(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
UPDATE … Commissioners discuss updates on generator for the airport.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
On Tuesday, the Williams County Commissioners approved a year-long work permit for utility maintenance. This maintenance work will take place at various locations throughout the county.
Midwest Energy and Communications applied for the permit, which will allow them to operate within the county’s right-of-way.
The work will include annual service, utility maintenance, and tree trimming related to electric and fiber broadband services. This permit is valid from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
During the meeting on Thursday, the commissioners received updates on several projects related to facilities.
Williams County Administrator Vond Hall informed the board about the process of hiring an architect for the design work on the building known as the North Annex.
He also mentioned that he is in discussions with Williams County Prosecutor Katherine Zartman regarding the best way for the county to proceed.
Only one firm submitted a qualification statement in January, but the Ohio Revised Code requires a minimum of three submissions. Zartman suggested that requests for qualifications be sent to additional vendors. A letter has been prepared for the commissioners to sign and send to potential vendors.
In other news, the commissioners have reappointed attorney Christopher Walker to another five-year term on the Williams County Law Library Resources Board, which will commence on January 1, 2025.
Commissioner Hilkert provided an update on the generators for the airport, Hillside Country Living, and the engineer’s office. Hillside recently received a new generator, and their previous generator will be moved to the county’s engineer office once it is repaired.
There were some concerns about whether the generator would be powerful enough to support the equipment at the airport.
However, Hilkert assured that he informed Williams County Engineer Todd Roth that the intent is to power the hangar and the runway lights. An electrician will assess whether the generator is suitable for these purposes.
A review of the initial 2025 budget began, and three work permits for Frontier Communications were approved in the county right-of-way. With nothing further, the meetings were adjourned.