(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
ISSUE 2 … The commissioners signed a resolution to support State Issue 2 which will appear on the May 6, 2025, ballot.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners held their session on Tuesday, April 8th. During the meeting, the commissioners signed a resolution in support of the State Issue 2 coming up on the May Ballot.
The Williams County Commissioners are asking residents to vote YES on Issue 2 on May 6. This vote will help renew the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP)—a program that helps pay for important local projects like fixing roads, bridges, and water systems without raising taxes.
SCIP has been around since 1987 and has already given over $7 billion in grants and low-interest loans to all 88 counties in Ohio. These funds help communities maintain safe roads and water systems, and support business growth, all while keeping local taxes low.
Without a renewal, the program will end on July 1, 2025. That could lead to delays in many important projects.
In Williams County, SCIP has helped fund things like:
-Road paving programs
-Hickory Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant replacement
-Durham Estates sanitary sewer system
SCIP has also supported projects in towns and villages like Bryan, Edgerton, Montpelier, Pioneer, and more.
The commissioners say this funding helps keep people safe, supports emergency services, and helps local businesses thrive. They are encouraging everyone to vote YES on Issue 2 to keep Ohio communities strong.
The commissioners also began the first of their visits to local communities that are seeking state funding for projects.The Williams County Commissioners also kicked off a series of community visits to check out local projects hoping to receive state funding.
Their first stops were in Edgerton and Bryan. Next up, they’ll visit Montpelier and Pioneer on April 17th, followed by West Unity and Stryker on April 28th.
Before any decisions are made, a public hearing will be held later this month or in May to gather community input.
The Village of West Unity plans to replace a 50-year-old pump station at South Liberty Street and County Road K, costing $765,600.
The Village of Montpelier will replace the Main Street waterline for $2.56 million and is requesting $470,000. Bryan will spend $851,946.70 on a new sanitary sewer line between High and Wilson Streets and is also requesting $470,000. These are critical infrastructure projects.
Stryker aims to restore its water tower for $771,400 and is seeking $120,000 in funding. Edgerton will replace Lynn Street sidewalks for $322,200, also requesting $120,000.
Pioneer proposes building a parking lot at Crommer Park for $125,521 and asks for $75,000. Stryker, Edgerton, and Pioneer are eligible for an allocation program offering up to $120,000 for two projects.
Williams County may receive funding for up to two critical infrastructure projects, contingent upon the state’s review of two previously completed projects.
Each approved project has the potential to secure up to $470,000 in funding. Applications must be submitted to the state by June, with funding decisions anticipated by fall or winter. All approved projects are to be completed by August 31, 2027.
Other Business
-The City of Bryan will be providing fiber internet to the Bryan Senior Center at no cost.
-Starting May 1, bags and cell phones are banned from the courthouse unless exempted by a judge. This follows recommendations from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Security Services study.
-A memorandum of understanding was reviewed outlining the funding for the Hickory Hills subdivision sanitary sewer improvement project.
-Commissioners visit to Parkview Dispatch Center scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Fort Wayne, IN.