ASHLAND — Karen DeSanto Kellogg’s request of the Ashland County Board of Commissioners last week proved fruitful Thursday.
The Ashland County Juvenile and Probate Court judge asked the three-member board on July 23 for funding from the county’s opioid settlement fund to support a community-based education and prevention initiative designed to “strengthen the ability to recognize and respond to youth mental health concerns and to help identify early indicators of substance abuse.”
Kellogg did not assign a specific dollar amount to the request, but urged commissioners to consider the ask and its alignment with established parameters as to what opioid settlement funds can be used for — which includes preventative education and resource connection, according to the board.
Commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a $10,000 funding commitment from the county’s opioid settlement fund to the court’s initiative.
“It sounds like a good program to try out,” Commissioner Michael Welch said.
Last week, Commissioner Jim Justice said the efforts proposed by Kellogg would not be a duplication of any existing county program.
“I believe that the settlement proceeds, or some portion of settlement proceeds from the opioid settlement, directly align with the vision of providing additional substance abuse and mental health awareness, education and connection to resources in Ashland,” Kellogg said July 23.
Levy renewal for Ashland County children, seniors to appear on Nov. ballot
The board also approved putting a five-year, 2-mill human services levy up for renewal on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Peter Stefaniuk, director of the Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services, said the levy supports operating expenses and the care and placement costs of children in foster care. Funds generated by the levy also assist the operation of senior citizens’ services and facilities.
First approved by voters in 2021, the levy benefits both the Ashland County Council on Aging and Ashland County JFS. Both agencies receive 50 percent of the total taxes collected each year.
Stefaniuk said on July 16 the levy is estimated to generate about $3 million in 2026 — meaning both agencies would receive about $1.5 million each.
As a renewal, the issue will not increase the amount taxpayers contribute to the levy — if approved by voters. For a $100,000 property, the levy costs about $49 per year, according to Stefaniuk.
PREVIOUS REPORTING
In other action Thursday, commissioners:
— appointed Ervin Yoder to replace Eric Schneider as the alternate for Commissioner Jim Justice on the Ashland County Planning Commission, with the term being Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, 2028.
— accepted an $8,000 estimate from Advantage Home and Property Services for repairs to the roof membrane and roof walk pad at the JFS building, to be paid for from the county’s capital projects fund.
— approved a travel request for Brian Barker and Jared McQuate of the county maintenance department to attend hydronics training in Maple Heights, with an estimated expense of $50.
