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LISBON -- The Columbiana County commissioners on Wednesday approved more contracts related to the Healthy Aging Grant to assist low-income senior citizens with chores, along with food vouchers.
County Department of Job and Family Services Director Rachel Ketterman told commissioners some home modifications had already been done through the grant, which also helps make homes and properties safer for low-income senior citizens in the county.
"Thank you again for allowing us to apply for this grant and help that population," she said.
Last month the county commissioners approved Ketterman signing the agreement between the county and the Ohio Department of Aging for the healthy aging grant, which she had estimated at $346,000.
According to the breakdown for the grant, she said 20 percent has to be used for food assistance, 20 percent for housing assistance, 10 percent for internet access and digital literacy and the rest for home repairs and maintenance.
The latest contract approved was for chore services through Small Town USA LLP from Nov. 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 with a ceiling of $8,000. Subgrants approved included: Direction Home of Eastern Ohio, restaurant vouchers for Get Out & Dine Program, $40,000 ceiling, Nov. 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024; and Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, food vouchers for Curbside Connection Program, $40,000 ceiling, Nov. 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
The commissioners also approved four case manager contracts through the Senior Services Levy for Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. Contracts for Randy Calhoun, Lisa Argiro-Hetric and Bree Paynter have ceilings of $47,255, with a ceiling of $34,731 for the contract with Gillian Filaccio.
In other business, the commissioners approved the special fund appropriations for 2024, totaling more than $43.3 million. Last week, the general fund appropriations were approved for $22,442,578 which cover most county core offices.
The commissioners also: approved a memorandum of understanding with the Columbiana County Board of Elections and Ohio Secretary of State related to the acquisition of new electronic pollbooks; approved frost laws, also known as seasonal weight restrictions, for multiple roads in Butler Township from Jan. 1 through April 15; and approved an American Rescue Plan Act expense of $35,000 for the county land bank for demolition of blighted structures in East Liverpool.
Jamie Nentwick of River Valley Organizing updated commissioners on a meeting set for 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at West Point Nazarene Church regarding the future of Madison Township related to zoning and planning. She noted there will be live speakers, including someone from FAIRSHAKE Environmental legal service, Community Democracy Manager Meagan Neibler and Dr. Ashley Rice, D.C.
The next meeting of county commissioners will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 29 in the downtown courthouse.
mgreier@mojonews.com