City closes out 2012 in a
strong financial position
City Finance Director Bob Paul told City Council on Jan. 28 that the general fund finished 2012 in a very strong financial position, closing with an unencumbered cash balance of $6.51 million, which included a transfer of $1 million to the capital accounts.
The city also transferred $500,000 to a medical reserve to address any annual differences between maximum city medical expenses and expected medical expenses.
Paul said general fund total revenue exceeded the budgeted amount by $1.27 million, with the balance of surplus for the year being made up from expenditures below budget. No department went over its budget.
"Our budgeting will be much tighter in future years, and we'll likely see the demise of surpluses the size of this year or prior years, when you combine this with reduced estate taxes," said Paul.
"I expect we'll meet all budget expectations in 2013 unless a significant change in the economy takes place," he added.
He reported third quarter water and sewer billings have been completed, with water revenue slightly ahead of last year, but slightly below budget and sewer revenue paralleling last year.
Paul said the city expects water rate increases of 1.75 percent per year for the next rive years from Portage County beginning in 2013.
Young artists showcase's
entries are due by Feb. 22
Reminderville's fifth annual regional young artist showcase is coming up for ages 8 to 15. It is sponsored by the Reminderville Arts Council and is open to village youths and those from surrounding communities.
Entries are due by Feb. 22 and they must include a $4 fee and a completed entry form signed by a parent or teacher stating that the art is 100 percent created by the young artist.
Acceptable media are paint, pencil, crayon, ink, pottery, scratchboard, carving, sculpture, paper construction, fabric, mixed media and collage/montage.
Gold, silver and bronze awards will be given, along with a $25 gift card to Michaels. All other entrants will receive artistic merit awards. There is a limit of two entries per artist.
Judging will take place Feb. 24, the artwork will be hung March 1 and awards will be given and the show will open March 3 and run through March 30. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.reminderville.com.
For further information, email rvillearts@windstream.net.
Relay kickoff set Feb. 2
Northern Portage County's 2013 Relay For Life effort will kick off Feb. 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Doogan's in Barrington town Square.
Participants will have an opportunity to meet with American Cancer Society representative and the 2013 event chairmen. Information will be given about how to start a team, join an existing team or find out what to do to help out.
Resources will be available to sign up a team, and appetizers will be available. Questions should be directed to d to Relay4Aurora@gmail.com
Business showcase set
Aurora Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual Business and Community Showcase on March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the high school.
There will be a winter farmers market, Soap Box Derby car rides, musical entertainment, giveaways and product samples from area businesses, raffles and prizes.
Potential exhibitors should contact the Chamber at 330-562-3355 or director@allaboutaurora.com.
Platinum sponsors are the Record Publishing Co., Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, Robinson Memorial Hospital and the Atrium at Anna Maria. Gold sponsor is Aurora Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation.
Design a Dessert contest
coming up at the library
Budding bakers can test their skills at Aurora Library's Design a Dessert program Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. for children in grades 2 to 8.
Similar to the "Chopped" television show, contestants must create a dessert that includes three main ingredients -- chocolate chips, pudding (boxes of mix are available at the library) and Graham Crackers or vanilla wafers.
Unlike the TV show, bakers should prepare their desserts in advance (enough for 15 taste testers) and bring them on the day of the program.
In addition, each contestant is asked to illustrate the recipe directions for their dessert on a mini-poster, which they can pick up at the library.
Participants will vote on the most creative, best tasting, best presentation and most kid-friendly recipes, and winners in each category will receive prizes. Participants also will vote on the best mini-poster.
To register for Design a Dessert, stop at the library or call 330-562-6502. For information on other library programs, visit www.portagelibrary.org.
Safety panel meeting set
A meeting of the city's safety-service-utilities committee will take place Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall. The issues to be discussed were brought up at a November 2012 meeting and include traffic light sychronization and road improvement.
Ash borer grant possible
At City Council's committee of the whole meeting Jan. 28, city arborist Courtney Schumm reported that the city is in line to receive another $12,500 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry to complete the emerald ash borer mitigation program.
Schumm is requesting that Council appropriate $25,000 for completion of the project, with the city responsible for half that after receiving the grant. It is up to Council to decide whether it wishes to take the state money and pay its $12,500 share.
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