Most subdivisions have approved distribution of government funds

LISBON -- A majority of Columbiana County subdivisions have approved the distribution of local government funds for 2005.
County Auditor Nancy Milliken said the distribution would be approved today by the county budget commission and sent to the state.
On Wednesday the county commissioners approved their share, which is 50 percent of the allocation, or $2.45 million
The funds are a percentage of several state taxes. The rest will be divided among the cities, villages and townships in the county.
The distribution was approved under an alternative formula allowed under a 2002 law that lets subdivisions share in an equitable distribution.
The new formula gives each subdivision a guaranteed payment of $15,000 plus money based on the subdivision's population.
At one time, East Liverpool, the largest city in the county, got 21 percent of the total fund. It has about 12 percent of the population. The city lost a court challenge to the new state formula earlier this year.
Under the new formula, East Liverpool will get 5.1 percent of the funds, or $250,000. That's the second-largest portion of the fund. Salem is third, with $234,000.
The only other political entity to share in the funding formula is the county parks district, which receives $15,000. It does not get a share based on population.