State budget cuts hit kids the hardest according to County Commissioner Bryan Davis. “Where we are seeing the cuts are with children and with education. They are cutting the most vulnerable.” But he also had good economic news to report.
Budget Cuts
The state budget cuts are due to the loss of revenue caused by the COVID-19 shutdown
The commissioner revealed that he thinks many of the infrastructure upgrades aren’t going to happen thanks to across-the-board budget cuts ordered by Governor Mike DeWine. “Public works money is going to be cut. They are still funding what was promised from last year, but many of the plans we had are at risk. It seems to be the route the state is taking right now.”
Also on the chopping block, funds for:
- Infrastructure
- Children Services
- Education
- Funds to local governments
“You would think there would be other areas they could cut,” Davis said. However, he assured residents that Scioto County is prepared to meet the challenge. “This is why we prepare. This is why we save money and put it back, because of things like this. Scioto County is fine. We will continue to do the right thing to stay healthy as long as possible.”
PureCycle Plant
Davis also reported some good economic news. He said he had the chance to talk with the CEO of PureCycle. County Commissioners recently backed a proposed $300 million dollar bond issue for the buildout of the PureCycle recycling plant in Haverhill.
The local Port Authority is tasked with handling the offering of the bonds but are not financially obligated to repay them. The debt will belong to PureCycle.
Davis said he made sure to let the company know that he wants them to look at Scioto County or the Haverhill region for any future projects. He said company leaders are pleased with the progress made on infrastructure in the areas. Davis hinted at bigger things to come. “They are working on other technology. They brought on a lot of partners and are getting ready to announce a major partner.
The commissioner kept quiet about who that partner might be. “I’m not going to do it today, but we are excited. As a matter of fact, I saw job postings for engineers with them. They are starting to ramp up.”
