Commissioners discuss county "loss team" options
JEFFERSON — The possible creation of a loss team was discussed Thursday morning during a work session of the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners at the request of Ashtabula County Coroner's Office Chief Investigator and Administrator Amber Stewart.
Stewart prepared a proposal for the commissioners, seeking the creation of a team to assist families who have lost loved ones. She said a loss team was operational in the county until 2022, through the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, but has been inoperative since.
Stewart said she has been working with the Geauga County Loss Team in cases where families needed special assistance, and believes the program is needed in Ashtabula County.
A recent situation highlighted the need, Stewart said.
'I can't tell you how important was to have them on scene,' she said of a visit by the Geauga volunteers.
Stewart said she has been studying the issue for two years, and sought to create it through the victims of crime office, but it didn't work out.
'It is just something our community needs,' she said, adding it could help reduce suicides.
Stewart said the former loss team had a specific purpose, and her vision for the new organization is broader.
'We want to focus on all catastrophic loss,' she said.
All three commissioners said they agree on the need for the program, but were concerned with financing of the operation.
Stewart's proposal included a full-time administrator in a budget of around $60,000.
Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said the county runs a lean operation, and wondered about the size of the expenditure.
Commissioner Kathryn Whittington brought up financial questions, but felt it was an important program. She said she would be in favor of revisiting the idea after mid-year department financial evaluations are complete.
The commissioners have committed to a review of department budgets because of a drop in sales taxes collections.
Commissioner J.P. Ducro said he would like to discuss the idea further with Stewart.
'What would the bare minimum needed to get something started?' he said.
The commissioners said they will invite Stewart back to review the possibilities this summer.
Kozlowski said there might be a way to find a present county employee to receive a stipend to run the organization, which would be made up of volunteers.
Ducro also wondered about a three-county collaboration to make a regional loss team.
A volunteer from the Geauga County Loss Team attended the work session and explained how it works.
The commissioners tentatively agreed to a new software company to administer the court computer network. Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas Administrator Kathy Thompson said the new company would provide significant upgrades to the system, and could assist in getting out jury information.
Thompson said spending seems to be going well so far this year when Kozlowski asked if the cost could be met by the present budget.
The commissioners accepted the certification of the results of the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services and Ashtabula County Senior Services Board levies, both of which were approved by voters earlier this month.
They also passed a resolution of necessity for the renewal of an existing two-mill levy for the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Kozlowski said the Board of DD is not seeking to renew a .5 mill levy, which will save tax payers money.
Dennis Swihart was appointed and David Waldron was reappointed to the Airport Board of Zoning Appeals. Kaylee Berry was also appointed to the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, and Greg Myers was reappointed to the Ashtabula County Transportation Improvement District.
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