PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
HEARING … The commissioners held a public hearing for a waterline extension east of County Road 2 and US Highway 20. Public Utilities worker Randy Mahlman discusses the costs of this waterline with the commissioners.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Commissioners met for their regular session on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, an opening prayer, and a roll call.
The commissioners approved the minutes from their October 21 session and moved on to review the day’s agenda. Under old business, they went over the most recent sales tax report as well as the Dog Warden reports for the periods ending October 11 and October 18.
The commissioners approved increases in appropriations and transfers for various departments, entered into a contract with Brightly Software for its Maintenance Edge program, and approved payment request number three to Gerken Paving, Inc. for the 2025 asphalt resurfacing program, totaling $489,248.77.
They also authorized the use of county credit cards for three employees and approved the week’s purchase orders and travel requests.
JFS officials discussed their budget with the commissioners, starting with a three percent cost-of-living increase estimated for year-end and a shift from 26 to 27 pay periods.
This additional pay period has raised overall payroll projections but was factored into the proposed numbers for the coming year.
The Public Assistance line item was one of the first areas examined. Last year’s budget accounted for seventeen employees, and for much of 2024, the department operated with two positions unfilled.
One of those positions has now been filled, and an additional QC team lead position was approved, resulting in a higher overall line item for that department.
Cost reallocation has also played a part in the budget adjustments. Previously, SCPA costs were charged directly to the State Child Protection Allocation, but with new guidance in place, those expenses are now being routed through cost pools and listed under other expenses.
Even with these changes, the total budget request for 2026 is slightly lower than the previous year, which was noted as a positive step considering the increased payroll costs.
A discrepancy of roughly $300,000 was also addressed. It was clarified that most of the difference stems from the additional pay period and added staffing, while the remainder is tied to WEIA funds that were previously tracked separately.
Finance officials will confirm final figures, but it was determined that the discrepancy is explained and accounted for.
Following budget discussions, commissioners opened a public hearing regarding a waterline petition along County Road 2 crossing U.S. Highway 20.
The estimated cost of the project is $379,000, but if the township or county covers hydrant costs, that amount would be reduced to approximately $319,000. Three property owners signed the petition and contributed $15,000 each to cover engineering and EPA documentation.
If the project proceeds with a waiver, costs are estimated at around $68,000 per property over twenty years. Without the waiver, the amount rises to approximately $91,000.
Property owners were reminded they may either participate in the assessment or pursue their own installation following county standards.
The meeting also included a discussion regarding housekeeping operations. One employee has taken on expanded responsibilities and may see a pay adjustment to match others in similar positions.
In addition, the county plans to replace an aging carpet cleaning machine rather than repair it, after learning the repair cost would exceed $2,500. Bronner Supply submitted the more affordable quote, and the replacement will help improve efficiency across multiple buildings.
Staff training is also being expanded to ensure more employees can operate equipment without relying on others.
Commissioners noted the continued efforts by departments to stay under budget and make cost-effective decisions and expressed appreciation for the leadership and planning involved.
Following the housekeeping operations, the commissioners heard from Pat McCauley from the Ohio Treasurer’s Office.
Mr. McCauley discussed state programs with the commissioners and how they work. Those programs included Ag-Link, Ohio Homebuyer Plus, Stable Account Program, Star Ohio, and the Buckeye Business Advantage.
Ag-LINK provides reduced-interest loans to Ohio farmers and agribusinesses to help with operating costs such as feed, seed, fertilizer, and fuel.
By partnering with eligible lenders, the program lowers borrowing costs, helping agricultural producers access the capital they need to maintain and grow their operations.
The Ohio Homebuyer Plus program allows individuals to open tax-advantaged savings accounts to help with the purchase of a first home.
Participants benefit from higher interest rates and tax incentives, making it easier to build funds toward a down payment or closing costs.
STABLE Accounts give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save and invest without losing eligibility for important benefits programs.
These accounts can be used to pay for qualified disability expenses such as housing, education, and healthcare.
STAR Ohio is an investment pool for public subdivisions, including school districts, cities, villages, and counties.
It provides a secure and efficient way for these entities to invest funds while maintaining liquidity and earning competitive returns.
The Buckeye Business Advantage is a new program that will hopefully launch within the next month. This initiative supports small businesses by offering access to affordable capital through linked deposit programs.
It helps business owners reduce interest costs, freeing up resources for growth, hiring, and investment in their communities.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:41 a.m., following the discussion with Mr. McCauley.