County denies sign funding request, pledges labor for project

Mineral County Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Bob Mahon was present at Friday’s meeting of the county commissioners to receive an answer to his request for county funding to be used for signs.

Commissioner Duane Simons was not present for the meeting but asked Commissioner Roman Zylawy to read a letter to Mahon regarding the request for $2,500 in county funds.

“I think due to impending money shortfalls we as commissioners cannot pledge any money at this time to the Neighborhood Watch,” Commissioner Zylawy read. “Please keep us informed of your progress on this worthy effort.”

After reading Commissioner Simon’s letter, Commissioner Zylawy said the commissioners “didn’t really find any money” that could be used by the program for signs. According to Commissioner Zylawy the request brought up “a couple issues” in deliberation including the concern giving the funds would set a precedent for other groups “not necessarily associated with the county” looking money.

“And what about the issue of buying the signs before we see a true buy-in of the program by the community,” Commissioner Zylawy said. “It looks like in addition to the signs the county would be facing an additional $1,000 in labor for the two crew members in erecting the signs.”

Commissioner Laurie Johnston then asked Mahon how many neighborhoods he has met with regarding the program and whether or not there was interest.

Mahon replied he has spoken to all of the county except for Alberton and that “everybody wants it.”

“They think it’s a good idea but they don’t want to dig in for any money,” Mahon said.

Commissioner Johnston said she was concerned the purchase of the signs would be “putting the cart before the horse” and would like to see commitment from residents to the program and progress made with recruiting block captains and setting up meetings.

“Until we get the neighborhoods involved…I just don’t want to be buying a bunch of signs and then nobody even participates,” Commissioner Johnston said.

“Well we have to start,” Mahon replied.

Commissioner Johnston agreed that the program was a worthwhile effort but that she believed the signs were not the place to start.

“Right now we are looking at major possible cuts in funding and I don’t want to be setting a precedent of giving money out,” Commissioner Johnston said. “I just feel that you need to get things kind of in place first and then come to the commissioners.”

Further discussion was had on the matter and Mahon asked the commissioners if they would be willing to utilize county road department hours towards the installation of the signs if he secured the funds to purchase them.

The commissioners agreed to supply Mahon and the program with the labor.