As the Grand Prize winner, he receives the #1 dog tag for 2010, prize-winning photo on the 2011 renewal forms, and a gift basket from Total Pet Services. First Runner-Up, Skyler, a 2-year old Siberian Husky and Second Runner-Up, Sheba, a Labradoodle, both received gift certificates from Total Pet Services. All the winners received complimentary dog tags for 2010 from Auditor Anita Lopez and Interim Dog Warden Bonnie Mitchell. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's contest. Check back for details on how your pet can be Lucas County's #1 dog for 2011.

Homeowners who wish to challenge their property values as listed at the Auditor’s Office can do so before the March 31, 2010 deadline. The Board of Revision (BOR) reviews complaints people have with their property values. [Additional info...]

If you are a senior citizen (65 years or older) or disabled person and meet the program guidelines, you are encouraged to enroll in the homestead program. [Additional info...]

The Board of Lucas County Commissioners, pursuant to Section §307.37(B) of the Ohio Revised Code, will hold public hearings on March 2, 2010 and March 9, 2010 at 9:30 AM in the Board of County Commissioners Hearing Room, 1st Floor, One Government Center, Toledo, Ohio, for the purpose of amending Appendix B – Schedule of Fees of the Lucas County Building Code.

Copies of the proposed amendments to Appendix B – Schedule of Fees of the Lucas County Building Code are on file at the Board of Lucas County Commissioners Office, One Government Center, Suite 800, Toledo, Ohio, and are available for public inspection. This notice will also be posted on the Lucas County website at http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=62

By order of the Board of County Commissioners of Lucas County, Ohio.

Pete Gerken, President
Tina Skeldon Wozniak
Ben Konop

Publish in the Toledo Blade on February 16, 2010

The Board of Lucas County Commissioners, pursuant to Chapter 307, Section §307.37(B) (1) of the Ohio Revised Code, will hold a public hearing on March 2, 2010 and March 9, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Hearing Room, One Government Center, Toledo, Ohio for the purpose of amending Part IX, Flood Damage Prevention Regulations, of the Lucas County Building Code.

Copies of the proposed amended Flood Damage Prevention Regulations are on file in the office of the Board of Lucas County Commissioners Office, One Government Center, Suite 800, Toledo, Ohio and are available for public inspection.

This notice will also be posted on the Lucas County Website at http://oh-lucascounty.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=62

By order of the Board of County Commissioners of Lucas County, Ohio.

Pete Gerken, President
Tina Skeldon Wozniak
Ben Konop

Publish in the Toledo Blade on February 16, 2010

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 5:30 p.m. at 1154 Larc Lane.

Lucas County Commissioners have issued a Certificate of Recognition acknowledging the recent prestigious three-year accreditation by CARF. "This is an example of the commitment and passion the Board of Developmental Disabilities has for our community," reads the Certificate.

A three-year certification by CARF, the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, is the highest accreditation awarded. CARF standards are considered the benchmarks for state of the art service delivery in this field. [View the news release]

Effective Wednesday, July 1, 2009 all Automobile and Watercraft Title fees will increase to $ 15.00. This includes all Original, Replacement, and Salvage Titles. All Automobile Dealer to Dealer transactions will remain unchanged. For a complete listing of all the adjusted fees please use the link below.
[Additional info...]

Pursuant to Rule 45 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, effective May 1, 2009, the following information is defined as personal and private and is to be omitted from all case documents submitted to the Court or filed with the Clerk of Court. [Additional info...]

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic locations View Clinic Locations

One of the main goals of this service is to help low-to-middle income working families or people who have lost their jobs and/or homes claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which brings millions of federal tax refund dollars back into the pockets of Lucas County residents. Those who qualify for the program could be eligible to receive a federal tax credit of up to $5,657.

“We are pleased to be able to continue offering this service to Lucas County residents,” said Konop. “Not only are families and individuals able to get their taxes done for free, but many of the people who access this service don’t realize they’re also eligible for the EITC credit.”

“We were able to assist more than 1,500 families in getting free tax preparation in 2009 and we’d like that number to be even higher this year,” Kapszukiewicz added. “When the families we help are also eligible for EITC, that credit brings valuable dollars back to Lucas County that many residents then use to stimulate our local economy.”

Approximately 800,000 Ohio families qualify for the EITC but as many as 20 percent of these families don’t take advantage of the credit, either because they don’t know about it or don’t know how to access it.

People who want to know if they are eligible for free tax preparation or the EITC are urged to dial 2-1-1 to speak with a representative who can help them determine their eligibility and find their nearest tax preparation site. The free tax preparation is performed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers by appointment at sites around Lucas County.

If you have your taxes prepared elsewhere and are a low-to-middle income level family, be sure to ask if you are eligible for the EITC. For more information, please visit:
www.unitedwaytoledo.org/eitc

Homeowners who wish to challenge their property values as listed at the Auditor’s Office can do so before the March 31, 2010 deadline. The Board of Revision (BOR) reviews complaints people have with their property values. [Additional info...]

If you are a senior citizen (65 years or older) or disabled person and meet the program guidelines, you are encouraged to enroll in the homestead program. [Additional info...]

As the Grand Prize winner, he receives the #1 dog tag for 2010, prize-winning photo on the 2011 renewal forms, and a gift basket from Total Pet Services. First Runner-Up, Skyler, a 2-year old Siberian Husky and Second Runner-Up, Sheba, a Labradoodle, both received gift certificates from Total Pet Services. All the winners received complimentary dog tags for 2010 from Auditor Anita Lopez and Interim Dog Warden Bonnie Mitchell. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's contest. Check back for details on how your pet can be Lucas County's #1 dog for 2011.

Pursuant to Rule 45 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, effective May 1, 2009, the following information is defined as personal and private and is to be omitted from all case documents submitted to the Court or filed with the Clerk of Court. [Additional info...]

Changes regarding Transfer on Death Deeds
from the Ohio Recorder’s Association...
SB 124 - Transfer on Death - Effective Date Dec 28, 2009

The language referring to a Transfer on Death (TOD) deed has been removed and replaced with a TOD Designation Affidavit. After the effective date of the bill, no more TOD deeds should be executed. The following are some details concerning the bill:

Transfer on Death Designation Affidavit
- The TOD Designation Affidavit is executed and recorded to put on record who the beneficiaries will be upon the death of the owner. (Replaces TOD Deed)
- We are to record in the same manner as a deed and charge the standard fee
- The property to be transferred must be specified - legal description
- Must index the affidavit in the name of the owner of the real property
- The TOD Designation Affidavit may contain contingent beneficiaries
- In order for the TOD Designation Affidavit to be effective it must be recorded prior to the death of the owner
- In case of multiple TOD Designation Affidavits being executed and recorded, the last affidavit is the one of record

Affidavit of Confirmation
- The Affidavit of TOD has been replaced with an Affidavit of Confirmation
- Must be executed by any TOD beneficiary
- Must contain the same information that was required by the Affidavit of TOD
- Must include a certified copy of the death certificate of the owner. Also, must include a certified copy of a death certificate for any beneficiaries that did not survive the owner.
- We must make reference to the TOD Designation Affidavit

Deeds Executed Prior to December 28, 2009 Effective Date
- All previously executed and recorded to the TOD deeds are considered valid
- According to the bill a TOD deed must be executed and recorded before the bill’s effective date in order to be valid
- If a TOD deed is presented for recordation after December 28, 2009 then the Ohio Recorder’s Association recommends that you consult with your Prosecutor concerning your legal responsibility

Medicaid Estate Recovery Form
– The reference to a TOD deed has been replaced with language referencing the newly created TOD Designation Affidavit
- We are still required to collect the completed Medicaid Estate Recovery Form and forward it to the Administrator of the Medicaid Program

Effective Wednesday, July 1, 2009 all Automobile and Watercraft Title fees will increase to $ 15.00. This includes all Original, Replacement, and Salvage Titles. All Automobile Dealer to Dealer transactions will remain unchanged. For a complete listing of all the adjusted fees please use the link below.
[Additional info...]

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day by competing in a Poster Design Contest. [Additional info...]

This April, you can help us with our local cleanup, beautification and community improvement program, the Great American Cleanup. [Additional info...]

Lucas County Children Services is sponsoring its annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Essay Contest. The winner will receive a $50 gift card, and the runner-up will receive a $25 gift card. Both the winner and the runner-up will read their essays at the agency's annual Child Memorial, scheduled for April 30 in downtown Toledo. Learn more...

Changes regarding Transfer on Death Deeds
from the Ohio Recorder’s Association...
SB 124 - Transfer on Death - Effective Date Dec 28, 2009

The language referring to a Transfer on Death (TOD) deed has been removed and replaced with a TOD Designation Affidavit. After the effective date of the bill, no more TOD deeds should be executed. The following are some details concerning the bill:

Transfer on Death Designation Affidavit
- The TOD Designation Affidavit is executed and recorded to put on record who the beneficiaries will be upon the death of the owner. (Replaces TOD Deed)
- We are to record in the same manner as a deed and charge the standard fee
- The property to be transferred must be specified - legal description
- Must index the affidavit in the name of the owner of the real property
- The TOD Designation Affidavit may contain contingent beneficiaries
- In order for the TOD Designation Affidavit to be effective it must be recorded prior to the death of the owner
- In case of multiple TOD Designation Affidavits being executed and recorded, the last affidavit is the one of record

Affidavit of Confirmation
- The Affidavit of TOD has been replaced with an Affidavit of Confirmation
- Must be executed by any TOD beneficiary
- Must contain the same information that was required by the Affidavit of TOD
- Must include a certified copy of the death certificate of the owner. Also, must include a certified copy of a death certificate for any beneficiaries that did not survive the owner.
- We must make reference to the TOD Designation Affidavit

Deeds Executed Prior to December 28, 2009 Effective Date
- All previously executed and recorded to the TOD deeds are considered valid
- According to the bill a TOD deed must be executed and recorded before the bill’s effective date in order to be valid
- If a TOD deed is presented for recordation after December 28, 2009 then the Ohio Recorder’s Association recommends that you consult with your Prosecutor concerning your legal responsibility

Medicaid Estate Recovery Form
– The reference to a TOD deed has been replaced with language referencing the newly created TOD Designation Affidavit
- We are still required to collect the completed Medicaid Estate Recovery Form and forward it to the Administrator of the Medicaid Program

It's that time of year again. Once a year we look for your help in completing a few surveys for use in our Annual District Report that we have to send to Ohio EPA. [Enter here...]

It's that time of year again. Once a year we look for your help in completing a few surveys for use in our Annual District Report that we have to send to Ohio EPA. [Enter here...]

It's that time of year again. Once a year we look for your help in completing a few surveys for use in our Annual District Report that we have to send to Ohio EPA. [Enter here...]

It's that time of year again. Once a year we look for your help in completing a few surveys for use in our Annual District Report that we have to send to Ohio EPA. [Enter here...]

One of the main goals of this service is to help low-to-middle income working families or people who have lost their jobs and/or homes claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which brings millions of federal tax refund dollars back into the pockets of Lucas County residents. Those who qualify for the program could be eligible to receive a federal tax credit of up to $5,657.

“We are pleased to be able to continue offering this service to Lucas County residents,” said Konop. “Not only are families and individuals able to get their taxes done for free, but many of the people who access this service don’t realize they’re also eligible for the EITC credit.”

“We were able to assist more than 1,500 families in getting free tax preparation in 2009 and we’d like that number to be even higher this year,” Kapszukiewicz added. “When the families we help are also eligible for EITC, that credit brings valuable dollars back to Lucas County that many residents then use to stimulate our local economy.”

Approximately 800,000 Ohio families qualify for the EITC but as many as 20 percent of these families don’t take advantage of the credit, either because they don’t know about it or don’t know how to access it.

People who want to know if they are eligible for free tax preparation or the EITC are urged to dial 2-1-1 to speak with a representative who can help them determine their eligibility and find their nearest tax preparation site. The free tax preparation is performed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers by appointment at sites around Lucas County.

If you have your taxes prepared elsewhere and are a low-to-middle income level family, be sure to ask if you are eligible for the EITC. For more information, please visit:
www.unitedwaytoledo.org/eitc

Toledo, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and the Board of Lucas County Commissioners announced today that the Lucas County Workforce Development Agency (LCWDA), in partnership with The State of Ohio and The Source Northwest Ohio, has scheduled a major hiring event intended to bring employers and job seekers together in one forum.

Project Hire 2010, financed with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds allocated through the State, should be the region’s largest education and employment resource fair, according to LCWDA officials. In addition, the Michigan Institute of Aviation Technology’s Power Technology Institute has again signed on to help sponsor the event.

Scheduled for Friday, April 30 at the Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key Street in Maumee, the doors will open for attendees at 9 AM and remain open until 3 PM to accommodate expected crowds.

Businesses interested in attending the event are encouraged to register early and can contact The Source at 419.213.JOBS (5627) or visit www.thesourcenwo.com to register online. Job seekers will also be able to register prior to the event however those details will be released at a later date.

The 2009 job fair attracted 120 employers and more than 5,000 individuals looking for that next career opportunity. The tight economy has impacted more than 26,000 workers in Lucas County with unemployment hovering above 12 percent.

Flanked by Lucas County Commissioners Pete Gerken and Tina Skeldon Wozniak, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland dropped in on The Source Northwest Ohio Friday, meeting staff and visiting Owens Community College’s green jobs classes.

The Governor stopped in at the County’s one-stop employment center to learn more about how some of his programs and initiatives have been implemented in the region and the impact they are having on workers utilizing the services available at The Source.

Joined by newly elected Toledo Mayor Mike Bell, State Representatives Matt Szollosi and Peter Ujvagi, State Senator Teresa Fedor, Workforce Investment Board Chairman Ron Rothenbuhler, Workforce Director Eric Walker, and a number of Owens officials, Governor Strickland was guided through the Resource Room where dozens of job seekers were using available computers to either search for work or develop resumes to be used in their job search.

The Governor also visited classes in the Owens Community College Learning Center at The Source, talking with students and asking questions about their career goals, the challenges they face as “non-traditional” students and their futures. He and Mr. Bell both shared stories about the difficulty they faced adjusting to college life when they first entered higher education.

Citing the growth of green energy in the State, but particularly in the Toledo area, the Governor stressed the hope he has that these fledgling industries will eventually grow to the point where they can create enough jobs to potentially offset job losses in the automotive sector.

As he was finishing his visit, Governor Strickland stopped to field questions from the media and complemented the staff at The Source for their hard work and dedication in making the center one of the leading one-stops in the state.