Farrell becomes county’s first woman chair in 20 years

The Bill Clinton nostrum applies to the county: It’s the economy, stupid.

And that’s the watchword for Sue Farrell, the first woman chair of the Franklin County Commission in 20 years.

“We’re going to be very cautious in our spending,” Farrell said.

As the national economy struggles, people will likely have less money to spend.

As they spend less, the county could see less from its sales tax receipts although Farrell said the receipts have done well so far.

Commissioners will be reluctant to raise property taxes on citizens less able to pay them, she said.

“We can’t continue to bring up the mill levy on taxpayers,” Farrell said. “But we’ve got to provide services, too.”

Because of the flagging economy and the falling U.S. interest rate, the county will have to expect less money from its invested reserve funds.

The county will have to roll over certificates of deposit this spring and face the new lowered interest rates, she said.

Last year, as commissioners worked to trim a proposed property tax increase, they increased the amount of money they expected to use from interest funds — which had the effect of lowering the property tax rate.

Even with the lowered interest rates, there will be enough interest money to cover the amount that was budgeted last year, she said.

The county commission will start its budget work earlier this year to have time to better research and prepare, she said.

Although the county is watching its expenses, it has needs that will have to be met, she said.

“Some of our bridges need work,” she said. “I think we’re going to have a good plan for the long-term.

“... I hope that this is the year in the budget we can get started taking on reserves we can use on these bridges.”

A recent study by the county’s bridge consultant pinpointed several rural bridges that no longer meet county standards.

The county has sought grants to replace two bridges — Vermont Road over the Marais des Cygnes River near Rantoul and the West Wilson Street bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe main line at the west edge of Ottawa.

Last year, the county also started to deal with overcrowding at the jail. A national consultant issued a series of recommendations concerning the jail early last year.

A series of organizational changes were undertaken to keep less-risky people out of the jail and cut the number of people in the jail, cutting the number of people who had to be transported out of county to other jails.

The consultant also said the county would have to look at expanding and rehabilitating its present jail or build a new one.

The county needs to replace its juvenile detention facility, Farrell said.

“That’s the top priority,” Farrell said. “However, it’s going to take money.”

The county’s recent agreement to put a satellite ambulance station in Wellsville is a sign the county is able to accomplish things without breaking the budget, she said.

Wellsville and the county brokered a deal in which the city remodeled the Wellsville Fire Department station to station an ambulance and crew.

The deal enhances ambulance service in the fastest-growing part of the county and makes the service more efficient, she said.

“I think the people of Wellsville like it,” Farrell said.

One thing that won’t be a top priority is finding a new administrator.

Lisa Johnson, county counselor, has been serving as interim county administrator since the departure of Doug Harris.

“I’m speaking for myself, but at this point I prefer to keep the way we are and let things settle down,” Farrell said.

Because of past disagreements among commissioners and between the commission and other county officials, the county has seen a parade of administrators and temporary administrators over the last three years.

As the new chair, Farrell aims to end the feuding, even though it’s an election year.

“I’m hoping to see a little more civility from all sides,” she said.

Farrell is one of two women to serve on the county commission.

The only other woman to be county commissioner was Carmen Peffly, who served more than 20 years ago.