CENTERBURG — Cybersecurity was on the minds of Centerburg Village Council members Monday evening as they discussed insurance coverage for the village.
“I am wary on cybersecurity … there’s too much happening right now,” Fiscal Officer Shawna Humes said, referencing the recent cyberattack on the previous records management vendor used by the Knox County Recorder’s Office.
Centerburg village uses the same vendor.
Current cybersecurity coverage costs $774 for a $250,000 limit and a $25,000 deductible.
“Whether or not we need more, I don’t have the answer,” Humes told council.
“Really, without an expert, you don’t know what you are getting in coverage,” Councilman Greg Myers said.
Coverage options with a $25,000 deductible include a $500,00 limit at a cost of $1,245, and a $1 million limit at a cost of $1,556.
Premiums are higher if the village chooses a $5,000 or $10,000 deductible.
Because the current policy expires May 3, council elected to renew it at the current coverage level and upgrade the policy later if warranted. Humes will talk with the village’s IT technician and bring more information to the June council meeting.
2024 budget
Council members gave the first reading to a proposed general fund budget of $1.274 million for 2024, down from $1.496 for 2023.
Sewer fund revenue comes in at an estimated $848,150. Although Humes estimates $1.084 million in expenses, the fund should still have a balance of around $679,349 at the end of 2024.
In 2022, council transferred $447,250 from the closed-out water fund to the sewer fund. This left the sewer fund with a reserve amount higher than industry recommendations. Council opted not to increase sewer rates in 2023; instead, council will use reserve funds to cover some of the 2023 and 2024 expenses.
The street fund is projected to see $270,225 in revenue and $310,540 in expenses. Because the village uses general fund revenue to cover street repair and maintenance costs, Humes asked council to allocate part of the real estate and income taxes to the street fund.
Council gave a first reading to legislation authorizing the transfer of 25% of the real estate and income tax revenue to the street fund.
Other legislative action
Council took the following additional actions:
•Gave a first reading to an ordinance amending the village administrator’s spending limit from $5,000 to $50,000. The fiscal officer has to sign off on the VA’s purchase order.
•Gave a first reading to legislation honoring prior Ohio Public Employment Retirement System credits for Jacob Stockmaster, utility department
•Gave a first reading to an ordinance authorizing a contract with K.E. McCartney & Associates for engineering services on the wastewater treatment plant generators and sludge cover project, contract not to exceed $11,800. The entire project is estimated around $228,560; the village will use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money to cover the cost.
•Gave a first reading to legislation authorizing a contract with Carpenter Marty Transportation for a traffic study of U.S. 36 between Preston Street and Lytle Road, cost not to exceed $17,000
•Gave a first reading to an ordinance adopting a new zoning code (click here to read the full draft)
Special meeting
Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, May 15, at 6 pm. Agenda items and discussion will be limited to the following:
•Public hearing and second reading of an ordinance adopting a new zoning code
•Second reading of an ordinance amending the village administrator’s spending limit from $5,000 to $50,000
•Second reading of legislation honoring prior OPERS credits for Jacob Stockmaster
•Second reading of an ordinance authorizing a contract with K.E. McCartney & Associates for engineering services on the wastewater treatment plant generators and sludge cover project
•Second reading of legislation authorizing a contract with Carpenter Marty Transportation for a traffic study of U.S. 36 between Preston Street and Lytle Road
Miscellaneous
Councilman Tom Stewart reported the Central Ohio Joint Fire District is up to 11 full-time and nine part-time staffing. A full-time position was offered to five additional personnel; all accepted, bringing the total back up to 16. Additionally:
•The variable interest rate on the loan to remodel the fire station increased from 3.85% to 6%, adding $13,566 a year to loan repayments.
•The Shriners donated two advanced life support and burn kits for pediatrics.
•County residents can complete an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) form that provides details to help first responders better gauge the correct response in case of a fire/EMS response or a call for service from law enforcement.
Mayor Greg Sands reviewed plans for a new building for Centerburg Interchurch Social Services.
Councilman Myers asked for thoughts on the village contributing to the new Memorial Park playground. Council members agreed they want to know how much Hilliar Township is contributing and also more specifics on the location before making a decision.
