Allen County Commissioners deliver their State of the County speech to Rotary.
The main responsibility of the Allen County Commissioners is oversight of the county general fund and administration of those dollars. Commissioner Beth Seibert told us that Allen County's 2022 budget is more than $31 million, up nearly $2 million from 2021. "I know that sounds like a lot of money but there's very little wiggle room in that and there's a lot of moving targets." Beth told us that 63% of that revenue comes from sales tax, 11% from charge for services, 10% from property tax, and the rest from other sources. That money funds 25 different county agencies, such as the courts, the sheriff's office, the coroner's office, the auditor's office, the recorder's office and more. Beth told us that the county must have a balanced budget, it cannot borrow money for operational expenses. Commissioner Cory Noonan told us that the county would like to spend more money on capital expenses to repair older buildings and renovate them for modern uses. "If you think about where county government may have been in 1884 when the courthouse was built and where we're at today, it's slightly different." He says that many people ask why the county doesn't sell some of its properties to raise money. Noonan says they simply can't. "The county engineer has right of ways all over the county that we have to have. At the end of the day, they are for county purposes that we cannot give ownership to somebody else." Cory did say that he thinks there may be a way to consolidate some of the buildings and if that happens, then they would be able to sell some properties.
We will be hosting our Rotary Social Event on February 10th from 6:00- 8:00 at Westgate Entertainment Center. We will have lanes rented for bowling, food and drinks. If you would like to arrive early and visit before the lanes are open to our group you are more than welcome to do that!
RSVP now for Rotary District 6600's Foundation Gala on February 12.
February has always been a time of celebration in the Rotary world -- after all, Rotary was founded in February. This year our District is planning a Foundation Gala to celebrate all that is good in Rotary. Please join us on Saturday, February 12, 2022, as we honor all of our donors from the past few years to The Rotary Foundation on Valentine's weekend. This special event will be an evening of festivities highlighted by our special guest speaker Stephanie Urchick, former Rotary Director and Foundation Trustee.
The festivities will begin with a cocktail hour, where we can renew acquaintances and make new ones, followed by a dinner, a special program honoring our donors, and end with an evening of dancing and socializing, and of course, there will be chocolate!
We can't think of a better way to celebrate Rotary and Valentine's Day than with a group of Rotary friends.
If you know your DACdb login credentials you may Register NOW for the District 6600 Foundation Celebration.
If you do not know your DACdb login credentials, register here.
Limited time only: save on the 2022 Rotary International Convention.
In response to questions and concerns raised by members worldwide, we are pleased to announce that the Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will be an in-person event 4-8 June in Houston, Texas, USA. We are excited to offer a special registration rate of US$495 through 28 February.
In addition, the Board has determined that all participants, including Rotary International preconvention participants, must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) OR provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention. Check convention.rotary.org for updates as we continue to determine what safety protocols are necessary, based on the current CDC recommendations for safe gatherings. Don’t delay, because this special registration offer expires 28 February. You’ll have the opportunity to cancel for a full refund, minus a $50 per person administration fee, until 30 April.
Peace is fundamental to Rotary’s mission. In a time of heightened tensions and uncertainties due to COVID-19 and other factors, it is critically important that we work together to create environments where peace can thrive. Our members are addressing the underlying causes of conflict every day through service projects and peace fellowships and scholarships. February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. Learn how Rotary members around the world are promoting peace.
In Nigeria, the Rotary Club of Jalingo Prestige collaborated with a local non-governmental organization to host a peace building symposium for youth and community leaders. Read more.
In the United States, the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights delivered toys to a local family shelter that supports victims of domestic abuse. Read more.
The Rotary Club of Cherkasy in Ukraine and the Rotary Club of Marmaris in Turkey signed a twin club agreement during an Intercountry Committee friendship conference as a long-term commitment to advance international understanding and cooperate on service projects. Read more.
In the Philippines, the Rotary Clubs of Downtown Olongapo and Downtown Olongapo II and the Rotaract Club of Gordon College provided necessary supplies to The Olongapo Center for Youth which provides a safe, secure, and structured environment for teenagers. Read more.
In Bolivia, the Rotary Club of Tupiza collaborated with a local volunteer program to organize a series of workshops for children, parents, and teachers on violence prevention mechanisms, promoting gender equality, and human rights. Read more.
Interested in planning your own project? Check Rotary’s Areas of Focus Guide for ideas to take action and tips for success, and connect with a Rotary Action Groups for support with project planning and implementation and help finding resources.