(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DITCH HEARING …With no petitioners present, Rod Creager gave an update on the ditch project.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
During their regular session on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners discussed various items.
After approving the July 10 meeting minutes (Resolution 2025-460) and the day’s agenda (Resolution 2025-461), the Board moved through a busy docket of financial and personnel matters.
Under old business, the commissioners approved the county’s bills (Resolution 2025-462) and reviewed recent reports from the Dog Warden for the weeks ending June 21 and June 28.
In new business, a series of appropriation adjustments and transfers across different departments were authorized through Resolution 2025-463.
These included a $15,000 increase for contract services within the Real Estate Assessment office due to nearly exhausted funds, a $306.40 increase for the CDBG RLF Grant administration line, a $6,000 transfer within the Concealed Handgun License (CCW) fund from contract services to supplies, a $500 transfer for Transfer Station expenses, and a $37,000.34 fund transfer between Child Welfare Services and Public Assistance based on the monthly reconciliation.
The board also approved the certification of a categorical exclusion exemption under the CDBG grant for private rehabilitation projects in Metamora (Resolution 2025-464) and authorized the release of retainage to Peterson Construction for completed work on the Water Booster Station Pump Upgrade (Resolution 2025-465).
Additional approvals included the semi-annual Housing Program Income Report (Resolution 2025-466) and the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Semi-Annual Report (Resolution 2025-467), both prepared by the Maumee Valley Planning Organization.
The housing report detailed nearly $15,000 in expenditures and an ending balance of $30,953, while the RLF report showed a balance of $213,681.54 and three active loans in good standing.
Personnel matters followed, including the acceptance of Sheri Rychener’s resignation as Senior Center Director, effective July 25 (Resolution 2025-468).
Rychener highlighted accomplishments such as increasing daily meal service from 200 to over 500, expanding delivery routes and staffing, and securing nearly $3 million in grant funding. The board also moved to advertise the now-vacant director position.
Two maintenance positions were filled during the session. Mark Muehlfeld and Derek Grime were each appointed to Maintenance I roles, pending successful completion of pre-employment screenings (Resolutions 2025-469 and 2025-470, respectively).
The session concluded with approval of routine purchase orders and travel requests (Resolution 2025-471), followed by a continued final hearing for Ditch Improvement Project 2153 in Clinton Township at 9:15 a.m.
This involved Ditch Improvement Petition 2153, concerning drainage work in Clinton Township. Although no petitioners were present to testify, the Commissioners received updates on progress made through a mutual agreement among the involved parties.
According to the discussion, local landowners, township officials, and contractors collaborated to install new drainage tile along the affected area.
The trench was reportedly completed within the past week but has not yet fully settled. Costs for the project were shared among multiple stakeholders, with one landowner covering a significant portion, the township contributing substantially, and the rest paid from the Fulton County Ditch Maintenance Fund.
Final tasks like grading along the road, reseeding yards, and restoring concrete driveways are still pending.
The commissioners debated whether to officially close the petition or continue the hearing. Since the petition had not been formally withdrawn and the parties were absent, the board decided it would be best to continue the matter.
They requested a formal resolution from the Clinton Township Trustees to confirm the mutual agreement and ensure proper documentation. The continued hearing is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 19th, 2025.
An executive session at 9:45 a.m. was held under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(8) to discuss confidential plans for economic development (Resolution 2025-472).
The next joint ditch meeting with Henry County is scheduled for July 17 at 9:30 a.m., with additional meetings planned in Defiance and later with Lucas County.