Ohio voters generally gave a thumbs-up to higher taxes for schools and other local issues on Tuesday, November 3, while less than half of proposed county sales tax increases were granted approval.  Of the eight that were subject to votes, only three were endorsed.  Those included a 0.25% tax for a 9-1-1 system in Gallia County; the retention of a 0.5% tax for general revenue in Hancock County; and the failure of a repeal vote on a permissive 0.5% tax in Stark County.  Voters declined to approve sales tax increases in Ashland, Columbiana, and Mahoning counties, voted against retaining one in Lorain County, and voted to repeal a tax increase in Allen County.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 129th CCAO/CEAO Annual Winter Conference and Trade Show to be held December 6-9, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 350 North High Street, in Columbus.  Register for the conference by November 13 to get the pre-registration discount.  Registration materials were mailed in mid-September.  For more information contact:  Registration - Janet Erwin at 614/220-7986; Hospitality or Sponsorship - Kathy Dillon at 614/221-5627; or Trade Show - Dee Bickers at 614/221-0707.

The State Budget bill (HB 1) includes a new provision authorizing counties to implement a mandatory cost savings program beginning July 1, 2009.  The mandatory cost saving program permits counties to implement furloughs of all employees not subject to a collective bargaining agreement for up to 80 hours between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 and an additional 80 hours between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Click on the link below for more information.

The first census took place in 1790 to determine the number of seats each state would have in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Today, the census is still vitally important.  An online interactive census website has been established to serve residents and local communities by providing additional information regarding the 2010 Census and offering ways to partner with Complete Count Committees.  Thirty counties have established Complete Count Committees - volunteer teams consisting of community leaders - who work together to make sure entire communities are counted. 

Ohio's Public Pension Systems were asked to develop a list of recommended changes to help the systems address their individual financial challenges.  In addition, some changes are being considered because of envious concerns over public retirement pensions being too generous.  Below is a link to a document showing the various proposals being discussed by Ohio's Systems.  For more information, contact Cheryl Subler, CCAO Managing Director of Policy, at 614/220-7980.

A copy of the CCAO Policy Team's budget overview, "House Bill 1's Impact on Counties:  State Budget for SFY 10 and SFY 11" is linked below.  For more information, please contact the CCAO Policy Staff at 614/221-5627 or 888/757-1904.

Athens County Commissioner Lenny Eliason was elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties (NACo) by acclamation during the Annual Conference held July 24-28 in Davidson County (Nashville), Tennessee.  This is the first time that a NACo officer has been elected from Ohio.  Also seeking the office was Lou Magazzu, Cumberland County (NJ) Freeholder Director.  Eliason had a substantial lead in the vote count, which prompted Magazzu to withdraw from the race.  The well-organized, grassroots campaign conducted by Eliason was a result of teamwork from elected county officials in Ohio and nationwide to his family and CCAO staff.  Lenny thanks all the campaign volunteers and contributors that helped make this victory possible.  Congratulations, Lenny!  

As you recall, the CCAOSC initiated its natural gas procurement program in 2000 that has collectively save 29 counties over $7.4 million.  Recent modifications in the natural gas program increased the participation to over 40 counties!  In response the many requests from county commissioners to start a program to provide wholesale electric costs, CCAOSC is forming a new program to assist counties in securing lower cost electricity.  To get your county started, please complete the response ASAP.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact either Kirkland Mizerek, Vice President of Palmer Energy, at 419/539-9180 or Tom Strup, CCAO Deputy Director of Operations, at 614/220-7978.

Earlier this year, the CCAO Service Corporation  announced a new energy program designed to help keep your county's natural gas costs under control.  CCAOSC has partnered with Palmer Energy to help manage a new natural gas program for member counties designed specifically to help save on your natural gas bill by utilizing the strength of group buying.  As you recall, the CCAOSC established a natural gas program in 2000 that saved the 30-member counties over $7.4 million in gas commodities.  Recent modifications to the program have increased the participation to over 40 counties!  For more information, please contact Kirk Mizerek, Palmer Energy Vice President, at 419/539-9180 or Tom Strup, CCAO Deputy Director of Operations, at 614/220-7978.

This paper summarizes the legislative policy of the Coalition of Local Governments and Services which supports extending the current replacement of TPP through 2011 and securing a long term replacement mechanism for lost TPP taxes.  In addition, this paper also summarizes the history of TPP and the revenue impact resulting from the loss of TPP under HB 66.  CCAO is one of 15 local government associations that together comprise the Coalition of Local Governments and Services. This paper was sent by the Coalition to all candidates for the 128th General Assembly.