Despite continuing state cutbacks, Salem Twp. Public Library,
operating for more than 125 years, is making progress in efforts to
reinstate programs, materials, and online databases that were lost
over the years by lack of funding.
The library's recovery is being realized with funds provided by
a 5-mill levy, approved by voters last fall."In our situation, we've lost about $100,000 a year over the
last few years because of the decrease in state funding;" said library
director Jerri Short. ³But the levy funding has begun. The first half
collection took place, I believe, at the end of April. The first half
collection was around $200,000."
The voter approved half mill levy for five years is providing
funds for new DVDs, new children's books, Internet subscription
reinstatement to genealogy websites, as well as , the addition of an
Internet literary database reference tool for students and adults, Short said.
Tax levy funds also are providing a summer entertainment program
for children, as well as reinstating, since June, library hours until 8 p.m."It's not a great, large, thing, but the smaller things are
beginning to come back. It's been very positive. But, we are still
being very conservative with the monies because the state funding is
still down and I don't see that changing in the foreseeable future," she said.
The Salem Township Library's service district includes Salem,
Hamilton and Harlan townships and the southern half of Washington,
Twp. The district also includes Morrow, Maineville and Butlerville .
Library hours are 10 am to 8 p.m., Monday through Wednesday,
Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5.p.m. After Labor
Day, the library also is scheduled to be opened 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
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With the hopes of saving Hamilton Township residents money on their monthly natural gas bill, Hamilton Township voters passed a ballot question on November 3, 2009, which authorized the Township to form a Governmental Natural Gas Aggregation program for the purchase of natural gas on behalf of Hamilton Township residents.
Hamilton Township held two public hearings on its Natural Gas Aggregation Program Plan of Operation and Governance on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 and Wednesday, December 2, 2009. As a result of those meetings, the trustees passed Resolution 09-0212 authorizing the establishment of a government natural gas aggregation program within Hamilton Township.
The township's natural gas supplier, IGS, sent notices in January to natural gas customers within Hamilton Township informing residents and businesses of the upcoming supplier change and also providing customers the opportunity to OPT-OUT of the program and stay with Duke Energy or other natural gas supplier.
For those customers who have decided to participate in our Natural Gas Aggregation Program (approximately 95% of eligible accounts have), you can expect to receive a “Confirmation Notice” from Duke Energy. The confirmation notice is sent, by law, anytime a customer is about to switch natural gas suppliers. The letter informs you of your right to contact Duke Energy within 7 days if you have changed your mind about participating in our program. If you would like to remain in the program, simply ignore the letter. Once again, please contact IGS Energy at 1-877-448-6719 if you have any questions.
The township hopes to begin supplying better gas rates to our residents by April, 2010. If you have any questions about the program please call Gary Boeres at (513) 683-8520 or gary.boeres@hamilton-township.org
A list of commonly asked FAQ's questions about the Natural Gas Aggregation Program is listed here
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The township will continue to monitor emails at reportaproblem@hamilton-township.org regarding issues within the township.
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