PROCUREMENT CARD DISCUSSION … During the morning regular sessions on June 2, 2022, the Williams County Commissioners heard from County Auditor Vicki Grimm and JFS Fiscal Officer Judy Preston concerning the need to have a means to purchase needed items for clients in the JFS system. Front to back on left are JFS Director Fred Lord, Preston, Parker Houk from auditor’s office and Grimm. On the right from front to back are Commissioners Terry Rummel, Lew Hilkert and Brian Davis. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
Thursday, June 2, 2022, saw the WC Commissioners meeting with County Engineers department, County Auditor and Job and Family Services. Todd Roth and Cody Frey met to present final numbers to the Commissioners, concerning raising Sewer Rates.
They looked at the possibility of going to $45 or $50 per month. It was pointed out that with the current rates, in 2025 they would still need $53.62 per month to break even.
After discussion, and statements indicating their wish that it not need to be done, the commissioners made and approved a motion to increase rates to $50 per month effective January 1, 2023.
Auditor Vicki Grimm and Parker Houk also met with the Commissioners along with JFS Director Fred Lord and Fiscal Officer Judy Preston to discuss the possibility of allowing JFS to use Procurement Cards with clients.
Preston explained that there are many items needed, such as work boots to start a new job, which clients cannot afford but they are not allowed to be purchased with a JFS credit card.
Many stores have stopped allowing vouchers during Covid and buying gift cards messes with the tax-exempt status.
Grimm was present to inform the commissioners that she has looked over the JFS proposal and feels that it is the best way to handle the need to purchase items for JFS clients. She recommended that the commissioners approve the request.
Council Clerk Anne Retcher raised some concerns from a conversation she had with the State Auditor, but it was decided that this seems to be a good route to take.
The commissioners made and approved a motion to authorize procurement cards to be used by Job and Family Services in conjunction with the County Auditor.
It was also determined that this will be a trial run to see how it works before considering allowing this in other county departments.
In regular business, the board approved:
-Resolution 157 Supplemental appropriations on behalf of Commissioners, Common Pleas Court, Hillside, and Regional Planning Commission
-Resolution 158 Title XX County Profile on behalf of WC JFS
-Resolution 159 Entering into MOU on behalf of WC JFS, between JFS and Local Workforce Area 7/GOWBI for the purpose of operation and funding of the local area workforce development system and the OhioMeansJobs centers for a term of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, at no cost
-Resolution 160 Credit application on behalf of WC Department of Aging for Johnston Supply, Inc., to be able to purchase items through them
-Resolution 161 Entering into purchase agreement on behalf of WC Engineer, between WC Engineer and Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for the purchase of a 2020 CMC 2500 Cargo Van at a cost not to exceed $44,275
-Also Signed: Request for Communications Employee Tiffany Waggoner’s Insurance benefits to start on the first day of her employment; Sales and Use Tax Construction contract exemption certificate from Ward Construction Co.; Dog warden report for week of May 23-29, 2022; application for Tile or Ditch Repair from Luke Henricks – #2022-02 for tile replacement of 240’; permit to Work within County/Township Road Right-of-way requested by Frontier Communications; monitoring response letter to Office of Community Development, dog warden report for month of May.
-Minutes of May 26, 2022
-Payment of bills
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com