PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DITCH PROJECT … The engineer’s office presented the final hearing presentation to the commissioners during their Tuesday meeting.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the commissioners’ chambers in Wauseon. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and roll call.
Commissioners approved minutes from the August 21, 2025, meeting, adopted the day’s agenda, and authorized payment of bills. Reports from the Dog Warden covering periods ending July 19 and July 26 were also reviewed.
Several appropriations adjustments were authorized across departments. These included small increases such as $10.37 for sheriff’s equipment from a congressional grant, $1,693 for the Job and Family Services homeless fund to aid a client, $1,494 for Municipal Court Eastern Division phone expenses, and $500 for memorial contributions.
The board entered into a five-year copier maintenance contract with Current Office Solutions, covering county offices and agencies.
A personnel request from Job and Family Services was approved to hire Emma Nafziger as a Social Services Worker I in the Children Services division, effective September 8, 2025. Additionally, the board authorized advertising for substitute and temporary workers at the Fulton County Senior Center.
Purchase orders and travel requests were also approved.
At 9:15 a.m., commissioners reconvened for the final hearing on the Brush Creek Branch 9, Ditch 2152 improvement project, petitioned by Rod Short.
County engineer staff outlined the updated project scope, which runs from County Road 20A near the Ohio Turnpike southward to the main branch of Brush Creek.
Adjustments since the original plan included revised pricing after contractor bids came in higher than anticipated.
To reduce costs, stone usage was scaled back in several areas, certain culvert cleanings were shifted, one to county responsibility and another directly to a benefiting landowner, and additional tree removal was added after further inspection.
The construction portion of the project totals just under $55,000. With engineering, clerk, and first-year maintenance costs, the final assessment came to $61,433.65.
Property owners at the upper end near the turnpike, where more extensive work is required, will bear higher assessments, while landowners at the lower end saw some reductions.
The board confirmed that the project was necessary, conducive to the public welfare, and that the benefits outweighed the costs.
Resolution 2025-560 affirmed prior orders, confirmed assessments, and directed the county engineer to proceed with contract bidding. The maintenance term was set at five years, with bids scheduled to open September 23rd at 9:30 a.m.
Upcoming events include the county offices being closed on September 1 for Labor Day, and the September 4 commissioners’ session being canceled due to the county fair livestock sale.