PERKINS TWP.

The board of the Ohio Veterans Home began its meeting with a switch.

Vice chairman Glen Johnson was named chairman, the first time the position has been held by a black person, said Gary Chetwood, OVH spokesperson.

Retired Brigadier General Steve Martin stepped down, assuming the title of vice chairman, after serving as chairman. Barbara Kugler was named secretary.

In her report to the board, Col. Christine Cook, OVH director, said the Southern Ohio Veteran's Home in Georgetown is expected to be open to residents by October. Employees will move from rented offices into the building next month, giving them time to fill more of the vacant positions before the home opens.

OVH is hoping the governor will be able to dedicate the new facility November 15, but the governor has not confirmed that schedule, Cook said.

Of the 155 who have completed pre-admission applications, Cook said 75 have been contacted to see if they are still interested. Ten have said they are interested in October admission; 12 have died.

OVH's final budget included $800,000 in additional funding to purchase supplies to have the new home ready for residents.

The home began operating under its $47,996,664 budget July 1.

The budget for the following fiscal year has been set at $49,369,616.

Helping the home meet that budget was the early retirement incentive program. Of the 46 eligible for the program, 28 are expected to take advantage of it, Cook said in her report.

Cook also reported that bids for to demolish two cottages on the home's campus came in at $48,500 -- $3,500 above estimate.

The home will ask the controlling board to approve the additional expenditure.

The board also discussed meeting in Sandusky more regularly. After discussion, the board decided to hold its next meeting in Sandusky, Sept. 24.

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