News Briefs Week Of 12/20/2021
Savings projected
The Village of Genoa will save an estimated $ 6,540 in interest costs over the next year by refinancing outstanding debt through the Ohio Market Access Program, according to the Ohio treasurer’s office.
The OMAP is a credit enhancement program that leverages the state’s excess liquidity and high short-term credit rating to improve market access and lower borrowing costs for local governments.
The OMAP enhancement allowed the village to achieve interest cost savings. The original notes were issued to finance improvements to the village’s electrical infrastructure, including the purchase and installation of three generation units. This issuance marks the fifth time Genoa has utilized OMAP. The previous four deals have saved the village an estimated $74,780 in interest expenses, according to the treasurer’s office.
“OMAP is a powerful cost-saving tool that leverages the state’s high credit rating to reduce interest expenses for our local government partners,” said Treasurer Robert Sprague.
Since its 2014 launch, OMAP has supported more than 220 deals, ranging from $390,000 to over $100 million.
Sobecki to run
Lisa Sobecki will run for Lucas County Commissioner in the 2022 election.
“I’m running for County Commissioner because it’s time for a change,” she said. “As Commissioner, I’ll strive to ensure that county responsibilities to taxpayers are completed on time, on task, and on mission.”
Sobecki has served as state representative for Ohio House District 45 since January 2019 and intends to serve the remainder of her term.
During her time as state representative, she served as ranking member on the House Ways and Means Committee, and has prioritized economic and workforce development.
Sobecki also announced an initial round of endorsements including the Toledo Federation of Teachers, Northwest Ohio Building Trades and Greater Northwest Ohio AFL-CIO.
United Way, SSOE
form partnership
United Way of Greater Toledo is relocating its Lucas County operations into the world headquarters of SSOE group, a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management.
This move, which became official on Dec. 14, bolsters SSOE’s commitment to the United Way and further cements Uptown Toledo as a unique hub for integrating private industry, STEM, and community outreach programs.
To commemorate the partnership, SSOE and United Way on Dec. 15 held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and dedication of the plaza at their Madison Avenue, Toledo, building which will be named the “Live United at SSOE Plaza.”
SSOE and its employees have been strong supporters of the United Way for decades, dating back to Founder Al Samborn’s involvement with the organization in the early 1980s. SSOE recently announced it would be moving to a hybrid plan to allow employees to work both in the office and from home. When SSOE learned of United Way’s search for new office space, they saw an opportunity to support this need using under-utilized space in their headquarters. SSOE is donating 50 percent of the lease proceeds back to United Way, which will result in contribution dollars going even further in helping individuals in Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa counties who are in need.
“I am so proud to continue United Way of Greater Toledo’s presence in Downtown Toledo, an objective we held when starting this process. Since 1918, United Way has occupied four office spaces, all in Downtown—the heart of our city. We are so happy to call SSOE our fifth location,” said Wendy Pestrue, JD, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Toledo.
“SSOE’s vision is designing and building the future for our clients, colleagues, and communities. As we continue to look for ways to live out this vision, I am pleased to welcome our long-standing community partner into our building. I’m excited for the unique opportunity this move provides both organizations—a private philanthropic partnership in our community—working together to further strengthen Downtown Toledo and the UpTown District. We believe that this partnership builds on progress already underway in the district and will be a model for other nonprofits to consider and benefit from.”
Quilters to meet
The Maumee Bay Country Quilters' Guild will meet Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 6:45 p.m. at Northwood Church of God, 3375 Curtice Rd., Northwood.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. The visitors’ fee is $10; yearly membership is $35.