State Controlling Board releases money to Valley government offices

COLUMBUS — The state Controlling Board today released nearly $3.9 million in grants and loans to promote shared services among local government offices.

Recipients include the Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services ($100,000 grant), the Mahoning County Educational Service Centers ($100,000 grant), the Ravenna Health Department ($82,000 grant) and the city of Salem ($80,600 grant).

The awardees were among 90 applications submitted for funding through the Local Government Innovation Fund.

Recipients will use the funds to conduct feasibility studies or demonstration projects that focus on local governments sharing technology, facilities, administration and other functions, all with an eye toward cutting costs. Checks for the projects will be issued in the new year.