On Tuesday, Franklin County Commissioners will consider the 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is a blueprint for making capital expenditures, but it is also a living, dynamic plan, subject to changing priorities and the availability of funds.

The CIP exhibits how Franklin County is making prudent, forward looking decisions, but also meeting the current service requirements of County offices and agencies. We are planning ahead but not deferring action on current needs.

This updated, 5-year CIP identifies the substantial progress made in advancing prior commitments to advance work in critical areas of need and on high priority projects.

"Our ability to adopt the suggested Capital Improvement Plan is a reflection of the sound financial practices we have adopted. And that is reflected in the AAA ratings we receive from the bonding agencies which recognize our strong financial condition," said Commission President John O'Grady.

"Our careful and conservative fiscal approach is paying dividends and is so important to Central Ohio families at this time," said Commissioner Paula Brooks.

"It's critical that we always have this long term vision found in the Capital Improvement Plan. It's a vision grounded in our sound fiscal policies that require us to manage our finances in a responsible, businesslike manner," said Commissioner Marilyn Brown.

Highlights of the plan include:

Construction of the Common Pleas Courthouse is 74% complete, with substantial completion scheduled for late this year. It will accommodate long-term growth, improve building safety and security and meet the court's technological and operating needs.

The opening of the Courthouse will occur in conjunction with the completion of work on our Group A Projects – the Pavilion, Tunnel and Connector that will dramatically improve way-finding, security, access and connectivity to our Government Center complex of service buildings.

The CIP includes funding to begin the first steps in gutting and making an adaptive reuse of what will be a vacant Hall of Justice in 2011.

And the planning effort extends beyond the Hall of Justice as we look to update our Master Plan for our downtown campus.

The CIP allocates funds for the completion of the Animal Shelter and Adoption Center and a completion date scheduled for the second quarter in 2011.

The CIP acknowledges the need to allocate funds for reprogramming or additions to the County's detention facilities at the appropriate time.

The CIP, while planning for major, prominent projects, also acknowledges the need to allocate funds to maintain and repair our existing facilities. Those initiatives include pursuing opportunities to expand our implementation of energy conservation measures in all County facilities and to improve accessibility in all County facilities.

The activities and projects identified in the CIP will be planned designed and implemented in accordance with the green, sustainable principles and practices endorsed by the County Commissioners.

As indicated earlier, the CIP is a dynamic plan. County revenues will be monitored and adjustments suggested if funding projections or new needs arise that require your reconsideration.

Adoption of the proposed Capital Improvement Plan and funding actions in the Resolution will allow for the transfer of $1,900,000 from Commissioners Fund to PFM's Materials and Services Fund and a total supplemental appropriation of $20,889,692 to PFM's Capital Outlay Funds.

• View the proposed 2010-2014 plan. The plan remains in a draft form until the Board of Commissioners considers and votes on it during their General Session Meeting on Tuesday, 2/16 at 9 a.m.