Thursday, December 16, 1999
Two groups seek county funds
BY DAN KLEPAL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Hamilton County officials have written a proposed $1.77 billion budget for next year, but two organizations left out of the 550-page document want their names added.
The Drug and Poison Information Center and the River Front Classic Corporation, snubbed in Hamilton County's proposed budget for 2000, made their case for inclusion Wednesday during a public hearing.
A 24-hour telephone hot line that provides information about drug and poison in emergencies, the Drug and Poison Information Center says it needs about $200,000 to hire more staff next year.
The River Front Classic Corporation, which puts on a college football game between two historically African-American colleges while sponsoring a weeklong educational, multicultural and entertainment fair, is asking for $100,000.
Dr. Earl G. Siegel, co-director of the information center and professor of emergency medicine at the University of Cincinnati, said his group also is asking for money from the city and other counties to make up its budget shortfall.
He said his organization saves lives and money, because some people can resolve the emergency with information over the telephone instead of calling 911 or going to the emergency room.
“Poison is the No. 1 or No. 2 method of injury for children, depending on their age,” Dr. Siegel said. “I'd hate to see us skimp on children's lives.”
Dr. Siegel said their budget has grown because more people are using the line. He said five or six nurses or pharmacists are on duty every day, and one or two each night.
“We're asking the county to support three of those positions,” Dr. Siegel said.
John Pace Jr., president of the River Front Classic Corporation, said the game will go on next year, even if the county budget doesn't include them in the budget.
But a little money will help ensure the event is a success, he said.
“We want $100,000 to use for marketing the event,” Mr. Pace said. “We feel 2002 will be the year we will move from red ink to black ink. County support would ensure we meet that time frame.”
The budget is expected to be adopted on Wednesday.
Suit claims police hurt ailing man
We'll give our kids' eyeteeth for cola cash
Police ready for millennium madness
Tristate officials on the job - just in case
How to prepare for Y2K
Peace bell event worries officials
Council: Shirey can stay
Pete Rose Way closing till spring
Town braces for legal battle over Ten Commandments
1,900 Oak Hills students stay home after bomb threat
Officer charged with striking man in dispute
Princeton sues state over incorrect data
Shooting shocks Vevay
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Vote for Top Events of the Century
Wine collector irked by shipping ban
Portrait artist put on pedestal
GET TO IT
Hearing aids will help budding scientist
Lithograph inspired by tornado of '99
Bonds may allow for school renovations
Butler seeks livelier Mill Creek
Car leads police to robbery suspects
coats collected for needy kids
Deerfield, Mason at odds over water tower
Hamilton school head honored as best in Ohio
Law keeps police officers' personal information private
Lebanon, developer to try new land deal
TRISTATE DIGEST
Turf battle pits activist, community
Two groups seek county funds
Villa Hills meeting tense
White Castle OK protested
