By: Rebecca Miller
The Monday morning, May 10, 2021 Williams County Commissioners session began with an Executive Session to consider employment and compensation of an individual.
They came out of Executive session with No action and went into general session to meet with Rob Giesige from the ADAMHs Board.
Mr. Giesige gave a short explanation of what the Board does, saying that they “run a budget of about $78,000,000.”
He is the CEO, and they also have a Finance person, another full time employee and a part timer. Basically they don’t provide any direct services at the office as they contract everything out.
They get money from state, federal and two levies and contract the behavioural, mental health, any drug addiction and alcohol issues in the four counties.
The “big providers” are Maumee Valley Guidance Center, Recovery Services, A Renewed Mind, and the Center for Child and Family Advocacy. Each of those have a presence in Williams, Defiance, Fulton and Henry counties.”
“They are hoping to try to start up a mental health first aid class for teens for intervention. Giesige also spoke about the fact that some counties are pushing to have the boards go down from 14 to 9 or 5 members and he feels that would be too few in a multi county board.
He asked the commissioners if they would stand with him for no less than fourteen if they are asked about it and if the Commissioners Association takes a vote on it.
He also prefers that they keep getting board members that are chosen by category so that they are aware of the needs and can all work well together.
Commissioner Hilkert asked if it would be helpful for him if they drafted a letter to the association stating that if there was a change in the number of Board members, they would prefer fourteen members and Giesige said that might be a good idea.
In regular business, the commissioners voted to approve:
-Resolution 170 Supplemental Appropriations on behalf of Airport, Commissioners’ office, Common Pleas Court, EMA and Juvenile Court
-Resolution 171 Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding between WC Commissioners and MVPO regarding Transportation Coordinated plan
-Resolution 172 Appointing a member to the Four County ADAMHs Board
-Resolution 173 Accepting and Awarding Bid in Regards to Project MVPO #2-2021 – Bona Vesta Flood and Drainage Improvement Project
-Also signed Dog Warden Monthly report for weeks ending April 20 and May 2, 2021
-Minutes for May 6 and payment of bills
Commissioner Brian Davis updated others that he heard from Hull Engineering and the tower components and pieces were to be delivered the next day. He said the erection of the MARCS tower would begin soon as everything is on track.
Commissioner Hilkert reported that he had received an email in regards to the appraisal for the park area out by Hillside and he sent a copy of it to the prosecutor for review. It came in at $363,000.
Commissioner Terry Rummel mentioned the retirement of Dog Warden, Pam Welch, and said she has asked to move it up to May 18th as her last day. He has asked the Sheriff about possibly finding somebody to help with that position.
Due to Ohio Revised Code, they are considering appointing a Sheriff’s deputy to that position for a short time. He has also spoken to the Humane Society about renting space from them, as it is best to leave the animals there.
With no further business, the May 10 meeting adjourned.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
