Dayspring director: If levy doesn't pass, facility will close

Dayspring director Michelle Swank is asking Richland County residents to not take the county’s assisted living facility for granted when they go to the polls in the May primary election. Swank used some of her time during the county commissioners’ quarterly department heads meeting on Thursday to promote the facility’s five-year, 0.8-mill operating levy renewal.

Dayspring Assisted Living and Care Facility provides a home for county residents who cannot live independently and need assistance with their daily needs and also provides a safe haven for those who do not qualify for nursing homes or are not wealthy enough to afford private care assisted living. In 2022 the Dayspring levy generated just over $1.7 million for operations.

“Each resident is aware that if this levy doesn’t pass, Dayspring will close,” Swank told the board. “It’s important that we all remember don’t take it for granted that the levy will pass.”

Swank said in January that with careful budgeting and prioritizing needs rather than wants, Dayspring has been able to operate and stay within means in order to also make needed repairs. Spending concerns for the next five years include replacing 35-year-old boilers, which will help save on gas, replacing a dishwasher, completing elevator work, addressing issues with a walk-in cooler, continuous maintenance on the facility’s water well, and the rising cost of food and gasoline.

Property owners can see how much levies will cost

Commissioners’ chairman Cliff Mears reminded residents that the county auditor now has a tab on his website that will show property owners exactly how much money any property tax levy on the May ballot will cost for their specific parcels.

Swank also promoted Dayspring’s 30th annual Easter egg hunt on April 8, calling it the largest in Richland County. “It began by having an event for our residents’ children and grandchildren and it’s now grown into something where we can get 500 children out there,” she said. “It’s something to behold.”

Swank said the Dayspring Easter egg hunt includes an Easter bunny, a chicken and a lamb, goodie bags for each child, raffles, food trucks, carnival games and ball drops. The event starts at 1 p.m. and will be held rain or shine with parking at a premium, particularly if the weather is good.

Dog Warden Missy Houghton also promoted several upcoming events that will benefit the dog shelter including an Easter bunny visit March 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. that will include an Easter egg hunt as well as pictures with the Easter Bunny in return for a donation to the shelter. On the same day there also will be a “Barks and Brew” fund raiser from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Grill that will include a silent auction and a 50-50 raffle.

County dog shelter took in 1,017 canines in 2022

Houghton also reported that the dog shelter took in 1,017 dogs last year with 432 reclaimed by owners, 448 adopted out, 28 sent to rescue and 100 currently in the shelter. She noted that 14 cages to house medium and large sized dogs are being installed in the area that at one time held cats.

Child Support Enforcement director Janet Brock told commissioners that the agency collected $3.8 million in support payments for the first three months of the fiscal year that began October 1, which was a 2% increase over the same time last year. Building Department director Kara Russell reported that she is working to do more outreach to counties served by her office and that as of April 10, the office will no longer handle building issues for Wyandot County, a decision which she said some businesses there are not happy with.

Job and Family Services director Lori Bedson said in her quarterly report that she expects the level of calls to the office will increase from the current 7,500 to 8,000 calls per month because of the end of the federal SNAP emergency supplement program. She noted that, according to state figures, 9,000 Richland County residents received $1.7 million in supplemental payments alone just in the month of December.

Medicaid renewal applications to be reviewed

Benson also said the pandemic-related federal moratorium on terminating Medicaid benefits ended and that JFS will start reviewing renewal application packets and information on those who have not reapplied effective April 1.EMA director Rebecca Owens reported that the agency is continuing to evaluate county tornado warning sirens, repairing existing units and looking at the best locations for the sirens. She also is working on storm readiness re-certification for the county and is beginning to plan for a tabletop hazmat exercise on June 7.

Wastewater director Amanda Miller told the group that the milder weather is helping to prepare to dispose of 250 tons of bio-solids from the treatment plant and that the upgrade project for the Bellville sewer system is progressing. Maintenance supervisor Josh Hicks said his major efforts have concentrated on how to deal with courthouse elevator problems and an expensive possible replacement and ongoing work to remodel the L-2 level of the courthouse.

Commissioner Tony Vero said the Richland County Land Bank will be making available bricks from the former Westinghouse building in Mansfield that recently was demolished. Beginning March 6, the bricks will be available for free at the site on Fourth Street from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Commissioners hear how crucial levy is to Dayspring facility