Animal Shelter cares for 962 animals in 2023

The Miami County Animal Shelter released its 2023 annual numbers. The shelter took in a total of 962 animals. 585 of those animals found their “furever” homes, 329 were reunited with their families, and 19 were sent to foster. In addition, shelter volunteers collectively logged 1,012 hours. Adoptable pets can be found at adoptapet.com/shelter/86694/available-pets/pets.

Miami County Commissioners adopt 2024 budget

The Board of Miami County Commissioners adopted its 2024 budget during the Board’s meeting in December. The budget is based on projections of estimated revenue, previous years’ budgets, and anticipated expenditures in the coming year of 2024. The approved general fund appropriations for 2024 are $48,485,759, representing a 5.5% increase over 2023. The approved budget also includes a 4.0% raise in general fund salary accounts for all non-union county employees.

Additionally, the Commissioners implemented a 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan to guide future capital projects. The 2024 budget includes $3,000,000 in necessary capital improvement projects as a result.

ARPA Funds got to Veterans Museum

In their January 9 meeting, the Commissioners recommended that a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) unrestricted funds be used for replacing the roof of the Miami Valley Veterans Museum. The museum, originally built by Ron Erwin in 1981, still has its original roof. Increasing water damage is putting the museum’s collection of artifacts at risk. The planned repairs will allow the museum to continue offering educational outreach programs and serving as a safe place for local veterans to meet up, including at a monthly breakfast for veterans held on the first Wednesday of each month. The museum is located at 2245 S. County 25 A, in Troy; info is available at www.miamivalleyveteransmuseum.org/.

Tree Seedling & Perennial Sale

Now through March 15, the Miami Soil & Water Conservation District is having their 2024 tree seedling and perennial sale. Order forms are available at miamiswcd.org; orders can also be placed at 1330 N. County Road 25A, in Troy. Eight perennials are available this year, including bee balm, coneflower, and purple love grass. Twenty-one trees and shrubs are available, from ninebark and redbud to black walnut and Ohio buckeye.