ARCHIVE PHOTO / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
RETIREMENT …Commissioner Jon Rupp submitted his retirement from the commissioner board on March 6, 2026.
PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DISABILITY AWARENESS …The commissioners proclaimed March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and posed for a picture with the Fulton County Board of DD.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Commissioners held their regular session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, opening prayer, roll call, and approval of the minutes from the March 5 regular session, followed by approval of the day’s agenda and payment of bills.
Commissioners then moved into new business with a resolution increasing and transferring appropriations and funds for various departments.
Approved increases included $28,839.85 for the sheriff’s office equipment tied to a U.S. Department of Justice grant and $3,650 for engineer capital improvements.
Transfers also included $46,710 within the Fulton Lucas Waterline fund from other expenses to equipment, along with several interest distribution-related allocations and a $20,000 transfer within Job and Family Services workforce funds.
Next, the board approved a resolution proclaiming March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Fulton County.
The proclamation noted that more than 420 people with developmental disabilities are served by the Fulton County Board of Developmental Disabilities and recognized this year’s message, “Our Voice, Our Strength.”
The measure also reaffirmed support for opportunities in education, housing, employment, and recreation for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the county.
The commissioners then adopted a resolution in support of Fulton County Health Center as it seeks additional project funding.
The action approved a letter of support for the health center’s application to replace one of its chillers, which is used to maintain proper temperature and humidity levels in patient care areas, including operating suites, endoscopy suites, and storage areas for sterile and non-sterile items.
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Following that action, commissioners entered into Contract 2026-27 with Bridge Payment LLC on behalf of Fulton County Municipal Court for online credit card processing through Bridge Payment’s integration with Henschen and Associates.
The board then approved a partnership agreement with Henry County, the City of Napoleon, and the City of Wauseon for the Maumee Valley East CHIP Consortium.
Through that agreement, the participating entities will pursue a combined application under the 2026 Community Housing Impact and Preservation program to address housing needs for low- and moderate-income residents.
One of the more significant actions of the meeting came with the approval of a resolution declaring all unincorporated areas of Fulton County as restricted for utility-scale power projects under Senate Bill 52, specifically wind and solar electric generation.
The resolution states that the required notices were publicly advertised and mailed in February ahead of the March 10 meeting, allowing the board to take formal action on the matter.
Commissioners also approved purchase orders and travel requests as submitted.
In addition, the board accepted the retirement resignation of Commissioner Jon Rupp, effective April 1. A letter dated March 6, 2026, informed the board of his intent to retire from the position of county commissioner.
Rupp was re-elected to the seat in the 2024 general election, beginning his current term on January 3, 2025. The term is set to run through January 2, 2029, with the seat otherwise scheduled to appear on the ballot again in 2028 had he remained in office for the full term.
Commissioner Joe Short stated, “Jon has long been a dedicated servant to the public, committing many years of his life to supporting and strengthening our community.
“Over the years, he has served on numerous boards offering his time, experience, and thoughtful leadership.
“His contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact. I sincerely thank Jon for his years of service and wish him continued success and fulfillment in all of his future endeavors.”
Later in the meeting, commissioners continued the first hearing on Ditch 2154, Schrock, until June 2 at 9:15 a.m.
According to the resolution, the landowners involved in the matter agreed to complete the project privately in accordance with the Fulton County Engineer’s specifications, and the board granted 60 days for that work to be carried out.
Commissioners also entered into a Mutual Agreement 2026-29 for the same ditch improvement project.
With the morning’s business completed, the meeting was adjourned at 9:19 a.m.