HISTORY … The Fulton County Historical Society gave an end-of-the-year update to the commissioners on all upcoming events and new events that are coming.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Commissioners met in regular session on December 16, 2025, opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, and a roll call, before approving the agenda as presented and the minutes from their previous meeting.
Commissioners then approved a resolution opposing the Ritter Station transmission line project following discussion on the matter.
They also voted to proceed as a late intervener in the case, noting the December 22 filing deadline and the importance of formally presenting the county’s position through the regulatory process.
The commissioners are hoping that intervening will give them more time to plead their case on the issue.
Additional resolutions addressed zoning and planning matters, including setting dates for the review and public hearing of Zoning Petition 2154.
The review was scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, with the public hearing set for Thursday, February 19, in accordance with required timelines.
Commissioners rejected bids for the Lake Water Tower project after officials reported all submitted bids exceeded the engineer’s estimate by more than twenty percent. The project will be reevaluated before being rebid.
A cybersecurity program plan was approved to bring the county into compliance with House Bill 96. Officials clarified that the action involved the adoption of a required plan and did not include additional funding.
Several resolutions were approved authorizing contracts and agreements on behalf of various county departments, including agreements with local churches, public utilities, engineering services, court services, and intergovernmental agreements with the City of Wauseon.
Commissioners also approved purchase orders, noting a previously questioned item had been corrected before final approval.
Following the conclusion of regular business, the Fulton County Historical Society submitted its proposed 2026 operating budget to the Fulton County Commissioners, outlining total projected revenues and expenses of $162,750.
The budget anticipates its largest sources of revenue coming from donations at $52,500 and grants totaling $45,100, along with $24,000 in event income and $12,000 in merchandise sales.
Additional revenue is projected through memberships, admissions, Lauber Hill programming, and other smaller income sources.
On the expense side, salaries account for $78,789 of the budget. Other major expenses include insurance, advertising, marketing services, exhibits, events, and maintenance across multiple historic properties operated by the society.
The budget is balanced, with projected revenues matching projected expenses. Society leadership thanked commissioners for their continued support, particularly for the museum facility the organization has occupied since 2018.
During the presentation, officials outlined upcoming initiatives, including the continued integration of genealogical society collections, expanded family history research resources, and a new exhibit titled “13 Moons,” scheduled to open in March.
The exhibit will focus on Native American life in the region during the Revolutionary War era as part of programming connected to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Additional programming discussed included Senior Discovery Days in partnership with the Fulton County Senior Center, continued haunted history tours across the county, and a future tour planned in Metamora.
Officials also highlighted the ongoing Born in Turmoil exhibit, which examines the first 25 years of Fulton County history.
Society representatives also updated commissioners on efforts to identify Revolutionary War veterans buried in Fulton County and renewed legislative efforts to name a section of State Route 109 in honor of Marjorie Whiteman. Commissioners indicated they would provide a letter of support if requested.
Before adjournment, commissioners briefly discussed a proposed statewide initiative to eliminate property taxes, noting potential impacts to county services if approved.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:29 a.m.