(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
RESOLUTIONS … Clerk Anne Retcher goes over resolutions and other documents that need signatures from the commissioners.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County commissioners are preparing for a couple of short trips in the near future to gather insights on potential improvements to county projects and operations.
One planned visit includes a trip to the dispatch center at Parkview Hospital in Indiana. The goal is to better understand how the hospital’s priority dispatching system operates and assess whether a similar model could be beneficial for Williams County EMS.
Commissioner Terry Rummel stated that there has been talk about priority dispatching, and as the county increases the number of EMS units on the road, it’s important for them to see how other systems work and visiting the Parkview dispatch center will help the county learn how Parkview manages calls and whether it’s something Williams County can adapt.
Rummel also expressed interest in exploring cooperative purchasing opportunities with Parkview Hospital. This could potentially streamline the acquisition of equipment such as ambulances and power cots, and lower associated costs.
Rummel stated that perhaps the county could collaborate with them on purchasing or even participate in a shared maintenance program However, Rummel emphasized that there are no plans to hand over control of county EMS operations to Parkview.
Rummel emphasized that the counties local teams are extremely dedicated and that it would be a huge mistake to give up local control because the county would lose the small-town connection that’s so important.
Williams County EMS Chief Kyle Brigle and 911 Communications Director Heather Mercer are expected to join the visit.
Commissioner Bart Westfall raised the possibility of limiting the attendees to just Brigle and Mercer, since they would be directly responsible for implementing any changes. He also voiced concerns about overwhelming Parkview’s dispatch center with too many visitors.
Commissioner Scott Lirot agreed that Brigle and Mercer would play key roles in any operational shifts but also stressed the importance of commissioners being fully informed.
In addition to the dispatch center trip, Rummel also showed interest in visiting communities applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
The commissioners will be selecting which proposed projects to move forward in the state-level application process over the coming months.
Usually, municipal leaders present their project proposals during a public commissioners meeting, explaining the importance and community impact of their initiatives. Most proposals are for infrastructure improvements.
Rummel believes that for him, seeing the location in person—walking the street or driving through the neighborhood—makes a difference. It helps him better understand the project than just reading about it.
Although many projects involve underground infrastructure such as water or sewer lines, Rummel emphasized the value of observing the affected neighborhoods firsthand.
The Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO), which oversees the county’s grant application process, will coordinate the site visits. Dennis Miller of MVPO will arrange meetings with local officials. A public hearing will still be held to provide further details on each proposed project.
Communities including Bryan, Montpelier, West Unity, Stryker, Edgerton, and Pioneer are seeking funds for their respective projects.
Other Business
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