Fort selects insurance carrier (06/29/06)

FORT RECOVERY — Though it was not the lowest bid, the Fort Recovery Local School Board voted today to award a contract to the Ohio School Plan through Hylant Administrative Services, LLC for general liability, property and inland marine and fleet insurance.

The district will pay $32,184 to the Toledo, Ohio-based firm for these services — about $200 more than the lowest bid, Schools of Ohio Risk Sharing Authority through Bruce Hays Insurance, Celina.

Though the price difference is negligible, treasurer Lori Koch said that the board chose the Ohio School Plan largely because of a $20,000 deductible quoted for flood and earthquake coverage. The lowest bid quoted a deductible of $100,000 for this service.

“As long as we can justify the decision, we can accept whichever bid we prefer,” said Koch. She went on to the add that wording in the bid specifications states that the district is obligated to accept the lowest and best bid, not just the lowest.

Also, the board received notice that Recovery Township has granted a 60 percent tax abatement, known as the Enterprise Zone Agreement, to Cooper Farms for the construction of a grain barn and truck washing facility.

Though superintendent David Riel said it was virtually impossible to determine the fiscal impact this would have on the school corporation, he said that, as part of the agreement, the additions will bring 10 full time jobs to the area.

This has the potential to become beneficial in the future as the state of Ohio phases out personal property taxes in 2010, though schools will still benefit from income taxes.

However, Koch added that the school corporation would only benefit from the income tax if the new employees live within Fort Recovery corporation limits.

“Every state has their problems and Ohio has big problems with school funding,” she said.

In other business, the board:

•Approved hiring of Amy Kaiser as guidance counselor for the 2006-2007 school year, and also approved her employment for 20 extended days for the high school guidance and registration.

•Approved hiring of Ryan Griffin as instrumental music teacher, effective August 1, for the 2006-2007 school year. The board also approved hiring of Griffin for 27 extended days as color guard instructor, instrumental music programs and summer band.

•Approved monthly financial report for May 2006.

•Approved modifications permanent appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.

•Adopted the temporary appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.

•Approved the return of an advance of $3,500 from the flexible spending fund to the general fund.

•Approved the employment of Kyle Wehrkamp as ACME coach for the summer, pending sufficient participation for a team.

Riel said that this is the last year the school corporation will be responsible for paying a salary for this position, and that in the future, it will be the responsibility of the parks department.

•Approved the hourly rate of $7.75 for the mowing and trimming of the baseball and softball fields for Larry Hart, effective July 1.[[In-content Ad]]