Athens City Council talks shifting funds, investing in emergency power
*Editor’s Note: A previous version 0f this story incorrectly attributed a quote to Mayor Steve Patterson, instead of Councilmember Sam Crowl. This story has been updated to accurately quote and attribute Crowl.
Athens City Council discussed shifting funds as a result of the pandemic, along with a future generator installation following events that occurred in Texas this winter, during its virtual meeting Monday.
The Council unanimously approved an ordinance to advance $100,000 in funds from the city’s general fund to the parking garage fund.
“We are committed to repaying this money into the general fund,” Councilmember Sam Crowl said. The city will pay a sum of at least $5,000 per year beginning in 2022 to repay the general fund, according to the ordinance.
Typically, the general fund is used to support the city in providing basic municipal services. The city, however, has not generated enough revenue from parking meters to pay for the parking garage fund.
Councilmember Jeffrey Risner added that once the COVID-19 crisis has subsided, parking within the parking garage will begin to pick up, increasing revenue entering into the parking funds.
“(This) will allow us to pay off this interdepartmental loan much quicker rather than dragging it out for many years,” Risner said. “I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to take care of it pretty soon.”
The Council also passed an ordinance to authorize Service Safety Director Andrew Stone to advertise and accept bids for the cheapest, best design and installation of a generator that will serve the city building and the law administration building. Stone is authorized to expend up to $325,000 for the project.
The ordinance was introduced by Councilmember Sarah Grace.
“This is a project that has been under consideration and evaluation for several years now and is something that I believe is needed for the safety and resiliency of our public employees,” Grace said.
Councilmember Chris Fahl added that, while the project sounds expensive, it is necessary for the city of Athens to invest in ways to prevent unexpected crises from hurting the city.
“I think that Texas shows us when you don’t plan and invest for these sort of things that happen, it costs a whole lot more to repair yourself,” Fahl said.
In other business:
Ohio U’s Take Back the Night will be held virtually April 1 at 6 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The event focuses on uniting and fighting for survivors of sexual and domestic violence
The Athens County Recycling Day is set to occur on May 15, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Athens County Fairgrounds. Items that can be dropped off include car rims and tires, refrigerators, washing machines, stoves, dryers and any additional large furniture
Residents of Athens County are encouraged to visit gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov to make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through the county’s public health department