PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
FUEL TANKS … The commissioners are seeking $750,000 in state funding for new airport fuel tanks. You can see in this image where the proposed fuel tanks will be placed, as well as the existing tanks that are already there.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Commissioners met for its regular session on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, opening prayer, roll call and approval of the May 21 meeting minutes.
The commissioners approved the agenda for the day and approved payment of bills as submitted. They also reviewed the county sales tax report, along with Dog Warden reports for the periods ending April 25 and May 2.
New business included a review of the Village of Delta’s statement of services for Type II Annexation Petition 2026-1 involving property titled to Leslie Haas.
Delta Council had previously approved legislation stating the village’s intent to provide utility services and police protection to the property if annexed into the village.
The Delta legislation also stated that the annexation parcel did not appear to be contrary to zoning uses or provisions reviewed by the village.
If any incompatible zoning uses are determined after annexation, the village stated it would provide appropriate buffer space under applicable Ohio law when establishing final zoning for the annexed parcel.
Commissioners also awarded the bid for the 2026 Pavement Marking Program on behalf of the Fulton County Engineer. Three bids were received for the project on May 20, and County Engineer Frank T. Onweller recommended awarding the work to Griffin Striping LLC as the lowest and best bid.
The engineer’s estimate for the project was $151,358. Commissioners accepted the recommendation and awarded the contract to Griffin Striping LLC in the amount of $150,813.
A personnel action was also approved for the Fulton County Department of Job and Family Services.
Commissioners accepted the recommendation to appoint Chyenne James to the position of Public Assistance Specialist/CSR 1, pending successful completion of all required pre-employment screenings and a one-year probationary period.
Commissioners then approved a resolution enforcing an order of reduction, removal or suspension involving Genna Biddix.
The resolution states that Biddix was removed from the position of grant administrator due to the elimination of the department, with the separation effective May 29, 2026.
The board also approved purchase orders and travel requests as submitted. The meeting was adjourned.
MAY 28 MEETING
The Fulton County Commissioners met again on Thursday, May 28, 2026, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, opening prayer, roll call and approval of the May 26 meeting minutes.
Commissioners then approved the agenda for the day and reviewed the Dog Warden report for the period ending May 9.
The board approved an amendment to the county’s Lead Safe Ohio Program grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Development.
The second amendment to grant agreement, LED 2023-202373, awards an additional $125,000 to Fulton County, bringing the total grant award to $325,000. The amendment states that Fulton County has successfully administered the grant and has shown the capacity to provide additional services through its project pipeline report.
The additional funds are intended to increase service capacity without substantially changing the existing scope of work.
Commissioners also approved the cancellation of their regular sessions scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, and Thursday, June 25. The resolution states the sessions were canceled due to a lack of quorum.
The commissioners approved applying to the Ohio Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation, for an Ohio Airport Improvement Program grant for fiscal year 2027.
The application seeks $750,000 in state funds for a tank replacement project at the Fulton County Airport.
The airport project involves the replacement of aging fuel tanks used for public aircraft fueling. Supporting documents state that the existing 100LL and UL94 tanks are more than 40 years old and have reached the end of their useful life.
The total estimated project cost is listed at $980,000, including two 6,000-gallon fuel tanks at $450,000 each, $50,000 for design and bid services and $30,000 for construction services. The ODOT request would cover $750,000, with the local share listed at $230,000.
Project documents also state that the current annual fuel demand is roughly 28,000 gallons for 100LL and 6,000 gallons for UL94. Potential revenue from fuel sales, based on anticipated pricing and existing demand, could be as much as $120,000 annually.
The projected schedule shows plans and specifications being submitted in February 2027, advertising for bids in March 2027, grant execution in April 2027, a pre-construction meeting in June 2027, substantial completion in March 2028, final inspection in April 2028 and final payment request in June 2028.
EXTENSION UPDATE
Commissioners also heard an update from Ohio State University Extension representatives Melissa Rupp, Sara Lewis and Heather Torlina, who shared information on Extension work in Fulton County involving family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, water quality, agriculture and community outreach.
Rupp’s family and consumer sciences update for January through May 2026 showed continued programming in financial education, food safety, homebuyer education and youth development.
The report stated that 15 homebuyers received one-on-one education and budgeting support before purchasing their first home, while statewide classes reached more than 50 students and households.
The family and consumer sciences report also stated that 30 classes were taught to more than 450 learners, ranging from high school students to senior citizens, on financial well-being skills.
In addition, 324 high school students completed the Real Money. Real World. program and simulation this spring, with support from 77 volunteers.
Food safety training also remained a focus, with 42 food safety certificates awarded according to Ohio Department of Health criteria.
Those included 19 Food Safety Manager certificates and 23 Person in Charge certificates.
Rupp’s report also noted that 34 family and consumer sciences teachers participated in an OSU-led in-service, with behavioral finance serving as the keynote topic. The training was funded through a grant secured by Rupp.
Another outreach effort involved 80 sixth-grade students from Evergreen Elementary, who learned outdoor cooking skills and food safety at 4-H Camp Palmer.
The program gave students a chance to prepare a healthy snack over an open campfire while learning basic cooking principles, food safety, and outdoor recipe creativity.
Sara Lewis’ 4-H Youth Development update highlighted Fulton County’s continued youth programming, which serves children and teens through clubs, projects, service, camps and leadership opportunities.
The report listed 900 enrolled youth and 158 screened volunteers in Fulton County 4-H. The 4-H update also stated that Fulton County 4-H Camp is scheduled for June 5 through June 9, 2026, at 4-H Camp Palmer, with 98 registered campers and 21 counselors.
Cloverbud programming was also highlighted, with kindergarten through second grade identified as the largest age group of participants.
The Extension materials also described the Legends and Livestock program, which pairs youth mentors and livestock with exhibitors with special needs.
The program is designed to give participants hands-on livestock experiences while building responsibility, communication, critical thinking, confidence and teamwork.
Heather Torlina provided information from the Water Quality Team, which works with farmers and trusted advisers on conservation practices, nutrient management, soil health, water quality and agricultural profitability.
The team’s goal is to encourage widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices through education, research and outreach.
Torlina’s update listed several activities from January through May 2026, including pesticide and fertilizer training and certification classes in Fulton, Williams, Defiance, Paulding and Henry counties.
The team also continued research projects in Fulton County, including work involving alfalfa before corn, and started a new project involving compost and soybean yield.
The water quality update also noted continuing First Friday Breakfasts in Fulton County, Extension Connection radio broadcasts, end-of-season nitrogen soil testing, Delphos reservoir water sampling and the Flowing Forward Podcast.
Commissioners also approved purchase orders and travel requests as submitted. With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned.
The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9 a.m.