

Hoi Wah Black, fiscal officer, said that a 20 percent increase had been predicted by the village’s previous agent.

The village’s expenditure for insurance is estimated to be $8,863 monthly or $109,356 annually.

Mayor Murray also announced that village hall would be closed to the public through April 6; however, employees can be reached via their office phones if residents have questions.

She also added that the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County is working on adding stops for their shuttle service in Wellsville, after the coronavirus crisis subsides.

Members also stressed that sewage shutoffs for non-payment would be delayed a month, and residents who have difficulty paying their bills to Buckeye Water District should contact them to find out about their options.

The next council meeting will be held May 5 at 6 p.m.

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