By Kelsi Langston
For the Miami Valley Today
COVINGTON — The Covington Village Council met on Monday, Jan. 31, with Mayor Ed McCord delivering his first “State of the Village” report.
In his report, the mayor stated 2021 was a very solid year in revenue. He said with the creation of a new Capital Improvement Plan and Equipment Replacement Plan in the budget, the village was able to pay off $80,000 of outstanding debt and purchase equipment outright without taking on any new debt.
McCord discussed major village projects from 2021, including the High Street Utility project, the Face Street project, completion of new downtown businesses, and progress on the Schoolhouse Park project. He highlighted the $450,000 donation from Upper Valley Medical Center that was given toward the Schoolhouse Park project, which will allow the village to complete the first phase of the project in 2022.
“The village did much more in 2021, but we did it within our means. We also passed 33 ordinances and 44 resolutions related to different contracts, plans, and budgets,” McCord stated.
As for what the coming year holds, the mayor said, “We’re also going to continue to work hard every day to make Covington a place that people want to open a business, raise a family, or retire away from the hustle and bustle. The state of the village is strong, and 2022 will be another great year for Covington, Ohio.”
First readings were considered for one ordinance and five resolutions. Council members waived the three reading rule to approve a new ordinance for the reappropriation of funds in the 2022 budget, which allows for updates to make 2021 year-end numbers more accurate, as well as updates to several budget line items. The council also waived the three reading rule and approved three new resolutions, one of which allows the village administrator to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for the Design Loan portion of Covington’s Wastewater Treatment project. The $643,125 loan will eventually be rolled into the formal construction loan once construction moves forward. The Wastewater Treatment plan was approved in 2021.
The council approved a resolution allowing the village to apply for grant funds through the county that would allow them to purchase and demolish a building located at 192 N. High Street.
They also approved a resolution allowing the village to enter into a website contract with CivicPlus. The purpose behind a new website is additional security, greater accessibility, better search function, and improved usability. The cost for the first year contract is $4,500.
Resolutions for surplus items and appointments to boards and commissions will have their second readings at the next village council meeting on March 7.
