Discussions regarding the upgrade or replacement of the village phone system topped the list at Tuesday night’s Bellville council meeting. Two local agencies, Richland County Children Services and the Area Agency on Aging presented information regarding levies to support their community services.
Program Director for Richland County Children Services Tim Harless spoke to council members about the need for the Replacement Levy on the upcoming November ballot. Harless explained the need for community support of the levy funds such programs as the Kinship Caregivers.
As Community Outreach Director Harless personally oversees the program that strives to place children with family or relatives at time when biological parents may not be able to care for them. With over 25 years experience in child welfare, Harless said funding for such a program is in the best interest of the child.
”In my career I have had to remove children from their homes and place them into foster care; and though it is a wonderful thing, what these people do to open their home up to these children can be a difficult and stressful time,” said Harless. He also added,” The children that I have been able to place with family members or relatives such as aunts and uncles do much better in school. There is less stress on the kids and family, less delinquency and they do better overall.”
Harless stated the levy is not a renewal and will cost the average homeowner of a $100,000 home approximately $35 per year.
“I am asking for your support today. Thank you for allowing me to speak,” said Harless.
Members from the Area Agency on Aging addressed the council members next with a request for support for a Renewal Levy for Richland County Senior Services. Board member Carol Michaels spoke on behalf of the agency as Advisory Council member D’ Wisenbarger passed out literature to the members of council informing them of key facts concerning the levy.
The agency is located at 2131 Park Avenue West in Ontario and is dedicated to providing services to seniors who may not qualify for federal or state funding.
Michaels added the levy is a five year 1 mil renewal levy and would cost a homeowner of a $100,000 home approximately nine cents a day. The agency provides a multitude of services benefiting seniors across the county according to Michaels. Home delivered meals, transportation, Adult Day Service and Emergency Response System were among some of the programs Michaels spoke of that are available to anyone 60 years or older or disabled.
D’ Wisenbarger stated, ”A lot of people don’t realize what is available to them through the agency, you need to call and they will help you.”
Moving into the agenda, the council discussed their office phone system.
“We have had a lot of problems with our phone system and I take full responsibility,” said Fiscal Officer Brigette Banks. “It’s been an absolute nightmare dealing with our phone system.”
Currently the village is using a phone and internet system through Time Warner, COI, and Northwest and have experienced unreliable service.
“It’s a nightmare dealing with three different companies every time we have an issue with service,” said Brigette Banks.
According to Banks the current system has been evaluated and referred to as, “an antiquated system.”
She said the village is currently paying $867.22 per month for unreliable and outdated service. Century Link brought engineers, electricians and various technical personnel to do an assessment of the system and recommended a complete replacement of the phone and internet service.
The proposal includes a new IP phone system that would connect the police department, village office and water/sewer office with one “core”, eliminating unnecessary charges and updated internet. The cost for a new system and internet access for the entire village would be $381.41 per month for years with a monthly fee of $458. The total cost of $839.41 is less than the current costs for the defective and outdated system. Once the system is paid in five years the village monthly cost for service would total $458.
”I know that at least 1 out 3 times during rain or storms we lose our phones.” He added, “We have the money budgeted, actually we would be paying less for a whole new system,” said Mayor Banks.
Council members agreed it was in the best interest of the village to implement the new system and moved to take immediate action.
