Commissioners hear about state budget

MOUNT VERNON — State Rep. Margaret Ann Ruhl met with the Knox County Commissioners n Thursday to update them on pending issues in the General Assembly.

Probably the most significant item she mentioned is that the state will have a capital budget this year and communities making requests for money (for infrastructure projects designed to last at least five years) need to be ready to go to Columbus and testify. Letters of support for various projects should also be sent by local officials.

One item that was brought up as a possible subject for funding was the new water tower at Fredericktown, as was the completion of the sewer system loop around the industrial area on the west side of the village.

Commissioner Roger Reed explained that there is a gap in the line roughly from Kokosing Construction south to Ohio 95. Completion of the line would enhance the development of more of the designated industrial area.

Ruhl told the commissioners that if they have other projects that might qualify for the infrastructure bill they need to submit them.

“Creating jobs is a big plus” in evaluating projects, she said.

Ruhl said there is a bill under consideration that would give county fair boards the ability to allow bingo games during a county fair. She said Morrow County Commissioners are pushing for the bill because they think it will increase fair attendance, but operators of carnival games at fairs oppose the bill.