Census Form Arriving - Mail it Back!
The US Census Bureau is mailing out more than 120 million 2010 Census questionnaires across the country this week. Asking just 10 questions and taking only about 10 minutes to complete, the 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in U.S. history. Residents are encouraged to fill out and mail back their census forms using the enclosed pre-paid envelope as soon as they are received. The Census Bureau is encouraging households to return their forms by mail because taxpayers can save about $85 million in operational costs for every percentage point increase in the national mail participation rate.
The 2010 Census is the largest domestic mobilization conducted by the federal government and is mandated by the US Constitution for the reapportionment of congressional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The census is also used to help determine how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed annually throughout the country for schools, health care facilities, safety forces, roads and highways, and other essential services.
Apply for a Community Garden Plot
With this year's spring growing season just around the corner, applications are now being accepted for garden plots at the Gantz Road Community Garden. Located on Columbus' southwest side, the Gantz Road Garden is one of the Board of Commissioners' latest initiatives to support access to healthy, fresh and affordable foods for Franklin County residents. The garden is expected to open on April 17, and will remain open through October 31. Applications are being accepted through March 22 and are available on-line or by calling (614) 462-3322. Click the link below to read the press release.
Upcoming Events
Mondays through 03/29:
Interviews for Census Positions
03/01—10/31:
Franklin County Master Gardener Information Line Announcement
03/20:
Spring Begins
03/24:
FCEM&HS-Ohio Statewide Tornado Drill at 9:50 a.m.
04/05:
Board of Elections—Registration Deadline for Primary Election
More from Franklin County
from Auditor
Have a complaint on property valuations and appraisals? The Franklin County Board of Revision (BOR) hears formal complaints from December after the first half tax bill is mailed until March 31 each year. Filing a complaint allows property owners to schedule a hearing before the Board of Revision. Click the link below for details.
from Board of Elections
All voters must be registered by April 5, 2010 to be eligible to vote in the May 4th Primary Election. For more election information click the agency link above.
In 2008, over 146,000 Franklin County residents went without needed prescriptions because of the expense. Thanks to support from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the Charitable Pharmacy is a "bridge" pharmacy which seeks to increase access to affordable prescription drugs for low income, uninsured and underinsured individuals who experience gaps with insurance coverage and/or challenges in accessing medications through other available programs. If you or someone you know is having trouble affording prescription drugs, call 614-227-0301, or send an Email to charitablepharmacy@gmail.com. Click the link below for a fact sheet.
from Board of Elections
The Franklin County Board of Elections is launching a new online service, the first of its type from a county election board in Ohio, to help campaigners reduce the time and avoid common mistakes involved in completing the paperwork required to be certified for the ballot.
The Franklin County EITC Coalition offers free tax preparation, as well as information about the Earned Income Tax Credit. You may be eligible for this credit depending on your income and number of dependents. Click the link below to read the press release.
from Board of Health
The Franklin County District Advisory Council is currently accepting letters of interest from residents interested in serving as a member of the Franklin County Board of Health to fill a five-year term that expires in 2015. The five-member Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 9:30 a.m. Click the link below for details.
from Auditor
Auditor of State Mary Taylor's office presented Franklin County officials with the "Making Your Tax Dollars Count" award for their fiscal year 2008 audit. Fewer than five percent of all Ohio government agencies are eligible for this award.
Chuck Coleman and Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo accepted the award from John R. Levitt, a regional liaison from the State Auditor's office, on Monday, January 25. Coleman headed up the CAFR team that also included Ernie Francis, Andrea Hill, Marj Kruse, Pat Newman and intern Ashley Waller.
from Auditor
Senior citizens can get up to a $25,000 reduction on the value of their home for tax purposes. The homestead exemption provides a reduction in property taxes to any senior or disabled citizen, regardless of income, on the dwelling that is that individual's principal place of residence and up to one acre of land of which an eligible individual is an owner. Click the link below to download the application.
from Children Services
Safe Havens for Infants allows a birth parent to confidentially leave an unharmed infant (up to 30 days old) with a medical worker at a hospital, emergency medical staff at a fire station, or a police officer. Click the link below and scroll down to watch an informational video.
from Board of Elections
The Franklin County Board of Elections is now on Twitter. You can follow the agency on this popular micro blogging site by going to http://twitter.com/FranklinCoBOE and following the instructions.
from Metro Parks
Franklin County Metro Parks is now on Facebook. Keep up to date with park events and information on this popular social networking site. Just click the agency link above and go to the Facebook logo at the top left of the Metro Parks page.
from Metro Parks
Online maps of the parks in the Franklin County Metro Parks system are available online. Plan your outing to a Metro Park today! Click on the agency link to access the maps.
from Animal Control
Franklin County Animal Control offers an online tool for finding the right dog for you. You can specify breed, age, size, and even locate dogs that are good with kids or other animals. Click the link below to access the Adoptable Dogs search page. You might just find your new best friend!
There's a new volunteer middle management program coming to Franklin County in 2010. This dynamic program offers youth more access to knowledgeable 4-H volunteers who specialize in one project area. Click the link below for details.
Franklin Soil and Water is holding its annual Tree, Fish, and Wildflower Sale. This year's sale offers many new items and kits as well as native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. The last day to order is March 26. Click the link below for details.
Are you starting to get tired of "green" and everyone telling you "thou must..." or "thou must not..."? No one is perfect and everyone must decide what is best for his or her own family. One way to prioritize conservation might be: Does it save me money? (Install a rain barrel for watering plants; make compost instead of purchasing fertilizer.) Does it solve a problem for me? (Plant shrubs and trees along an eroding stream; reduce mowing by replacing turf grass with native plantings.) Is it healthier? (Minimize lawn chemicals; grow your own vegetables; store household chemicals safely.) Does it beautify my surroundings? (Plant low-maintenance and wildlife-attracting native plants; install a rain garden.) How do you prioritize your conservation practices?
To learn more about these and other conservation practices, visit www.franklinswcd.org or sign up for the Franklin Soil and Water quarterly newsletter by calling (614) 486-9613 or Emailing scollins@franklinswcd.org.
from Children Services
All games have one thing in common-rules. That includes the game of life. Rules provide a sense of comfort, and justice and fairness are appreciated even by those too young to understand those concepts. Think of yourself as your child's coach, then strive to be the coach of the year! Click the link below for details.
from Children Services
March is Social Work Month. In every community, there are people who go above and beyond to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands. These advocates can come from every discipline, but many times they are social workers. Click the agency link above to learn more about how social workers help better the lives of children and families.