My first job as a school superintdent was in Lebanon, Ohio, a beautiful town with a rich heritage and a new high school. The school board tried to keep up with maintenance, but funds were not available to meet the need. District wide budget planning needed to become a priority, and the new high school only added to the need for increased capital funding. It was a long struggle, but we did address it and were fairly successful.
Whenn I went to Apollo it was a year old. We agreed early this facility had to remain in “like new condition.” The Apollo Career Center became a point of pride not only for its successful high school and adult career training but for the access it provides to our community. And it has looked to be in “like new condition” its 40 years. Maintenance pays off.
Allen County voters will face a levy in May to increase the sales tax to restore the Allen County Court House as well as reorganize other administrative structures to increase efficiency of operations for the courts, juvenile justice, and the engineer’s facilities. Additional money will be used to improve some critically needed road and bridge repair. The sales tax increase will provide provide both construction and maintenance according to a plan.
Past commissioners diligently worked to provide necessary services, but there was never enough money. Our current commissioners have developed a proposal that will provide capital to reorganize where necessary, promote cost saving measures, and increase operational efficiencies. Now is the time to proactively approve the plan that will serve Allen County best. Please vote in favor of the sales tax proposal.
Jon E. Rockhold, Lima
