State financial help may be available for those in tornado-damaged area

MANSFIELD — Those impacted by Sunday’s tornado in and around Shelby may be eligible for state financial assistance, Richland County commissioners were told Tuesday morning.

County Emergency Management Agency Director Rick Evans, JFS Director Sharlene Neumann and Auditor Pat Dropsey discussed relief efforts with commissioners, who met in public session for the first time since a half-mile wide twister, packing winds of up to 125 miles per hour, roared through a 17-mile stretch just before 5 p.m.

Evans, whose damage assessment teams are following the path of the tornado, said the state EMA has two requirements before the county can apply for help from the state in these cases — 1) at least 25 damaged structures; 2) at least 40 percent of the total estimated damage cost be uninsured.

Evans said it’s likely there were at least 25 structures damaged, “(but) its the 40 percent uninsured that’s going to be a big (sticking) point.”

He said he hopes to have all of the assessments completed by the end of the day Tuesday.

The funds would come from the state EMA and the kinds of assistance available “depends on what they kind of need and what the state can bring in,” Evans said.

Commissioner Marilyn John said the tornado heavily damaged a Rocket Chevrolet dealership along Ohio 39. John said the damage there will be in the millions of dollars and that seemingly every car on the dealership lot was damaged in some way.

All three commissioners, including Darrell Banks and Tony Vero, questioned if the damaged area would meet the 40 percent uninsured threshold.

Evans reported no residents stayed in overnight shelters set up Sunday and Monday nights. John, the former Shelby mayor who still lives in the city, said those in need likely stayed with family and/or friends.

“It’s a close-knit community,” she said. “My sister lost her garage and I think 30 people showed up last night to help her.”

Evans said AEP still has some reported power outages, though the company hoped to have all power restored by the end of Tuesday.

He said power companies from other communities responded to assist, including some from Michigan.

“It was amazing to see all the damage there on (Ohio) 39 right after it happened and then to see all those trucks fixing what needed to be fixed. It was crazy. It was amazing to see all those lift-trucks up in the air,” Evans said.

Evans also said county residents can purchase severe weather radios through his office by calling 419-774-5686. The radios are $22, which the county sells at cost. The electric radios, with battery backups, notify residents during severe weather emergencies.

The Ohio Department of Transportation announced Monday afternoon Ohio 314 had been re-opened. As had the following roads: 

SR 39, between US 30 and the City of Shelby.

SR 61, between Crestline and the City of Shelby.

SR 96, between SR 13 and the City of Shelby.

SR 314, between 14th St. and the City of Shelby.

A section of Ohio 61 between 314 and Hummel Road, was still closed Tuesday morning for utility repairs. It’s expected to re-open Tuesday afternoon.

Neumann said she has contacted state JFS officials to ask if Governor Mike DeWine would consider declaring it to be a disaster area, which would free up funding to flow to residents in need through the local JFS office.

The funds would be a combination of federal and state funds, Neumann said. She referenced a severe ice storm in 2004 when JFS was able to provide assistance for things like refrigerators, downed trees, relocation costs, clothing, etc. She said relief efforts can be customized for the needs of residents impacted by the storm.

Neumann said if the governor does declare a disaster area, JFS would set up in a library or other Shelby location to meet with residents to determine their eligibility for assistance.

Dropsey told commissioners anyone who owns homes or businesses damaged by the recent tornado may be eligible to receive a reduction on their tax year 2019 real estate bill next year.

Dropsey confirmed state law authorizes county auditors to reduce real estate values for properties damaged or destroyed. A reduction in property value may result in lower real estate taxes for the property until it has been essentially restored to its prior condition or value.

Personal property such as furniture and other personal belongings that have been destroyed are not included.

“We would like to hear from citizens who have suffered structural damage to their property so that we may update our information and allow them to take advantage of statutory value relief,” Dropsey said. 

The application deadline for tax year 2019 is Dec. 31, 2019. Applications for a property value reduction are available on the Richland County Auditor’s website. Property owners can contact the Richland County Auditors office at 419-774-5501 for any additional information.

“We will help make sure you fill out the forms correctly,” Dropsey said.