Бюджет Винтон-каунти исчерпан после спасения 16 детей из условий, близких к смерти

Records show Vinton County support accounts drained after 16 children rescued COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Vinton County’s budget is showing several child-focused accounts out of cash just weeks after authorities rescued 16 children from what investigators described as deplorable living conditions in a high-profile child abuse case. One week after officers entered Vinton County’s so-called “house of horrors,” Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer warned about the potential financial impact on taxpayers. “His medical here could potentially bankrupt the county,” Archer said July 8, 2026, referring to the hospitalization of one of the suspects, Gary Siders Sr., the children’s grandfather. Also charged in the case on June 30th are grandmother Christina Siders, father Gary Siders Jr. and mother Elizabeth Siders. The state provided the county $1 million to pay for the children’s care. Investigators have said many of the children could not read, write or speak coherently, and some were near death. As ABC6 Investigates awaits receipts to track where that state money is being spent, newly obtained budget records show multiple Vinton County funds tied to child care and family services have run out of money. The Child Care Levy Shortage Fund started the year with $600,000. About half was spent before the Siders case, and the remaining half was spent in July, leaving the fund with no money for the rest of the year. Other July spending also closed out several accounts, including $300,000 from the county’s Flexible Funding, $90,000 from the Family and Children First Council, and $12,000 from Family Centered Services and Supports. The county also started a Comfort for Kids Fund this year with nearly $7,000. More than $3,000 was spent in July, bringing that balance to zero as well. Despite the depleted child-related funds, the county’s general fund still shows nearly $4 million remaining from an $8 million budget, indicating money remains available for government operations.