New ‘Wade Wire’ report finds county is better off

Lucas County treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz.

An analysis of construction, employment, and spending data indicates the area economy has improved from a year ago, according to a quarterly report issued by Lucas County Treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz.

“The general conclusion is that Lucas County is better off today than it was at this time in 2012,” Mr. Kapszukiewicz said at a news conference on Wednesday in One Government Center.

The county treasurer released the first of a series of quarterly reports called “Wade Wire” that are to examine consumer spending on autos and other goods, home and commercial construction and remodeling, and unemployment.

Mr. Kapszukiewicz said he plans to issue similar reports every three months to judge the health of the local economy. He said data from the county and the cities of Toledo, Maumee, and Oregon were used to compile the report.

Barring any unforeseen national financial problems, Mr. Kapszukiewicz said he believes the local economy is on the path to further improvement.