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County jobless rate declines |
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Wednesday, 21 October 2009 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER and MATT NICHOLS
Staff Writers
Unemployment rates in Auglaize County dropped almost 1 percent in September — putting it in the near the lower end of the state figures.
In figures released Tuesday, the county registered an unemployment rate of 10.1 percent — down from 10.9 percent in August. The statewide rate also fell, dipping to 10.1 percent from an August rate of 10.8 percent. In September 2008, the county unemployment rate was 5.6 percent.
“A lot of factors are involved (in the drop), but a lot of the local businesses are certainly coming back to their employment levels before the slowdown,” Auglaize County Commissioner John Bergman said. “They’re not all the way back, but they’re close.”
Bergman said much of the nation is seeing gradual improvement in their economy, and Wapakoneta is no different.
“If we can sustain ourselves even at a slow pace, then that’s fine,” Bergman said. “I think that’s going to be the key to this whole economy — a nice, slow steady growth.”
Wapakoneta Mayor Rodney Metz told the Wapakoneta Daily News he believed the numbers were a good sign for the city, but questioned if the decrease signified unemployment rolls running out, and not new hirings.
“Unless things are measured differently than they were, I would have to question some of those calculations,” Metz said. “If you factor that in, it can be an unfair way to give a picture of the economy.”
Of the 26,400 labor force, 2,300 were unemployed in the county. Among Ohio’s 88 counties, Auglaize County ranked 55th in unemployment rates. Auglaize County’s numbers put it in line with most of the surrounding area. Allen County has a rate of 10.2 percent, Shelby County has a rate of 11.9 percent, Darke County has a rate of 9.9 percent and Van Wert has a rate of 13.2 percent. Mercer County continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. In September it registered a rate of 7.8 percent — fifth lowest in the state.
“This is the fifth out of sixth month we have seen a decrease in unemployment rates so we hope it’s better news,” Industrial and Community Development Manager Todd Fleagle said. “We are starting to hear better news locally.”
He said the dip in unemployment rates could mean help is on the way.
for a battered national economy. However he said time will tell if economy will continue to improve.
“There are a few companies with orders that are up and some that are working overtime,” Fleagle said. “It also depends on what sector they are working with. I think the verdict is still out with the Cash for Clunkers in terms of the automotive business.”
Despite the dip, Fleagle said the trend needs to continue in the future.
“Any drop is good news,” Fleagle said. “It’s good, but it is still way too high.”
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 22 October 2009 )
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