COLUMBIANA COUNTY Agency seeks funds for business-loan plan

Commissioners will decide on the final design for an improved 911 system.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County commissioners are seeking to continue a federally funded loan program aimed at helping low-income people start businesses.
Commissioners agreed Wednesday to authorize the Community Action Agency, a private, nonprofit organization, to apply for $50,000 in federal funds through the Ohio Department of Development.
If the money is awarded, the agency will use it to make loans to qualified, low-income individuals for use in starting businesses.
The maximum amount of a single loan from the fund will be $10,000. Borrowers have five years to repay at an interest rate that's set at the time the money is given.
The loans may be used to buy machinery, equipment or supplies, assist with purchasing land or a building, or as capital for a new business start-up.
All applicants are screened and must complete an entrepreneurial class.
The program, which has been in place for two years, empowers "those who might not otherwise have a chance to succeed," Commissioner Sean Logan said.
"It's a small but an important part of the county's overall economic strategy," said Carol Bretz, agency director.
Last year's loans
Last year, the program made five loans totaling $44,100 and bearing an average interest rate of 4 percent.
The loans helped five businesses get started, four of which are still operating. Seven jobs were created last year as a result of the loans.
Commissioners also said at their meeting they expect to decide by Aug. 21 how an improved 911 system that's being proposed will be configured.
They must choose whether 911 calls will be answered at a single location, or picked up at different locations depending on the point from which the emergency call was placed.
Plans call for commissioners to decide on a configuration and put a measure on the November ballot asking voters to fund the system through a 50-cent monthly surcharge on telephone bills.
The county also has available nearly $400,000 to buy equipment for an improved 911 system. The money is from a settlement between the state and Ameritech over a service dispute. The county already has a basic 911 system.
The improved one would use a database to provide emergency personnel instantly with the address from which a 911 call is being placed.
Commissioners had the second of two hearings that are required before the surcharge issue can be put on the ballot.
At both hearings, those attending voiced support for the new system.
leigh@vindy.com