Just information. These are the OWDA Loans and not all the loans for the Village. They are for sewerage projects and water projects. You may view them online.
Here is a link http://www.owda.org/loantrk/LGALoans.asp?LGAID=533
Some of the early 1990 loans were a result of the plant. 7.96 is the
interest rate on the settlement of the original plant 1372 / 0621 is the
loan number.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Unfunded Mandates Kill Small Community
Unfunded Mandates Kill Small Community
The Council meeting last night, Feb 11th, was attended by several people from the community in regards to the recent property tax assessment which will be used to pay for the EPA mandated sewerage upgrades. Even though this is a recent topic, the discussion for these improvements began in 1999. They began with an initial engineering review of the current Wastewater Plant and system. After much delay and lack of results in repairing minor issues, the EPA sent a notice of Violation in August of 2005 due to plant overflows, and it escalated from there. In, 2008 when litigation seemed eminent against Lynchburg for violations outlined in EPA Findings & Orders. The Village agreed to the EPA documents, and they were approved.
Lynchburg soon began on a mandated time line to upgrade the Wastewater facilities in two phases. Phase one included a pumping station or head works project, and Phase two which is currently underway, contained the clarifiers. The overall project was estimated at $4,039,283. This did not include an earlier 2008 project, which was the Glenavy Subdivision Sewer Rehabilitation Project which cost $114,500.
The Glenavy Project was instituted in 2007 to reduce I/I or inflow into the sewerage plant, which was determined as a factor causing plant capacity problems and raw sewerage overflows. This project was part of the overall repair to stop future system inflow and to assist in gauging the capacity of upgrades that will become a new plant.
On January 24th of 2009, the first Public meeting was held to discuss financing and payment options for Phase Two. Prior to that there had not been any arrangements made for long term debt repayment on Phase One, Two, or the Glenavy Rehabilitation Project. That was the start of a year long open discussion about debt repayment for these projects. Over the course of the year the Council discussed ways to pay for the project(s) which included property tax assessment, income tax (Lynchburg still does not have an income tax like most other Cities/Villages), grants, add the amount to the monthly utility invoices, pay it in full (with no money), or do nothing and let another government agency (Probably State of Ohio) come in and take over the mandated projects.
Over the course of the year, and even thus far in 2010, Lynchburg received ARRA (Stimulus) monies, and grants to reduce the project costs. The amounts that have to be paid back at this point by the local community are $114,500 for Glenavy Project, $580,332.40 for Phase I Sewerage Plant Project and $1,894,300 for Phase II Sewerage Plant Project.
After final Public Hearings advertised in August and held in September 2009. Council decided the best option was to guarantee repayment and secure the 0% loans for the balance of the project, was to do an assessment over all properties within the corporation. The two end options were the assessment over 900 plus properties or adding the same amount over an average of 600 utilities customers. Neither way was a clear cut and fair way for anyone involved.
To overview the project had to be done and was mandated by the EPA. If it was not completed Lynchburg would be assessed fines by the EPA and the project may have even been completed by another government agency, which still would have left the local community bearing the costs. The project has to be paid for by someone. Lynchburg did apply for grants and funding, and did receive $1,729,475.50 in monies that do not have to be paid back, which is large portion of the project.
The project had to be done, and it was important to stop raw sewerage overflows which were potential health hazards to the community. The reason it was important for the local government to take on the project instead of an outside agency is because of the overall cost. The local government did apply for many types of funding and so far has kept under budget as much as possible. An outside government agency, may have came in and built the plant and charged as was necessary with administrative costs. There would have also been fines, and litigation brought upon the local government by the State. So it makes sense for the local government to take on this large burden of the waste water plant project. The fact is, that there is not a way to repay the outstanding debt that is fair to everyone. Any course of action for repayment would have created higher rates for someone in the community.
Small communities need help and assistance through partnership from other government and non government entities. The Village of Lynchburg has been awaiting its “Bailout” for 30 years, not just the last 3 years. What makes this so hard to swallow, I believe, for the community and myself, is that everyone is still burdened with the long term debt from the original wastewater treatment plant built in 1983. I think we can all agree that sewerage overflow is bad, and unhealthy. It does make sense to repair that problem. What doesn’t make sense is the timing of this debt for the Village of Lynchburg. It doesn’t seem to be anyone’s fault, just a bad run of luck that has lasted since the first fish were found dead in Turtle Creek in 1965.
This letter doesn’t stop the fact that the debt must be repaid, and it is still an unfunded mandate. It doesn’t help the fact that the area is at an all time high in unemployment. It does not help the fact that property taxes are higher than they used to be. I hope what this letter does do is give a brief overview of everyone’s frustrations regarding this matter. The local elected officials did not intend to harm anyone, and made the best, open decision as they probably could. It is frustrating and would seem to anyone that the community cannot get its break. I welcome any assistance to resolve the plight of our community.
Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor
Village of Lynchburg
The Council meeting last night, Feb 11th, was attended by several people from the community in regards to the recent property tax assessment which will be used to pay for the EPA mandated sewerage upgrades. Even though this is a recent topic, the discussion for these improvements began in 1999. They began with an initial engineering review of the current Wastewater Plant and system. After much delay and lack of results in repairing minor issues, the EPA sent a notice of Violation in August of 2005 due to plant overflows, and it escalated from there. In, 2008 when litigation seemed eminent against Lynchburg for violations outlined in EPA Findings & Orders. The Village agreed to the EPA documents, and they were approved.
Lynchburg soon began on a mandated time line to upgrade the Wastewater facilities in two phases. Phase one included a pumping station or head works project, and Phase two which is currently underway, contained the clarifiers. The overall project was estimated at $4,039,283. This did not include an earlier 2008 project, which was the Glenavy Subdivision Sewer Rehabilitation Project which cost $114,500.
The Glenavy Project was instituted in 2007 to reduce I/I or inflow into the sewerage plant, which was determined as a factor causing plant capacity problems and raw sewerage overflows. This project was part of the overall repair to stop future system inflow and to assist in gauging the capacity of upgrades that will become a new plant.
On January 24th of 2009, the first Public meeting was held to discuss financing and payment options for Phase Two. Prior to that there had not been any arrangements made for long term debt repayment on Phase One, Two, or the Glenavy Rehabilitation Project. That was the start of a year long open discussion about debt repayment for these projects. Over the course of the year the Council discussed ways to pay for the project(s) which included property tax assessment, income tax (Lynchburg still does not have an income tax like most other Cities/Villages), grants, add the amount to the monthly utility invoices, pay it in full (with no money), or do nothing and let another government agency (Probably State of Ohio) come in and take over the mandated projects.
Over the course of the year, and even thus far in 2010, Lynchburg received ARRA (Stimulus) monies, and grants to reduce the project costs. The amounts that have to be paid back at this point by the local community are $114,500 for Glenavy Project, $580,332.40 for Phase I Sewerage Plant Project and $1,894,300 for Phase II Sewerage Plant Project.
After final Public Hearings advertised in August and held in September 2009. Council decided the best option was to guarantee repayment and secure the 0% loans for the balance of the project, was to do an assessment over all properties within the corporation. The two end options were the assessment over 900 plus properties or adding the same amount over an average of 600 utilities customers. Neither way was a clear cut and fair way for anyone involved.
To overview the project had to be done and was mandated by the EPA. If it was not completed Lynchburg would be assessed fines by the EPA and the project may have even been completed by another government agency, which still would have left the local community bearing the costs. The project has to be paid for by someone. Lynchburg did apply for grants and funding, and did receive $1,729,475.50 in monies that do not have to be paid back, which is large portion of the project.
The project had to be done, and it was important to stop raw sewerage overflows which were potential health hazards to the community. The reason it was important for the local government to take on the project instead of an outside agency is because of the overall cost. The local government did apply for many types of funding and so far has kept under budget as much as possible. An outside government agency, may have came in and built the plant and charged as was necessary with administrative costs. There would have also been fines, and litigation brought upon the local government by the State. So it makes sense for the local government to take on this large burden of the waste water plant project. The fact is, that there is not a way to repay the outstanding debt that is fair to everyone. Any course of action for repayment would have created higher rates for someone in the community.
Small communities need help and assistance through partnership from other government and non government entities. The Village of Lynchburg has been awaiting its “Bailout” for 30 years, not just the last 3 years. What makes this so hard to swallow, I believe, for the community and myself, is that everyone is still burdened with the long term debt from the original wastewater treatment plant built in 1983. I think we can all agree that sewerage overflow is bad, and unhealthy. It does make sense to repair that problem. What doesn’t make sense is the timing of this debt for the Village of Lynchburg. It doesn’t seem to be anyone’s fault, just a bad run of luck that has lasted since the first fish were found dead in Turtle Creek in 1965.
This letter doesn’t stop the fact that the debt must be repaid, and it is still an unfunded mandate. It doesn’t help the fact that the area is at an all time high in unemployment. It does not help the fact that property taxes are higher than they used to be. I hope what this letter does do is give a brief overview of everyone’s frustrations regarding this matter. The local elected officials did not intend to harm anyone, and made the best, open decision as they probably could. It is frustrating and would seem to anyone that the community cannot get its break. I welcome any assistance to resolve the plight of our community.
Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor
Village of Lynchburg
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Lynchburg Receives More Stimulus Funding & Completes Drinking Water Protection Plan
The Village of Lynchburg recently completed a Drinking Water Source Protection Plan. This is an action plan that identifies possible contaminants to the Lynchburg Drinking Water System and provides protective strategies. This plan was developed by the Drinking Water Protection Team which was composed of the Village Administrator Nicole Oberrecht, Water & Wastewater Supervisor Mark Suitor, and Scott Brown of the Ohio Rural Water Association.
I received a letter from Michael Eggert, Manager of the Ohio EPA Division of Drinking & Ground Waters. This letter commended the Lynchburg for “recognizing the importance of protecting its valuable ground water resource.” The letter formally endorsed the plan by the Ohio EPA. In addition, the Village received a framed certificate from the Ohio EPA.
I thank Nicole, Mark, and Scott for their hard work and continued efforts to keep and maintain our drinking water system in the Village of Lynchburg. Safe drinking water is very important to the health and quality of life in our community. The Lynchburg Drinking Water Source Protection Plan is available to review at the Lynchburg Municipal Building.
On, January 28th, I signed a revised disbursement schedule for ARRA (Stimulas) funding for the Village of Lynchburg. It increased the original amount of $1,602,000 by $127,475.50, to a new amount of $1,729,475.50. This simply means Lynchburg received more stimulus funding in January. The stimulus money is given to Lynchburg to offset the cost of the Wastewater Treatment Plant project Phase II, which is currently underway. This funding does not have to be paid back, and is in addition to the 0% loan monies given by the EPA – DEFA to complete this project. I spoke with Ken Timko, with Burgess and Niple Engineering, and the project is currently under budget. The project cost should be around 2.8 million, which is down from original estimations, which were around 3.5 million
This is good news to the local taxpayers, and I will continue to work to keep the local costs down as much as possible, as we continue toward completion of this unfunded EPA mandate. The bottom line is that the upgrades will provide us with a new sewerage treatment facility, and it will stop raw sewerage overflows during peak rain fall and flow times throughout the year. When the project is complete it will have a positive affect on the health and welfare of our community, as well as the area in and around the East Fork of the Little Miami Watershed.
Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor
Village of Lynchburg, Highland Co.,Ohio
I received a letter from Michael Eggert, Manager of the Ohio EPA Division of Drinking & Ground Waters. This letter commended the Lynchburg for “recognizing the importance of protecting its valuable ground water resource.” The letter formally endorsed the plan by the Ohio EPA. In addition, the Village received a framed certificate from the Ohio EPA.
I thank Nicole, Mark, and Scott for their hard work and continued efforts to keep and maintain our drinking water system in the Village of Lynchburg. Safe drinking water is very important to the health and quality of life in our community. The Lynchburg Drinking Water Source Protection Plan is available to review at the Lynchburg Municipal Building.
On, January 28th, I signed a revised disbursement schedule for ARRA (Stimulas) funding for the Village of Lynchburg. It increased the original amount of $1,602,000 by $127,475.50, to a new amount of $1,729,475.50. This simply means Lynchburg received more stimulus funding in January. The stimulus money is given to Lynchburg to offset the cost of the Wastewater Treatment Plant project Phase II, which is currently underway. This funding does not have to be paid back, and is in addition to the 0% loan monies given by the EPA – DEFA to complete this project. I spoke with Ken Timko, with Burgess and Niple Engineering, and the project is currently under budget. The project cost should be around 2.8 million, which is down from original estimations, which were around 3.5 million
This is good news to the local taxpayers, and I will continue to work to keep the local costs down as much as possible, as we continue toward completion of this unfunded EPA mandate. The bottom line is that the upgrades will provide us with a new sewerage treatment facility, and it will stop raw sewerage overflows during peak rain fall and flow times throughout the year. When the project is complete it will have a positive affect on the health and welfare of our community, as well as the area in and around the East Fork of the Little Miami Watershed.
Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor
Village of Lynchburg, Highland Co.,Ohio
Friday, February 5, 2010
New Playground Underway - Shelter House Coming Soon!
Pictured Above: Connie Resibois, Marvin Resibois, with the Lynchburg Are Recreation Committee. Jeremy Shaffer, Mayor. Chris Wilbanks, Council Member & Chair of Parks & Recreation
February 5, 2010
The Village of Lynchburg partnered with the Lynchburg Area Recreational Committee, in 2009, to apply for a nature works grant that would allow the community to receive funding for a playground. Lynchburg was awarded the ODNR grant in the amount of $23,515. The proposed site has been prepared for excavation and the Playground Equipment is on its way. The proposed completion is April, and the project is on schedule.
On January 29th, Lisa Kiley, with Clinton Co Regional Planning, met with Village Officials to begin the application process for 2010 Nature Works funding. Lisa, assisted in the application process for the previously awarded grant. Lynchburg will be requesting $14,200 for a proposed Shelter House, which will be situated near the corner of Pearl and Sycamore near the New Playground. Community donations of money, time, knowledge, and labor from the local citizens and groups have been greatly appreciated and helps drive the continued success of local projects like this.
Jeremy Shaffer, Mayor
Village of Lynchburg, Ohio
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