County briefs

Clark County's comprehensive plan shows the area is woefully short on affordable housing, shelter beds and homes for special needs residents.

The 40-page report was submitted on Tuesday to the Clark County Commission, which was expected to adopt it after a public hearing. However, members of various town boards asked for a month to review the document before the commission votes.

The report shows that 80,000 households spend 30 percent or more of their income on housing, which indicates the need for more affordable housing. In addition, 45,000 households spend more than half their income on housing.

The unmet need for shelter beds is nearly 8,000, the plan notes. In addition, the county is short 9,000 units for elderly people and 2,500 beds short for mentally disabled. For the 2,000 people with AIDS or who are HIV-positive and need special housing, there are 57 units available.

Holmes takes his new post

Clark County Planning Director Richard Holmes officially was hired Tuesday to replace Bonnie Rinaldi as assistant county manager.

Assistant Planning Director John Schlegel received the Clark County Commission's blessing to take Holmes' place in the planning division.

Holmes, 50, will oversee the county's development divisions such as planning and public works. He will begin his new job March 1.

Rinaldi announced last month that she was leaving her position to spend more time with her family. The 14-year planning veteran said she may consider returning to the county on a part-time basis.

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