COLUMBIANA COUNTY Unclaimed funds buy new cruisers

A consultant will develop plans and estimates for restoration of a historical landmark.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County commissioners are using unclaimed funds in the county treasury to buy new cruisers for the sheriff's department.
Commissioners agreed Wednesday to buy six 2001 Chevy Impalas for $166,783.
The decision comes after Sheriff Dave Smith told commissioners that many of the cars in his cruiser fleet are so old that repairs and safety concerns are mounting.
Some of the worn cruisers have more than 150,000 miles on them, Smith said.
With the six new vehicles, the sheriff's fleet will number 14 marked cars and five unmarked cars.
Fund tapped: To buy the cars, the county tapped a fund supplied with money from uncashed checks the county wrote over the last several years for goods and services.
Treasurer Linda Bolon explained that sometimes, particularly with smaller amounts, county checks are never cashed. The money backing the checks can eventually be used if it goes unclaimed, Bolon said.
"If we hadn't found this money, there might not have been any available" to buy new vehicles now, Commissioner Jim Hoppel said.
Bridge renovation: Commissioners also agreed to hire Hammondtree & amp; Associates Ltd. of North Canton to develop plans and cost estimates for renovating Centennial Bridge, off Eagleton Road in Salem Township.
The county has about $325,000 available to restore the covered bridge, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The money comes from state and federal grants, and the county's road and bridge fund.
Hammondtree will be paid $50,123.
The consultant's report is due by Aug. 15. Work on rebuilding the 67-foot-long span could begin late this year.
Historical accuracy: Plans call for a historically accurate renovation, including use of the same types of wood employed in the original bridge, which was constructed in 1876.
The span is the last covered bridge over the Middle Fork of Little Beaver Creek.
Although it is no longer crossed by vehicles, the bridge may still be used by pedestrians.
Bob Durbin, deputy county engineer, said renovation will include installation of a paved parking lot, picnic tables and benches.
The bridge is near the county park system's Greenway Trail, a 12-mile hike-bike path.