American Idol 2012 finale
Rollover crash injures 2
News hounds (5/24/12)
Michael D. Pitman reports about Butler County, Ohio, politics, county government, countywide issues and Butler County people just like you for Cox Ohio Publishing (including the Hamilton JournalNews, Middletown Journal and several weekly papers in Butler County). He wants your suggestions and questions for more news stories. Leave a comment for him here or e-mail Michael at Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > June > 04 > Entry
Budget, union contracts, fiber optics lawsuits aboil at commission meeting
This morning’s Butler County commission meeting was a doozy. Just two issues that came up:
Judge asks for lawsuit to pursue fiber optics funds (Story will be updated here):
A lawsuit to pursue the $1.37 million Butler County lost in a fiber optics contract eight years ago should be part of the county’s efforts to fill a $ 6 million budget hole, Domestic Relations Judge Sharon Kennedy told commissioners this morning, June 4.
In a letter to Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper delivered today, Kennedy asks the prosecutor to “pursue legal redress” for the company NORMAP taking $1.37 million for construction of the fiber optics system without a performance bond.
When the company went bankrupt, the county’s money disappeared. And no one went after it.
“I am asking you to pursue legal redress for (former NORMAP president Ron) Lutwen’s breach of contract and obtain judgement against NORMAP and Mr. Lutwen, personally, of the loss of funds to the taxpayers,” Kennedy’s letter says.
The NORMAP contract was in 2001, long before the Dynus Corp. debacle put a company out of business and led to the county auditor pleading guilty to bank fraud.
County shoots down MRDD union contract, commissioners split (Story to be updated here):
After signaling they would take a tougher stance with unions, Butler County Commissioners voted down a proposed contract with the Professionals Guild of Ohio this morning, June 4.
The union represents roughly 80 employees in Butler County Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
The proposed 3-year contract included a 2 percent wage increase for MRDD staff every year, as well as 2.5 percent increases after a probationary period, and after three years employment. It also includes lump sum longevity bonuses every five years after 10 years employment.
MRDD Superintendent Chrisina Hurr pointed out her department is funded through a levy and state and federal grants, not through the county’s general fund that is facing a $6 million shortfall.
“If we did operate with county general funds, we would not be here today asking for this contract to be approved,” she said.
She said the agency has cut its staff 27 percent since 2005 and decreased its budget $3.9 million this year compared to last year.
Commissioner Gregory Jolivette made a motion to approve the contract, but it died without a second.
Commission President Donald Dixon said it would be unfair to give pay hikes to the agancy’s employees while it seeks furloughs, pay cuts and layoffs from general fund departments.
“There really shouldn’t be any reason why part of our team has to suffer, while the others prosper,” he said. “I think it does send a message, and we have to be consistent.”
Jolivette argued the county wouldn’t be withholding pay raises for general fund departments if the general fund were in the black and MRDD were in the red.
“We shouldn’t be painting the fund that are different with the same brush,” Jolivette said. “Other funds that have absolutely nothing to do with the general fund should be looked at separately.”
Commissioner Charles Furmon did not comment on his reason for not supporting the contract.
Permalink | Comments (13) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission
Tweet
Comments
By Linda
June 4, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this
Dixon said “we have to be consistent” and vote not to allow raises from MRDD. Ten minutes later he vote to hire another employee and give raises to two others. Yes, Mr. Dixon you need to be consistent for more than ten minutes.
By George
June 4, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this
What I enjoyed most about todays meeting was the dig Dixon gave his own finance department. I don’t know why he puts up with such people if he’s feels that way.
By Digger
June 5, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
Mr. Williams, did you get that letter mailed today. If not you’re going to join Conklin, Turner and Duckett; Don is on the hunt for another head to chop.
By Businessman
June 5, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
If I had told someone working for me two years ago to prepare a financial report for me and two weeks ago directed them to send a letter, and then in a public meeting noted neither had been accomplished, I fire that incompetent person on the spot. Don Dixon, the problem is your leadership, clearly those working for you aren’t listening.
By reverse merger
January 23, 2011 4:09 AM | Link to this
Appreciate this valuable publish! Make sure you routinely keep it going. Kind regards.
By Click Here
January 27, 2011 3:33 PM | Link to this
This really is outstanding. I entirely believe those items you’ve authored on this page.
By kim kardashian sex tape
January 28, 2011 5:08 PM | Link to this
As a brand-new blogger I noticed this short article really useful, appreciate your sharing with us
By exercise over 40
January 29, 2011 6:18 PM | Link to this
Superb assignment! We have all recently been searching for subject areas nearly as fascinating as that. Looking towards your next publish.
By kim kardashian porn
January 31, 2011 1:42 PM | Link to this
We appreciate you discussing your own knowledge relating to this subject.
By over 40 exercise
February 5, 2011 8:33 AM | Link to this
A few very good ideas. Effectively thought out
By laguna hills family therapist
February 6, 2011 8:17 AM | Link to this
Excellent write-up using truly helpful tips. Thank you for putting it together.
By Click Here
February 7, 2011 8:19 AM | Link to this
Wonderful submit with many different wonderful content material! I assume you may be on the right way. All the best .
By San Diego Renter Insurance
February 8, 2011 8:22 AM | Link to this
Thank you very much for your write-up about this subject, it absolutely was very helpful.