[ad_1]
Andrew Grimm BEHIND THE DESK – Jefferson County Commissioners met on Thursday, and among the topics was a discussion with Michael McGlumphy, CEO of the Community Action Council, about unemployment in the county.
STEUBENVILLE – Unemployment numbers are a concern in Jefferson County, a topic county commissioners discussed on Thursday.
In approving an amendment to a service agreement between the Department of Employment and Family Services and the Community Action Council, the subject was raised by CAOT CEO Michael McGlumphy.
He said the county’s unemployment rate stands at 7.2%, which he says is the highest in the state.
Even more concerning than that figure alone, he noted, the problem is not a lack of available jobs, but rather a lack of potential employees who are ready to fill them.
“I have trouble finding workers” he said.
McGlumphy told commissioners there were around 13,000 people in the county who were not looking for work, although he noted there had been a slight increase in retirements.
“Right now, we have a workforce that does not want to work” he said, while telling commissioners that only 72 people showed up at a recent job fair where more than 60 companies were looking for workers.
“Anyone who wants to work works. “
Commissioner Dave Maple, noting that he generally tries to avoid domestic political topics, said “there is a disconnection” between decisions made at the federal level and the local situation, referring to proposals by lawmakers to re-implement federal unemployment premiums and job search requirements, calling it “bad policy”.
“When you see unused funds, you see high unemployment and you see the government trying to put more money into these kinds of programs where the money is, there is a lag” Maple said.
McGlumphy said the enhanced benefit programs have ended, but there are talks of some desires to re-implement them.
“I am all for helping those who want to help themselves” said Commissioner Thomas Graham. “If you don’t want to help yourself, it’s hard to just hand out a handout. It takes a combination, it’s good for the government to help, but you have to help yourself at the same time.
McGlumphy noted that the CAC’s retraining programs are still not known to many despite the best efforts to promote them.
McGlumphy said ACC programs estimate they have funding to help 144 adult workers and 104 displaced workers.
“These programs are real money available to help people re-enter the workforce”, Maple said.
His news was not that bad, however, as he told Commissioners, the ACC Youth Workforce Programs are doing very well, with over 60 participants still active.
After filing the case last week when Graham was away to allow his participation, commissioners approved a measure that will allow the auditor’s office to pursue a private placement approach to refinance some of the county’s debt.
County auditor EJ Conn told commissioners his office had been studying the matter for some time and had recommended the private placement over a public sale approach because of the reduced risk and time.
“We are always looking for opportunities to save money”, Conn said. “It’s good for the county whenever we can see savings.”
He estimated that the move will save the county about $ 431,000 in debt repayments over a 20-year period.
“Anytime you can save money like this, I think it’s a good thing,” Graham said. “I appreciate the work done by the auditor’s office.
Maple noted that improvements in county bond ratings have made such measures possible.
Also receiving praise from juvenile court administrator Joe Colabella, who made three contracts to be signed for agreements with three counties in Pennsylvania to house minors at the county juvenile detention center and a grant of over 39,000 $ to cover expenses related to COVID-19.
“Good job to you and to the whole team there” said Commissioner Tony Morelli.
“If we didn’t have these (contracts with other counties) the cost to the general fund would be much higher”, Graham said. “These are essential elements”.
Also note:
– Commissioners received a presentation on fair housing laws from Chris Petrozzi, who said a similar meeting that was scheduled for last year but was canceled due to the pandemic.
– A Certificate of Substantial Completion has been signed on the Babers Hollow Desanding Project for the County Water and Sewer District, and Director Michael Eroshevich said the new system is “works very well.”
– A bid opening took place for a fire escape renovation project at the courthouse, but no bids were received. Tim Mizer of McKinley and Associates said potential contractors were struggling to find subcontractors willing to do work to remove the current paint, which tests show contains a small amount of lead.
Maple suggested exploring the possibility of making the paint removal a separate project and contacting a supplier who has done similar work on one of the recent water tank projects in the county.
Mizer said McKinley will explore this option and the possibility of painting over existing paint and report back.
[ad_2]
Source link