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CCAO to host five regional budget briefings
The CCAO policy team is excited to announce five regional meetings to bring together CCAO members and key staff from across the state and discuss pertinent policy issues and funding included in the state operating budget.
The events will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 1:15 p.m. Lunch will be served. You are welcome to attend any of the events listed below. An event agenda is also included below.
Please RSVP to Nedra Benson at nbenson@ccao.org or 614-221-5627 and specify which event you plan to attend. Please also include any dietary requirements in your RSVP.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
- OCTOBER 2 – SOUTHEAST REGION
- Theo’s Restaurant: 632 Wheeling Ave, Cambridge, OH 43725
- OCTOBER 10 – NORTHEAST REGION
- Reed Memorial Library: 167 East Main Street, Ravenna, OH 44266
- OCTOBER 16 – SOUTHWEST REGION
- Rocky Fork Lake East End Overlook Restaurant: 6452 Lucas Ln, Hillsboro, OH 45133
- Please note Rocky Fork Lake East End Overlook Restaurant does not have handicap accessible restrooms available.
- OCTOBER 20 – CENTRAL REGION
- Delaware County Byxbe Meeting Room: 1610 State Route 521, Delaware, OH 43015
- OCTOBER 30 – NORTHWEST REGION
- Allen County OhioMeansJobs: 951 Commerce Pkwy, Lima, OH 45804
Event Agenda
9:30 am – 10:00 am Registration & Networking
10:00 am – 11:00 am State Budget Overview Presentation Part 1
11:00 am – 11:10 am Break
11:10 am – 12:10 pm State Budget Overview Presentation Part 2
12:10 pm – 1:15 pm Lunch with county updates and “Ask the Policy Team”
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Membership survey: Projected indigent defense budget
CCAO is working with the Office of the Public Defender to collect county projections on indigent defense budgets to help the statewide office set reimbursement rates. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, available here, by September 31. The survey includes an option to upload files if you would like. Please note that due to limitations in the survey software, only Word documents and PDFs are able to be uploaded. If you would like to provide an Excel document, please either save it as a PDF or email it directly to CCAO Research Analyst Nick Ciolli at nciolli@ccao.org.
The more information that we can provide OPD, the more accurate of a reimbursement rate the office can set. Thank you for your help!
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Secretary of State issues directive, advisory regarding election security and pollbook reimbursement
Secretary of State Frank LaRose recently issued a directive and an advisory that counties could be aware of.
In August, the Secretary of State issued Directive 2023-16, regarding election security. Among the topics discussed in the directive are $10,000 in Help America Vote Act Security Funding each county board of election can receive from the Secretary of State and the security provisions, both cyber and physical, that county boards must fulfill.
Also in August, the Secretary of State issued Advisory 2023-03, regarding acquiring electronic pollbooks with state funding. The key takeaway is that counties must provide documentation of acquisitions to the Secretary of State no later than May 1, 2024, if they wish to receive reimbursement.
CCAO encourages counties familiarize themselves with these publications to ensure boards of elections remain in compliance with security requirements and to ensure you receive reimbursement for electronic pollbook acquisition.
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Department of Administrative Services planning NG 9-1-1 regional briefings
In October, the Department of Administrative Services will be holding regional meetings to discuss rollout plans for Next Generation 9-1-1. The meetings are open to 9-1-1 coordinators, public safety answering point (PSAP) directors, local GIS representatives, and other local stakeholders.
The meetings will be held in the state's Homeland Security regions, with some regions combined for the purposes of holding the meetings. The meetings will discuss DAS' deployment plan, the GIS data that will need to be collected, expected timelines for money from the new fee to flow, and more. The schedule is below:
- Tuesday, October 17 - Regions 2 & 5, held in Medina County at 4355 Greenwich Road, Seville, OH 44273.
- Wednesday, October 18 - Regions 7 & 8, held in Athens County at 701 E. State Street, Athens, OH 45701.
- Thursday, October 19 - Regions 3 & 6, held in Warren County at 406 Justice Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036.
- Friday, October 20 - Region 1, held in Allen County at 951 Commerce Parkway, Lima, OH 45804.
- Monday, October 23 - Region 4, held in Franklin County at 4200 Surface Road, Columbus, OH 43228.
The presentation at the Franklin County meeting will be recorded and shared online.
CCAO will share more information as it becomes available.
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FEMA Disaster Relief Fund low on funds, NACo calls for outreach to urge support for replenishment
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently issued a notice that its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is nearly out of money. Due to the lack of funds, it is implementing Immediate Needs Funding, which means it can only fund debris removal and emergency protective measures. All other recovery projects will be put on hold until the DRF receives more funding.
NACo has drafted a letter template that counties can modify to reach out to their congressional delegations to urge support for a supplemental funding package to replenish the DRF. NACo also provided a letter sent by several other national local government groups (such as the National League of Cities, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, and more) to Congressional leadership.
CCAO asks counties to consider contacting their federal representatives and Ohio's senators for their support. Natural disasters happen suddenly and severely strain local governments as they try to manage the aftermath and keep communities safe. The loss of federal funding to aid those efforts could be the difference between life and death.
If you have questions concerning the letters or the DRF, please contact NACo's Legislative Director for Justice and Public Safety, Brett Mattson, at bmattson@naco.org.
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New round of Body-Worn Camera Grants announced; webinar to be held on September 13
Last week, the DeWine-Husted Administration announced the opening of a third round of grants under the Body-Worn Camera Grant Program. The program is funded with $5 million and seeks to achieve Governor Mike DeWine's goal of "most, if not all, law enforcement agencies in the state" establishing a body camera program.
All local law enforcement agencies are eligible to apply, with award priority going to applicants who will outfit officers who regularly interact with the public and do not already have functional cameras.
The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) will host a webinar on September 13 at 10 a.m. to provide information on the program and how best to complete the grant application. CCAO highly encourages interested members to register for the webinar. Registration is free and can be completed here.
Applications must be submitted by October 5 through the Online Grants Management System.
If you have questions regarding the grant program, don't hesitate to contact the OCJS's grants administration contact for your region or contact CCAO Managing Director of Policy Kyle Petty at kpetty@ccao.org or 614-220-7977.
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County allocations for Lead Safe Ohio available; applications due October 12
Earlier this year, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 45 into law, providing $150 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for lead poisoning prevention and mitigation. The Ohio Department of Development has allocated $95 million to promote primary prevention and reduce immediate and presumed lead hazards in residential properties, congregate care settings, and childcare facilities built before 1978.
The Lead Safe Ohio program will achieve this goal by funding lead-safe renovation, lead abatement, and supportive measures in all 88 Ohio counties. Each county has been allocated an amount under the program. You can view your county's allocation here. Applications are due by October 12.
More information is available here.
The Department of Development will host a webinar for counties to discuss the Lead Safe Ohio program, the Brownfield Remediation Program, and the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, both authorized under the state's operating budget. Registration for the webinar can be completed here.
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Treasurer of State and Auditor of State hosting fiscal officer educational event in October
On Tuesday, October 26, the Center for Public Investment Management (CPIM), a joint body of the Ohio Treasurer and the Ohio Auditor, will be hosting an event on the role of fiscal officers.
The event, titled "Leadership in Public Finance and Economic Development," will provide information and training tailored to the role that government fiscal officers play in economic development planning. Up to six hours of continuing education credits are available through the event.
Members of CPIM do not have to pay any cost to attend the event, as it is covered in the annual $100 fee. Non-members may still attend the event but must pay a $100 registration fee.
Registration can be completed here. More information, including course descriptions and speakers, are expected in the coming weeks.
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NACo provides analysis of new allowable uses and guidelines for ARPA funds
On August 10, the US Department of Treasury released a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) for ARPA funding in light of an amendment that recently passed which expanded the allowable usages for the funds. All of the existing allowable usages are unchanged.
NACo has provided an analysis of the new IFR, available here. Additionally, last week NACo held a membership call to discuss the IFR. The slide deck is available here and a recording is available here.
The new IFR added three new allowable uses, discussed in turn.
Emergency Relief from Natural Disasters
Counties may now use ARPA funds to provide relief from natural disasters or mitigate the negative economic effects of a natural disaster. The eligible uses are broad, as long as they are tied to the natural disaster. The NACo analysis has a lengthy, but non-exhaustive, list of allowable usages.
Additionally, ARPA funds can be used to mitigate the threat of future natural disasters. Examples of eligible usages include structure elevation, structural retrofitting, and others.
Surface Transportation Projects & Community Development Block Grant Projects
ARPA funds can now be used for surface transportation projects and CDBH projects, subject to some limitations. These limits include a limitation on contribution, a prohibition on supplanting funds, and a compliance with other laws.
Counties may only use an amount equal to the greater of $10 million or 30% of the county's total ARPA allocation for transportation and CDBG projects. For example, if a county received a total allocation of $58 million, 30% of that is $17.4 million. That is the maximum amount the county can use for these two types of projects. It can be split between the two in any proportion as long as the total does not exceed $17.4 million.
Counties must use ARPA funds to supplement, not supplant, other funds being used for the project. For example, if a county is working on a surface transportation project and has already allocated $4 million for it, it cannot withdraw that $4 million and replace it with ARPA funds. The ARPA funding can be added to it to enhance the project, but not to keep the project scope the same while withdrawing local funds.
Generally speaking, using ARPA funds for surface transportation projects and CDBG projects must comply with other applicable laws. This includes certain environmental laws, procurement laws, and more. The NACo analysis provides more detail on this issue.
Finally, funds used for surface transportation or CDBG must be expended by September 30, 2026. This is earlier than the deadline for other usages (December 31, 2026).
Please utilize the resources linked to above to help gain an understanding of the guidelines for the new allowable usages.
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COUNTY NEWS
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Each week Counties Current highlights the happenings in our counties in the words of their local media. One county from each of the CCAO's five districts is highlighted.
Northwest District
Twelve direct support professionals honored by Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Hometown Stations, September 7, 2023
Members of the community who help those with developmental disabilities were honored for their work and dedication.
The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities held a luncheon at Milano Cafe in order to spotlight the efforts put forth by their direct support professionals. These members go out to help those with developmental disabilities in their own homes, group homes, and day programs. The workers are available for those who need help every day of the year, even on weekends and holidays.
"We were starting to see the beginning of a shortage in this field, of a very very important position that most people didn't know about. So we wanted to pay special time and attention to call this out so people know that this is a very important job. It's done in many ways in our community, but specifically who we are honoring are those that are workers who work on the front lines with individuals with developmental disabilities," said Theresa Schnipke, Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
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Northeast District
Office for Older Adults, Habitat for Humanity partner to support senior residents
Medina Gazette, September 9, 2023
Since its start in mid-July, the Habitat for Humanity of Medina County’s Aging in Place program has completed home repairs for five Medina County seniors.
Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place program is done in partnership with the Medina County Office for Older Adults, with a focus on helping senior homeowners within Medina County stay in their homes.
“This program is designed to allow Habitat for Humanity to complete small builds or repairs in a senior’s home, which allows them to remain in the community,” MCOOA Executive Director Laura Toth said.
Those interested in participating in the program would first call the MCOOA at (330) 723-9514 to explain their situation to see if Aging in Place would be a benefit to them.
An MCOOA worker would then go out to the senior’s home to complete a basic assessment, further discussing not only the services provided through Aging in Place but from the Office for Older Adults overall.
“Which allows our staff to offer seniors in the community additional services, maybe people we haven’t met before,” Toth said.
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Central District
New Board of DD member takes oath of office
Bellefontaine Examiner, September 11, 2023
Melanie Reames was administered the oath of office as a new board member of the Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities during the regular meeting Thursday, Sept. 7.
Reames has been involved with LCBDD for over 12 years due to her son receiving case management (SSA) services through the board.
She expressed appreciation for the services that have been provided to her son and is excited to be involved in serving on the board to help ensure quality services are available to individuals with disabilities and their families in Logan County.
Members also learned about the Aug. 22 Logan County Board of DD end-of-the-summer evening at the West Liberty Lion’s Club Splash Pad. Youngsters and their families in attendance enjoyed the park and the water activities.
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Southwest District
Engineer's office get new radios through DOE grant
Pike County News Watchman, September 8, 2023
The Pike County Commissioners met with the Pike County Engineer’s Street Superintendent Jerry Wessel. Wessel informed the commissioners that the new radios for the engineer’s office had been installed and were up and working.
The engineer’s office received 40 radios plus 10 handheld models and that includes a base at the engineer’s garage.
The new system is a digital system, where the old system was an analog system.
The commissioners asked for money for the upgrade in communications from the Department of Energy, and the DOE funded the upgrade, which will have another phase in it when the Pike Sheriff’s Office will get new radios.
“This grant — there are three past,” Commissioner Jeff Chattin said. “It’s all about communication. The key to any organization is having good communication.”
The new radios are MARCS (Multi Agency Radio Communications System) radios, which Pike County EMA (Emergency Management Agency) director Tim Dickerson called “the best platform there is.”
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Southeast District
Ohio recertifies Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for Collaborative Board’s Standards
Jackson & Vinton Courier, September 14, 2023
The Office of Criminal Justice Services has announced the recertification of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for maintaining state standards established by the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board.
Jackson County Sheriff Tedd E. Frazier’s Office completed the certification process after previously adopting and implementing the initial two standards regarding use of force and hiring and recruitment while the recertification process takes place on a revolving, three to four-year cycle, according to a press release from the JCSO.
Overall, there are 617 certified agencies throughout Ohio that have met the initial standards. Additionally, 29,311 officers (representing 87.35% of all law enforcement officers in Ohio, including most of Ohio’s metropolitan areas) are employed by an agency that is involved in some form of the certification process.
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SEPTEMBER 21
CCAO General Government Committee Meeting
SEPTEMBER 21-22
CCAO Board of Directors Retreat and Board Meeting
SEPTEMBER 27
NW District Meeting (Fulton County)
SEPTEMBER 29
CEBCO Board of Directors Meeting
OCTOBER 2
CCAO Regional Budget Briefing - Guernsey County
OCTOBER 6
Central District Meeting (Knox County)
OCTOBER 10
CCAO Regional Budget Briefing - Portage County
OCTOBER 16
CCAO Regional Budget Briefing - Highland County
OCTOBER 20
CCAO Regional Budget Briefing - Delaware County
OCTOBER 30
CCAO Regional Budget Briefing - Allen County
DECEMBER 6 - 8
CCAO-CEAO Annual Winter Conference
County Fair Dates:
You can access a full schedule here.
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