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Citizen suggests way for Groveport to save money on projects
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - August 24, 2010)
When Groveport resident Jeff Buechner heard what it would cost the village of Groveport to paint its outdoor pool and replace six windows at Town Hall he said, "There's gotta be a way to do it cheaper."
Speaking at Groveport Village Council's Aug. 23 meeting, Buechner suggested the village use its own employees, rather than contract out the work, as a way to save money.
Even with the rough economy and lagging income tax revenues, the village expects to have about $571,263 available to use for a few projects before the year ends.
Finance Director Ken Salak reported the village's 2010 estimated total revenue will be around $9.33 million with total expenses estimated at about $8.76 million.
Village officials are looking into funding the following items this year:
•an estimated $90,000 for an engineering study for the proposed reconstruction of Lesleh Street; (The approximately $900,000 Lesleh Street reconstruction project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2011. Salak said no grant money is available for the project because the street is not a main thoroughfare. He said the village will consider financing the project over a five year period.)
•an estimated $35,000 for painting the outdoor Aquatics Center swimming pool;
•an estimated $30,000 to replace six windows on the west side of Groveport Town Hall;
•an estimated $30,000 for a new police cruiser;
•an estimated $30,000 for future plan reviews in the building department; and
•an estimated $2,500 for additional building department supplies.
Buechner, who has been a contractor since 1984, said he was not seeking to land a contract to do work for the village, but he feels the costs for the pool project and window replacement are "too high."
"Labor is your biggest cost," said Buechner. "Having village employees do the work will save thousands of dollars."
Village Administrator Steve Morris said one reason the village contracts out the pool painting is that, "Our people are not experts. If the paint is not applied properly it could delay the pool opening and cost us money."
Buechner offered to volunteer his time to help teach village workers how to properly paint the outdoor swimming pool.
Councilwoman Jean Ann Hilbert told the village administration to get with their department managers to see if there are village employees available to take on some of the tasks.
Mayor Lance Westcamp said village officials could also seek out community volunteers to help with the projects to save on costs.
Added Councilman Ed Rarey, "I'd like to see more community members (like Buechner) step forward and say what they feel."
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