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David A. Graham
Greene County Auditor

Greene County Auditor - David A. Graham

69 Greene Street
Xenia, Ohio 45385
Office Hours: Monday - Friday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: (937) 562-5065
Fax: (937) 562-5079

E-mail: dgraham@co.greene.oh.us

Greene County Major Initiatives - 1994

ECONOMIC CONDITION AND OUTLOOK

Thanks in large part to the Greene County Department of Economic Development, economic growth in the County remained strong in 1994. During 1994, commercial and residential construction in Beavercreek alone totaled more than $200 million. In addition, more than 60 companies located or expanded in Beavercreek in 1994. Significant construction has taken place at Wright State University, Central State University and Wright Patterson Air Force Base. With plenty of new construction, employment opportunities in Greene County have increased. Many companies either expanded or moved to Greene County during 1994. These companies include:

The Packaging Store
Kohl’s
Garrigans Office Plus
Lowe’s
Lazarus
National City Bank
Best Buy
Star Bank
Glawe Awning
Homesite Title Agency
Select Industrial System
Kroger’s
Seaman Medical
Rex Center
Screen Play
Fairfield Inn
Certified Comparator Products, Inc.
Hampton Inn
Marshall’s
Monro Muffler & Brake

The demand for qualified workers in Greene County is strong, with some businesses paying recruiting bonuses to new employees. The Department of Development is working with various national companies and the United States Department of Defense to bring displaced employees from other parts of the country to Greene County to fill open positions. Wright State University has nearly 100% placement for their new graduates. The County’s unemployment rate on December 31, 1994 was 4.1% which compares favorably to the Ohio average rate of 4.9% and a national unemployment rate of 5.9%.

The outlook for 1995 for Greene County is excellent with additional malls, golf courses, and new construction underway in the county. The five universities in the County will continue to provide a professionally educated, highly trained workforce that will appeal to high-tech and research businesses looking to locate here.

MAJOR COUNTY INITIATIVES

1994 Projects

ANIMAL CONTROL: Animal Control reached new levels for its department in 1994. The department responded to more than 5,000 calls for service or complaints. It also received donations of more than $70,000 from individuals and trust funds. It was the lowest year on record for livestock claims and a record year for license sales. Animal Control also played a vital role in the creation of the State Animal Control Officers Association.

BOARD OF ELECTIONS: Three elections were held in 1994, a February Special Election, a May Primary, and a November General election. The County’s voter registration system was reprogrammed, with the help of Data Processing, to replace the old system. This will enable voter registration to progress smoothly through the year.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE: The Building Maintenance Department completed renovations of several offices in 1994. Accomplishments include moving the Treasurer’s Office to their new office and moving the Board of Elections to the former Children Services area. Construction of the vestibule for the entrance to Judge Shattuck’s Court Room was completed. The old license bureau area, which will now house the Juvenile Restitution program, was remodeled and refurbished.

CHILDRENS SERVICES BOARD: A one mill operating levy was passed in May 1994 to provide funding for Childrens Services. The department also enhanced the Independent Living Program, which provides education and skill training to children ages 16 and above. Foster care children in Greene County were encouraged to participate in the program for the first time in 1994. This program has been expanded to include finding employment, job placement, money management and dealing with self-esteem issues.

COMMON PLEAS COURT: The Domestic Relations division has expanded over the past several years to include new programs to help children and parents cope with divorce. The court has increased in size since its inception in 1985 from a small court of four employees to an expanded staff to better service the community.

DATA PROCESSING: Program enhancements were continued throughout 1994 to all mainframe computer systems. The Recorder’s Office was converted to an Oracle Database environment and the Animal Registration System was modified to give Animal Control staff the ability to enter and update their data. Further updates were made in the following areas:

Analyzed, configured, and installed data communication equipment for the relocation of the Treasurer’s Office
Enhanced the payroll system to make available the electronic transfer of payroll from the Data Processing department
Established a fiber optic link between the GIS Computer and the County Mainframe enabling direct communications between the two computer systems
Enhanced the personal property tax system for filing extensions
Enhanced the budgetary accounting system
Implemented a scanning subsystem as an enhancement for the Sanitary Engineering Billing System
Created programming enhancements for the Board of Elections, Building Inspection, Clerk of Courts, Juvenile and Probate Court, and the Sheriff’s department

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT: The Department of Development provided support to many programs implemented in 1994. The department oversaw construction of more than 600 single family homes and more than $65,000,000 of commercial construction. Transition of the Convention and Visitors Bureau from a nonprofit organization to a county division was completed. The department was also responsible for over 100 group meetings in Greene County area hotels, generating greater than 7,600 room nights and bringing over 12,000 people into the area.

The department also participated in the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Task Force which was created in response to the upcoming 1995 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC ‘95). The task force consists of 50 community leaders from the business and private sector. The task force was formed to protect key operations at the base. Although there are no guarantees, the base is in line to receive additional programs which will increase the employment rate in the area.

ENGINEER: Several road maintenance programs were completed in 1994. Almost 44 miles of road was upgraded by repairing sections or resurfacing. Several reconstruction projects were also completed. Three thousand four hundred tons of salt, 4,000 tons of salt and sand mix, and 8,300 gallons of liquid calcium chloride were used for snow and ice removal in 1994. Throughout 1994, 23 residential plats have been under construction. With the increase in residential construction, many roads have been reconstructed to make driving safer. Staff education was continued throughout the year to remain current.

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS): The GIS department experienced significant progress and achievements in 1994. Two pilot projects were completed, one in support of the Greene County Engineer’s Office and one in support of the Sanitary Engineer’s Office. In each case, digital files were created for features of interest such as roads, water/sewer utilities, and land parcels. These files were then integrated with their associated attribute information. Both file systems were integrated into a GIS database that provided spatial query and analysis capabilities for each office. In addition, digital imaging capabilities were integrated and demonstrated on a pilot project basis.

Development began for a county-wide cadastral database containing approximately 63,000 land parcels. Using legal source documents, each parcel is graphically described in AutoCAD. These geographical files are registered to the County’s digital orthophotos and imported into ArcInfo, the County’s GIS software, where final registration and annotation are completed. This cadastral database development is essentially being accomplished in-house within the Auditor’s Office with some supplemental contract support. It will require approximately 24 months to complete the cadastral database development due to its size and complexity. When finished and maintained, however, it will be used for decades to define more accurately land parcels and provide more efficient access to this information.

GREENEWOOD MANOR: Education and training were important factors in the success of Greenewood Manor in 1994. The department supervisors and all supervisory nurses successfully completed educational supervisory courses. Greenewood Manor worked in conjunction with several area colleges in providing educational opportunities for students. Fifty-five additional patients were admitted to Greenewood Manor and respite care was provided for six patients.

HUMAN SERVICES: The Human Services staff was expanded in 1994 with the addition of an investigator to increase fraud investigation. The Children’s Services Enforcement Agency (CSEA) increased collections and there was an increase in the number of clients referred for employment opportunities. Transportation services for the disabled and elderly were also increased.

JUVENILE COURT: The Greene County Juvenile Court system is increasing in size each year. In 1994, Judge Robert W. Hutcheson was elected as the first full-time Greene County Juvenile Court Judge. The number of cases in each department was as follows:
Diversion Program: processed 651 cases, a decrease from the 663 cases in 1993
Juvenile Delinquency: entered dispositions in 1,170 cases, an increase from 922 in 1993
Unruly Child: entered dispositions in 430 cases, an increase from 344 in 1993
Traffic: entered dispositions in 1,685 cases, an increase from 1,492 in 1993
Dependent, Neglected, Abused Children and Custody Disputes: entered disposition in 534 cases, an increase from 344 in 1993
Department of Youth Services: committed a total of 20 youths, a decrease from 25 in 1993
Probation: supervised 461 juveniles, an increase from 317 in 1993
Restitution/Community Service: 121 Felony youth offenders and 169 other youth offenders performed community service, and $12,060 was paid out to victims as a contribution toward restitution.
CARTEENS: 609 youths served in 1994.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY: The Prosecuting Attorney’s office was involved with 541 adult criminal felony cases, two murder indictments, 62 traffic cases, and 70 Childrens Services cases. Nearly $17,000,000 was collected for Child Support Cases with the assistance of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The Civil Division issued 103 opinions and opened 252 civil case files. A calendar was created with drawings submitted by 1,000 fourth and fifth grade Greene County students. The calendar includes 368 pages of drawings made by the students with ideas for fighting crime and drugs. The KIDS identification program was continued in 1995 with photographs and fingerprints being taken of children for identification purposes.

The Victim Witness Division of the Prosecutor’s Office assisted 674 victims of violent crime and assaults in 1994. A county-wide Sexual Assault Services Advisory Board was established and a manual was developed through a grant from the Ohio Department of Health.

RECREATION AND PARKS: The parks department completed several projects in 1994, including the installation of new equipment and updating park areas for public use. In conjunction with Risk Management, CPR and First Aid training and certification was completed by 223 Greene County employees. Certification of 64 youth sports coaches was also completed. Special events were coordinated throughout the Christmas season and the rest of the year. Facility and shelter usage increased 27%, with 292 permits being issued.

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: In a year of continued growth for Greene County, the Regional

Planing Commission contributed to that growth by:

Continuing to facilitate the highest level of development activity experienced within Greene County in the past 10 years.

Assisting in the development of the County Wide Geographic Information System (GIS).

Continuing to update the process of Perspective: A Future Land Use Plan for Greene County.

Assisting member jurisdictions on local planning and zoning efforts.

RISK MANAGEMENT: In 1994, the Greene County Cooperative Health Plan was established with the input of the Risk Management department. The plan allows the County to be self-insured for employee health insurance purposes. The department also increased its staff in 1994 by three employees to enable the department to better serve Greene County. Also, the department continued to provide education in defensive driving and CPR/First Aid.

SANITARY ENGINEERING: Sanitary Engineering began several programs during 1994. The department started a level billing program for meter sewer customers. A residential yard waste collection program was initiated with a drop-off service and a newspaper recycling service, "Volunteers in Progress," was started in conjunction with Dayton Power and Light. The department also completed construction of the Ultra Violet Disinfection area of the Beavercreek and Sugarcreek Wastewater treatment plants. As development continues, construction of waterlines and sewer lines will continue.

SHERIFF: The Sheriff’s department experienced a year of growth in 1994. Staff size was increased by fourteen members and the staff members were trained in the newest areas of law enforcement. The radio equipment was upgraded to allow for more effective communications between officers. The Community Education campaign was continued with programs such as, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, fingerprinting of children, Shop with a Cop - Christmas shopping program for children, What About Me? Program, and visits to the Boy Scouts and several area colleges.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT: Due to the increase in construction in Greene County, the Soil and Water Conservation department worked with 18 governmental agencies regarding erosion and pollution problems of 56 proposed plats. Several classes and workshops were offered by the department to educate the general public regarding soil and water issues. Youth education was also an important area for the department in conjunction with area grade schools, FFA and 4-H organizations. Central State University’s Water Resource Classes were given field tours to explain soil conservation practices.

TODAY CENTER FOR ADULTS: The Today Center for Adults increased its exposure in the community through several marketing and public relations efforts. Feature stories were published in local newspapers, staff members held speaking engagements, and volunteer boards were established and organized. The Center’s staff participated in training and educational opportunities in order to remain knowledgeable and to enhance individuals’ areas of expertise. A Caregiver Support Group was formed to counsel care givers. The department also renewed all major funding and pursued additional funding sources.

Future Projects

ANIMAL CONTROL: Goals for the department in 1995 are to achieve better recall of records by implementing a computer program for all records. Plans are underway to employ additional field officers to improve response time. A monthly newsletter is being developed as well as brochures to enhance the image of the department and educate the general public. The department also plans to work at the state level to incorporate dog license and rabies tags as a single license.

BOARD OF ELECTIONS: A Signature Verification System may be purchased in 1995 to defer the extra work created by the National Voter Registration Act, which took effect January 1, 1995.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE: Renovations will continue in 1995 with the completion of 140 East Main Street to house County Services and record archives. Plans to move the Sheriff and Coroner’s office will be implemented with the completion of renovations to the present County Services Area.

DATA PROCESSING: Goals for the department in 1995 are to complete a pilot project for imaging in the Recorder’s Office. The conversion of selected micro computer-based systems in the Auditor’s Office into a UNIX based Oracle Database will be attempted. Training and education of personnel to achieve a higher skill level will also be a priority in 1995.

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT: Goals for the department in 1995 are to seek medium size convention bookings of 400 to 700 rooms and to secure at least 10 corporate meetings. The department plans to market the county in cooperation with other local organizations, such as the Dayton/Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau, to increase bookings in Greene County. The department also plans to continue its participation in the BRAC ‘95 negotiations.

GREENEWOOD MANOR: The Greenewood Manor staff plans to continue its educational efforts in 1995. Additional staff members will be sought to fill existing vacancies. Marketing efforts will continue to provide community awareness and involvement at Greenewood Manor.

HUMAN SERVICES: Goals for 1995 include the reorganization of the "Income Maintenance Division" in order to reduce case loads and improve services.

PERSONNEL: The Office of Personnel has many objectives for 1995. The Office plans to develop and implement policies relating to equal opportunity and Human Resources Management. Formulation of general personnel policies for county employees and organization planning will be started. The administration of employee benefit plans and programs and the disclosure of information concerning benefits to employees and affiliated agencies will be implemented. The Office of Personnel will handle any employment related litigation against the county and appropriately act on any complaints or grievances made by employees.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY: The Prosecutors Office intends to continue its record of service to the community, law enforcement, and the courts by processing cases in the Criminal and Civil Divisions, Juvenile Division, Child Support Division and Victim/Witness Divisions.

RECREATION AND PARKS: Several upgrades to park areas are underway for 1995. Holiday events will be expanded even further and other special events, such as the Hot Air Balloon Rally, are planned for this year. The park’s programs, pool areas and facilities will be upgraded for all age groups in order to market the parks areas more extensively. Monthly special events and a Wildlife Management Plan for protected park areas are also planned.

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: In 1995, the department plans to work with developers within public policy to facilitate the approval of new subdivisions, commercial and industrial developments and to assist the GIS team in finalizing needs and methods to achieve GIS capability in and for Greene County. The department plans to purchase the necessary equipment to put GIS in effect throughout the department and to properly train employees on computer software. The department will also assist in revisions to zoning resolutions in Beavercreek, Silvercreek, and Xenia Townships and Cedarville Village.

RISK MANAGEMENT: In 1995, the department plans to increase its staff further with the addition of three new members. The development and implementation of procedural changes to handle workers compensation claims are also slated for 1995.

SANITARY ENGINEERING: In 1995, the department plans to develop and implement an Automatic Water Bill Payment Program which will allow for direct deductions of water bills from customer checking accounts. The department also plans to support the acquisition of the Village of Cedarville Public Water Supply system.

SHERIFF: In 1995, the Sheriff’s department will move from its present location to 105 East Market Street. This will enable the department to expand as the need arises. The department will add additional officers in 1995 to increase its staff to 101. Canine officers will be added also.

TODAY CENTER FOR ADULTS: The Center plans to continue its marketing campaign into 1995 through the media, public awareness, and speaking engagements. Training and development will continue through on-the-job training, workshops, and seminars. The Center also plans to explore additional funding areas at the local, state and national levels.