Monday, February 01, 1999
Money woes dull Corwin's rural charms
Village could lose incorporated status
BY MICHAEL D. CLARK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CORWIN — This tiny Warren County community might disappear from the map, but it won't be erased without a fight, residents say.
A special state audit, which included accusations of illegalities and warnings of financial crisis, has residents of this 150-year-old community contemplating whether they can afford to go on as an independent village. The alternative: becoming an unincorporated addition to Wayne Township.
Corwin is immediately across the Little Miami River from Waynesville.
It's a sparse rural village where dogs don't bother looking when crossing the street and a community icon — the feed store — smells of fresh grain. The only traffic gridlock for Corwin's 225 residents is when bicyclists crowd the Little Miami River Bike Trail, which cuts through its center.
Those living in Corwin say they are worried the village will lose incorporated status in the wake of Ohio Auditor Jim Petro's “fiscal emergency” audit released 10 days ago.
In Mr. Petro's statement accompanying the audit, he suggested that “Corwin residents weigh the costs and benefits of remaining incorporated versus reverting to township governance.”
He added that the higher taxes and fees necessary for the small village to return to financial stability may strike residents as prohibitive.
“Consequently, residents should consider a referendum on surrendering governance to Wayne Township,” Mr. Petro said.
Many residents are reluctant to talk about such a historical move, but those that do make it clear they will fight for independence.
“We like Corwin. It's our home, and we don't want to change,” said longtime resident Ruby Neace.
But when accusations raised by the state audit — which include the illegal issuance of a promissory note in connection with $80,000 of debt in 1997; $20,000 owed for delinquent water and sewer purchases; and a total debt of $130,000, with only $1,400 cash balance — are mentioned to village officials and residents, they turn quiet.
“Everybody around here is related to everybody. You can't hardly say nothing about nobody,” said Ms. Neace.
Mayor W. Howard Purkey Jr. declined to comment.
Corwin businessman Patrick Davidson said the village's problems have dominated most conversations lately — and the consensus is clear.
“I don't know of anyone who wants to turn it over to the township,” said Mr. Davidson, owner of Davidson Meat Processing on Corwin Avenue. “We don't have a whole lot here, but we all love it.”
As for whether Wayne Township officials even want to absorb the village, Mr. Davidson feels qualified in offering an opinion since he is vice president of the Wayne Township trustees.
“We don't want it. We're not making any sort of play for Corwin. It's surely not in our budget to take over this village,” he said.
He said one solution to Corwin's fiscal woes could come from donations from individuals and companies.
“But I have no idea what's going to happen. I only hope Corwin remains Corwin,” Mr. Davidson said.
State auditor officials said they have made recommendations to the Warren County prosecutor's office in regards to $646 in delinquent water charges.
Moreover, the auditor has also made a referral to the Ohio Ethics Commission for an investigation into Mr. Purkey and a potential conflict of interest involving $10,000 of the village's debt. The $10,000 represents the cost to install gas lines to property partially owned by Mr. Purkey.
Auditor officials have also forwarded information regarding the gas lines to the county prosecutor's office.
Warren County Prosecutor Tim Oliver said his office has made a formal inquiry to Mr. Purkey asking him to explain the $646 in delinquent water charges.
He said his office will act on other allegations should the state ethics commission make a recommendation.
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