Value isn't up with growth

Three areas account for one-third of residential growth in the county.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County is continuing to grow, but the value of this year's new construction is the lowest in six years.
New construction -- both commercial and residential -- is $51.3 million, according to county Auditor Nancy Milliken.
That's the lowest since 2002, when the county saw $55.2 million in growth.
The figures are based on completed construction this year that has been added to the county tax rolls.
Traditionally, the construction season ends with the approach of winter. Milliken said the county might pick up a few small projects that will be completed between now and the end of the year.
"These are the closest figures you're going to get," Milliken said.
The $51.3 million for this year, said Milliken, is, "not a bad number for the [poor] economy."
It's also not a bad number when compared with the county's new construction figure of $3.9 million in 1990.
The latest construction figures were set recently by the county's board of revision, which approves property values and changes.
Within normal range
The figure this year is relatively in line with recent years. In 2000, there was $60.6 million in new construction and $63.1 million in 2001.
The biggest jumps in new construction came in 2003 and 2004. Auditor's figures show new construction of $112.2 million in 2003 and $79.3 million the following year.
Under state law, the county had to make a mandatory reappraisal of all property in 2004. The new property figure was higher in 2003 because appraisers for the county actually spent both of those years scouring the county for new construction, said John Goempel, the auditor's chief deputy.
The figures for 2003 and 2004 may reflect unreported construction from previous years, officials said. Property owners are supposed to report new construction that's more than $2,500 to the auditor's office, but that's not always done.
For 2005, the largest percentage of growth, or some $40.2 million, was for residential construction.
Other figures
This year, St. Clair Township in the southern portion of the county is leading the way with $5.7 million, or 14.3 percent, of the residential construction value.
That was followed by Columbiana city, with $3.7 million, or 9.2 percent of residential construction, and Perry Township with $3.6 million, or 9.1 percent.
For comparison, Knox Township, on the west side of the county near Alliance, had $1.9 million in new construction.
The planning commission has a number of development plans under consideration. Goempel pointed out that the major residential increases are in areas where city planning commissions have oversight that allows for regulated growth.
The county sewer lines and water districts have been extending their lines, which also aids expansion, and land is relatively inexpensive when compared to more urban areas, Goempel said.
Another reason for the growth is that the county's location allows fast access to Cleveland, Pittsburgh or Canton.
"You can be anywhere in about an hour," Milliken said.
Still, Milliken and Goempel said they haven't seen a surge in growth similar to Boardman or Canfield and don't expect one soon.
Some of the recent land purchases should even help preserve the rural county.
Milliken said some people "are buying acres to hunt on."
wilkinson@vindy.com