“Community Enhancement Grant” funds totaling $155,690 were awarded by Delaware County commissioners Thursday morning.
County officials said the organizations presented budget request to commissioners on March 23 during a work session.
County officials said the funds can only be used to benefit the community and are not to be used for ongoing projects. The money is awarded annually from the county’s general fund.
According to county officials, last year’s total amount of awards was $164,825, $9,135 more than this year.
The following organizations were awarded funds:
• Delaware Area Transit Agency — $39,401. The organization had asked for $41,003.
• Delaware County Fairgrounds — $27,225. The fair board had asked for $35,000.
• Delaware County Historical Society — $17,500. The organization had asked for $29,238.
• Delaware County Cultural Arts Center — $12,167. The center had asked for $15,000.
• Main Street Delaware Inc. — $10,833. The organization had asked for $15,000.
• The Strand Theatre — $9,167. The theater had asked for $28,000.
• People in Need — $7,073. The organization had asked for $15,000.
• Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1095 — $6,667. The chapter had asked for $15,000.
• Delaware County EMA — $6,257. The agency had asked for $9,385.
• Stratford Ecological Center — $6,067. The center had asked for $7,500.
• Central Ohio Symphony — $4,500. The symphony had asked for $5,000.
• Lettuce Work Foundation Inc. — $4,333. The organization had asked for $10,000.
• The Hartford Fair — $3,500. The organization had asked for $27,937.
• Rutherford B. Hayes Heritage Committee — $2,000. The organization had asked for $5,000.
Commissioners also awarded $500 in a supplemental appropriation for the Veterans Day breakfast event, said county officials.
In other business, commissioners passed a resolution approving a third amendment to a contract with Cott Systems Inc. which provides recording software for the Delaware County Recorder’s Office. The amendment extends the contract three years — to June 2019.
Commissioners approved a resolution for veteran services which had requested the hiring of a part-time driver for $10-per-hour to help with transportation of veterans to the VA Clinic. Don DeShazo, executive director of county veterans services, said the position will be intermittent but would give more versatility to getting veterans to the clinic. The total amount of funds requested was $9,316.
County Economic Development Director Bob Lamb requested funding to hire an intern for the summer to help with economic development research. Commissioners approved the request. The total amount of funds requested was $4,000.
Commissioners approved a resolution expanding the number of seats from five to seven on the Delaware County Finance Authority board of directors. “I think it allows us to get more unique talents by having a larger group,” Commissioner Gary Merrell said.