Erie County Commissioners

2008 - 2009 Board Goals/Objectives

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Mission Statement:

To improve the health, safety and welfare of all Erie County citizens, the strength of its economy and the quality of the environment.

2008 - 2009 Board Goals:

1. Community & Economic Development

• Encourage business expansion, job growth and workforce development by utilizing the County’s revolving loan fund (RLF), tax increment financing (TIF), tax abatement/enterprise zone (EZ) and community reinvestment (CRA) and other designated programs.

• Continue pursuing the designation of a new Regional Airport at NASA Plum Brook Station. If authorized by FAA, proceed with Phase 2 (Site Selection) of the feasibility study.

• Finalize the development plans, seek federal /state grant funds and market a new Erie County Business Campus on Huron-Avery Road and the Job Ready Site (JRS) near the US Route 250 – Plumbrook area.

• Establish funding, through cooperation with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and ODOT, and implement the recommendations as determined in the U.S. 250 Safety & Congestion study.

• Continue improving neighborhood-housing stock countywide with Comprehensive Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) grant dollars.

• Census 2010. Coordinate and develop, with Erie Regional Planning Commission, a comprehensive strategy to ensure an accurate countywide count.

• Explore with the Sandusky Transit Service the need to expand public transportation countywide.

2. Environment & Energy

• Participate in the Regional Water Advisory Board with Sandusky and Huron to provide quality water at the most economic price throughout the County. Continue water distribution system improvements to provide reliable, safe drinking water and adequate fire protection.

• Merge the Erie County and Huron Sewer Districts to combine facilities for environmental quality and to stabilize rates. Continue sanitary sewer improvements to reduce wet weather flows, basement flooding and raw sewage overflows.

• Continue evaluating the feasibility of establishing a Stormwater Utility District in coordination with the County Engineer and ESWCD. This objective is to address the EPA Phase 2 requirements, drainage problems and flood hazards.

• Monitor the contract to convert Landfill Gas to Energy (LGTE) by utilizing methane gas to generate electricity.

• Continue Solid Waste District (ECSWD) programs to enhance voluntary recycling with the use of bins and roundups. Prepare draft of the five (5) year Solid Waste District Management Plan and public input for plan approval. Consider curbside recycling countywide.

• Evaluate alternative energy solutions for the community including wind and solar energy options. The County intends to set the example by purchasing hybrid and flexible fuel vehicles.

3. Finance

• Maintain Moody’s Bond Rating “A-1 Stable” by stabilizing the County’s long-term financial position for all County funds and operations. Austerity spending directive continues.

• Available funding for capital projects will be consistent with established debt policies.

• Closely monitor the finances of the General Operating Fund and the special revenue funds of the Care Facility, Job and Family Services and Environmental Services (Water/Sewer/Landfill). Evaluate the need for revenue enhancement.

4. Health

• Support funding and programming initiatives of the Erie County Health Department (ECHD) and our employee wellness committee in the prevention of chronic diseases by encouraging employees and citizens to pursue healthier life styles through proper nutrition and physical activity.

• Review the status of the Care A Van in conjunction with our wellness program and Individual Health Assessments (IHA) performed by the ECHD.

5. Human Services & Education

• Promote activities, which will ensure every Erie County child has an appropriate, permanent family and a home, which meets their needs. This includes delivering quality social services, improving the foster program and reducing the number of children awaiting adoption.

6. Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security

• Coordinate a holistic approach to addressing the jail overcrowding issue with the Sheriff, Judges and the Community Corrections Board. Evaluate the feasibility of an Adult Alternative Sentencing Facility, electronic monitoring (EM) program and other options to reduce costs.

• Expand the number of emergency warning and notification sirens.

• Complete the feasibility study regarding a centralized dispatch center for public safety services.

• Improve Courthouse security cost effectively.

7. Labor & Employment

• Advocate federal/state workforce resources continue to serve the specific needs of our citizens. Maximize federal/state funding for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the effectiveness of the Erie County Job Store to improve employment opportunities for our citizens.

8. Public Works & Facilities

• Support the County Engineers bridge replacement program.

• Continue to cooperate with ODOT, the County Engineer and the Erie County MPO on improving high accident intersections with turn lanes and signalization. Implement the U.S. 250 Safety & Congestion study.

• Establish the annual Capital Improvement Plan for facility upgrades and remodeling.

9. Telecommunications & Information Technology

• Modify the County E-911 Plan and then implement the E-911 Dispatch System for wireless (cellular phone) response.

• Enhance the Geographic Information System (GIS) and support the availability to all County political subdivisions.

• Support the update of information technology hardware and software to keep County operations efficient.

10. Intergovernmental & Business Relations

• Continue communication with other elected officials, political subdivisions, businesses and citizens on important County issues. Continue participation in the Council of Governments, Erie Regional Planning Commission, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Erie County Economic Development Corporation and the Community Improvement Corporation. Attend City, Township and Village council meetings and schedule regular visits to key businesses.