County's 211 phone system offers quick link

LISBON -- Because he represents the Columbiana County commissioners in planning for the countywide 911 emergency telephone system, Commissioner Gary Williams was a bit surprised this week to learn that a 211 phone system was operational in the county.
Williams told other commissioners Wednesday he heard a news report about 211 and dialed it out of curiosity. Help Hotline volunteers answered.
Help Hotline offers 24-hour crisis help, but Williams learned the 211 system allows callers to reach help more easily. Help Hotline volunteers then can quickly link to other social service agencies as the needs of each individual require.
Commissioner Sean Logan told Williams that commissioners approved the 211 system in 2001, before Williams became a member of the panel. Logan said when the 211 system was being planned, the reputation of Help Hotline was such that officials of other county social service agencies said Help Hotline should be the agency to handle 211 calls.
In other business at the commissioners meeting Wednesday, Commissioner Jim Hoppel announced that a meeting for public officials seeking funding to repair flood damage to public buildings or other structures will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Columbiana County Engineer Bert Dawson's office, 315 S. Market St., Lisbon. The meeting is not open to the public.