ECONOMIC CONDITION AND OUTLOOK

Economic growth continued to be strong in Greene County during 1995. New construction in the County totaled nearly $190 million in issued permits. This construction ranged from commercial real estate properties and residential developments to industrial factories. Several new educational facilities broke ground in 1995, including the new Bellbrook High School, the Cedarville College Ministry Center, Greene County Career Centers Educational Center, Central State’s Beacon-Lewis Gym, and various projects at Wilberforce University. The County’s quality infrastructure and centralized location between Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati were instrumental in several companies locating new distribution centers in Greene County. Recreation construction was also strong with the Beavercreek Golf Course and the Spring Valley Bike Path being funded publicly and private business like Champions Gym and Sportsplex also starting. Several new residential developments, including Eden Meadows, Kable’s Mill and Summer Brooke began construction in 1995. Development also continued around the Fairfield Commons Mall, with several retail stores and restaurants opening in 1995. Many industrial firms expanded or relocated to the County.

 Unemployment continued to stay well below national and state norms for all of 1995. The County’s six universities provide a well educated work force that attracts businesses to the area. The well trained work force combined with a job growth rate that exceeds the population growth rate has created competition between prospective employers for new employees.

One area of continued growth in Greene County is retail sales. Led by new development in the Fairfield Commons area of Beavercreek and in the Wilmington Pike area of Sugarcreek Township, fourth quarter retail sales have risen by more than $45 million from 1993 to 1995.

The outlook for 1996 is positive. New construction is expected to stay strong. Development will continue in both the commercial and residential sectors. The employment market will grow as more business come to this area.

RECORDER: Planning and preparation were the key words for the Recorder’s office in 1995. The year was spent planning and preparing for many changes that will occur in 1996. The most noticeable difference will be the location of the office to the third floor of the County Administration Building. The increased office space will enable the office to better serve the public’s needs. The other major change will be the addition of an Optical Imaging System that will allow for quicker recording of documents filed with the office.

RECREATION & PARKS: The recreation and parks department enjoyed a very successful 1995. Its stated mission of serving the public’s recreational needs was satisfied through a variety of programs. Programs ranged from supervising playgrounds in Jamestown to certifying coaches for Xenia’s youth sports programs. The department worked with agencies ranging from the Greene County Prosecutor’s office to the American Red Cross in providing service to the community.

REGIONAL PLANNING: It was a very successful year for the Regional Planning and Coordinating Commission in 1995. The Commission regulated the development of one hundred major and minor subdivisions, processed approximately 150 surety bonds for developers and handled twenty-three rezoning propositions. The Commission also prepared drafts of several proposals for land usage and development throughout the County.

SANITARY ENGINEER: The growth in the Sanitary Engineer’s department can be directly traced to the continued commercial and residential development of Greene County. A record number of tap-in permits were issued in 1995. The Village of Cedarville joined the County water and sewer system, bringing the number of water customers to more than 11,000 and the number of sewer customers to just less than 17,000. In excess of 40 miles of water and sewer line were placed in service. Several programs were started or expanded in 1995, including the residential yard waste disposal service and the household hazardous waste collection program. In addition to all of the above projects, more than three dozen water and sewer projects were either completed in 1995 or were in process at year end.

SHERIFF: The Greene County Sheriff’s department played a key role in providing security for the Bosnia Peace Talks held at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The Sheriff’s department participated in many programs aimed at preventing children from getting involved in crime and abusive situations, such as the D.A.R.E. program and the "What About Me?" Program. Deputies spoke at schools and camps on topics ranging from seatbelt usage to sexual abuse prevention.

SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT: The district’s programs can be classified into two categories - technical assistance and education and information programs. Technical assistance programs in 1995 included the Johnston-Kirk-Lucas Ditch and various projects aimed at improving control over soil erosion and conserving water supplies. Some 1995 education and information programs included various clinics, contests, and public displays designed to raise the public’s awareness of soil and water issues.

TODAY CENTER FOR ADULTS: The Center celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 1995 with a garden reception on the lawn of Greenewood Manor. Existing programs were supplemented with an art therapy program and the start of an on site mental health service. A Gateway 2000 P-100 computer was donated to improve the automation of the Center’s business operations.

Future Projects

AUDITOR: The most significant 1996 project will be the 1996 reappraisal of all real property in the County. The Auditor will continue working to facilitate a wide area band communication linkage for the County offices. New aerial photography and property images will be completed for real estate. The payroll and budgetary programs will be converted to an open environment program that will allow for queries and customized reports. Also planned is an expansion of office space to include the entire first floor of the County Administration Building.

CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: Working with the Dayton-Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the CVB plans to be active in the Celebration Dayton 1996 bicentennial and further develop the usage of the Nissen Hut Visitor Information Center at the US Air Force Museum.

DATA PROCESSING: Some of the primary goals for 1996 include installing a new multi year budgetary accounting system for the Auditor’s office and completing the implementation of the Recorder’s imaging system. The department also is encouraging higher employee skill levels though increased training and education.

JUVENILE COURT: The major project for 1996 and future years is the development of the Miami Valley Juvenile Rehabilitation Center. Funded entirely by the State, this facility will serve the needs of nonviolent youth that are currently part of an already overcrowded system. Greene County is one of ten counties that will participate in the operation.