Columbiana County JFS in need of new quarters

Now that the chairman of the Columbiana County Board of Commissioners has publicly acknowledged that the Department of Jobs and Family Services is in a “bad” building in Lisbon, he and his colleagues have no choice but to move quickly to address the problem.

Why? Because the flooding, mold and mildew, gaps at least an inch wide between some blocks in the interior walls, waste from storm drains overflowing in offices, mice in desk drawers, and plumbling backups are an invitation to a workplace lawsuit.

Commissioner Dan Bing is to be commended for admitting that the county-owned building at 110 Nelson St. is in deplorable shape and that government no longer has the luxury of time while it decides what to do.

“It has been 30 years and nothing has happened” with the building, Bing told The Vindicator.

A temporary move is not feasible, given that the state will not pay for moving the JFS’ phone and computer lines while the current building is restored.

Restoration is being pushed by the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce, which has voiced concern that moving the agency out of the historical square would affect spending at stores.

Commissioners are exploring the possibility of building a new facility inside the village of Lisbon but at the northern edge. They also are considering buying and renovating the former Value King store just east of the JFS.

During a meeting Wednesday, commissioners heard from Joseph Csonka, a Center Township trustee and a builder and plumber who has done work at the 110 Nelson St. building. Csonka said that while the problems identified are real, the structure itself is in good shape.

He suggested that renovation work could occur between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and that workers would clean up debris before the JFS office opened for business the following morning.

Three in one?

But commissioners have also said they want to place JFS, the board of elections and Veterans Services under one roof, which is why the idea of a new building is being explored. One million dollars has been set aside to help pay for such a project.

Boardman architect Robert A. Mastriana, who oversaw the renovation of the Columbiana County Courthouse, said during Wednesday’s meeting that the board of elections’ current location at 41 N. Park could be renovated, but elections board Chairman Larry Bowerstock told commissioners his agency needs double the 5,000 square feet it now occupies.

Storage space is at a premium. Voting equipment is kept in another separate part of the building, while other voting machines are stored in a private company.

Given the national concerns that have been raised about the security and reliability of such systems, it is important for the board of elections to have direct control of the equipment.

While the discussion of various options being explored by the county commissioners is a good thing, Bing and his colleagues must know that time is of the essence.

“We’re not ready by any means to make a decision,” he said.

Perhaps a comment by Jan Bean, a JFS caseworker who drives to Lisbon from East Liverpool early everyday to get a free parking space, will trigger a faster response: “I think clients deserve a little bit better.”

Bean voiced concern about the mold and mildew, and the lack of privacy. Clients have to discuss their health, finances and at times their criminal records within earshot of other clients and workers.

That’s asking for trouble.