HDI Study, Rep. Cross Comments at City Council

Results of a study by an interning Miami University student, an address from Ohio State Representative Jon Cross, and gratitude for Kenton’s street crews comprised most of the conversation during Monday night’s meeting of Kenton City Council.

For the first time in months, more than half of City Council were present in chambers as the meeting began around 7:03 p.m., with the full-council meeting having been preceded by a six-p.m. meeting of the Finance Committee.

Dominating Monday night’s agenda was a presentation by Miami University student Alex Haushalter, who had conducted a study of Hardin County’s Human Development Index as compared to that of neighboring counties. Haushalter found that Hardin County has stagnated in its health, education, and income levels over the past 20 years, and offered data-based suggestions on methods for workforce-productivity revitalization.

In his remarks, State Representative Cross discussed his efforts to ensure Hardin County’s inclusion in Ohio’s upcoming biennial capital budget, including the enhancement of funding for MARCS radio systems for Kenton’s first responders, consideration in the governor’s planned one-time funding for broadband-internet expansion and infrastructure improvements, and making Ohio’s trailer-registration rates more competitive with those of other states.

With the only item of old business tabled for two weeks, the session ended with Mayor Lynn Webb’s profuse gratitude for the city’s “road warriors,” who braved the harsh winter weather to repair three water-main breaks in 10 days. Mayor Webb also commended local businesses for their mutual assistance to each other, and echoed Police Chief Dennis Musser’s assertion that recent towing of cars is merely the unfortunate byproduct of the city’s efforts to keep its roads passable.

Kenton City Council will next meet in chambers Monday, February 22, at seven p.m., preceded by a six-p.m. meeting of the finance committee.