Every year the State distributes revenues to counties to be distributed to the townships, cities and villages.  For 22 years, there has been an agreement in Clark County that the County would receive 42 percent, the City of Springfield would receive 48 percent and the remaining 10 percent would be divided among the townships, city and villages in the county.  New Carlisle’s share has been less than ¾ of one percent. City Council members agreed that this agreement needs to be replaced by a more equitable distribution formula.

“The amount of money we’re talking about is no small amount – it’s 5 ½ million dollars,” said council member Barry Kilburn.  “Out of that 5 ½ million, New Carlisle’s share is $39,000.”

“Springfield’s share in 2008 was $3,172,000.  At the same time, New Carlisle got $47,000,” said Kilburn.

“Right now, there’s a statutory method for determining how this money is disbursed,” continued Kilburn.  “Clark County doesn’t use that.  It uses an alternative method.  And from what I understand, they use the alternative method because the City of Springfield would always appeal it to get more money.”

“Springfield is 12 times larger than New Carlisle,” he said, “but they get 67 times more money then we do.”

“The way I understand it, the county and Springfield population wise and percentage wise have greater clout in the vote,” said City Manager Kim Jones.  “So unless we can get together with the other townships and villages so we can be a united front, there’s no guarantee.”

“It’s time we put our foot down and say ‘This is not fair to us,’” said Council Member Lowell McGlothin. 

Council failed to approve the agreement.  Jones will be attempting to arrange a meeting with the villages and townships in the county.

In other action, Jones informed council that she sought out quotes for the demolition of Madison School.  The quotes ranged from $75,000 to nearly $190,000, depending upon how much work the city wanted to have done.

Jones also read a memo from Service Director Howard Kitko stating that the equipment used to repair potholes has also been used for large crack sealing with some success.  He noted that there are line cracks that cannot be sealed with the city’s equipment.

Jones also reported that the city ordered a new tornado siren today and it should arrive in 6 to 8 weeks.  It will be placed near the pool and will cover the entire city.  It would be activated by the Springfield Police Department upon notification from the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

She said that she is working with Planning Director Tim Howard on the temporary concession wagon issue that was discussed at the last City Council meeting.  They are looking at what other cities have done and will devise a plan of action for New Carlisle.

You can hear audio recordings of many council meetings at newcarlisleohio.net/audio