Ohio Public Works Commission
On Tuesday, January 11, 2005, I attended the District 6 Integrating Committee Meeting to review projects submitted for 2005 funding consideration.

There is a total of $7,026,360 of available funding for 2005.  Sixty-four project applications have been filed by public entities in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties requesting over $17,500,000 of funding assistance.

Our number one project request (Wastewater Improvements Phase III) is for $270,618.  Our number two request (Extension of Bob Cene Way) is for $140,264.

With regard to the extension of Bob Cene Way , the District 6 Committee had a question about whether it is a dedicated roadway.  Although, the City owns the property and it includes a roadway easement, it may have to be dedicated to qualify for consideration. A number of members of the committee are very receptive to the project and encouraged the City to pursue the filing of a dedication plat for the roadway, as realigned, before final review of projects is completed.  We have initiated the necessary process and will be requesting Council take the appropriate legislative action.

 On January 26, 2005, the District Committee will be meeting to further evaluate Mahoning County project submissions and the final review meeting will be held on a date, to be announced, the second week in February.

Financial Matters
As you are aware, city income tax receipts for 2004, although slightly higher than estimated, were down approximately $40,000 compared to actual receipts for 2003.  As reported to the Finance and Legislation Committee last week, this was due to a decline in business profit filings of $49,000 for 2004.

This is the first time in several years actual income tax receipts did not equal, or exceed, the previous year.  Since city income taxes account for approximately 70% plus of general Fund revenue it is a matter of concern as we move into the 2005 budget year.

Of additional concern is the future status of local government funds that are shared by the state with local communities and libraries.  The Mahoning County Budget Commission has certified the City of Struthers is to receive $181,745 from the Local Government Fund and $40,078 from the Local Government Revenue Assistance Fund in 2005.  However, there have been discussions the State of Ohio may cut, or even eliminate, both as they attempt to address the state budget deficit.  As approximately eight percent of our General fund receipts, this would be a significant set back for the City of Struthers and all other local governments and library districts.  In light of other financial issues, we could not absorb such a loss.  You will recall the funding levels as a result of the last state budget were frozen.

I urge Council to enact a resolution petitioning the governor, state legislators not to adversely affect local government funding levels and citing the consequences to the community. 

Storm Water Management
As of late this afternoon, my office nor the WWTP had received any reports of residences flooding due to the continuing rain.  Personnel are monitoring the systems and have reported they are operating as designed.  The are also keeping debris from blocking inlets.

A Storm Water Management Seminar has been scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2005 at the Mauthe Park Multi-purpose Building from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to present and discuss pending OEPA storm water management mandates and practices to effectively manage storm water.  The seminar will be open to the public and officials from surrounding communities in the Yellow Creek Watershed as well as contractors and developers will be invited to attend. 

Respectfully Submitted,
Daniel Mamula, Mayor