COFFEE WITH COMMISSIONERS … The commissioners held their monthly ‘Coffee with Commissioners’ meeting at Sam’s Place to allow the public to more comfortably attend meetings, bridging the gap between officials and locals.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners met on August 12, 2025, beginning the session at 9:02 a.m. An executive session was held prior to the meeting concerning a compensation request from Judge Karen Gallagher. No action was taken.
The day hosted the monthly “Coffee with Commissioners” meeting, which took place at Sam’s Place, Blakeslee. In attendance were President Terry Rummel, Vice President Scott Lirot, and Bart Westfall.
The minutes from the previous meeting, held on August 5, 2025, were passed with no additions. The presented agenda was also approved.
In the payment of bills, Rummel noted an expensive payment for several kids currently in Williams County custody.
With a total expenditure of $160,000, six children are currently being charged $500 individually per day. He continued to explain the necessity of the continued child placement program.
“The place they are in is phenomenal,” Rummel explains, “They do a great job. I still think we are paying an exorbitant amount, but the families aren’t getting it, and there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. I’m still not sure what to make of it, but I sure don’t want to run a home.”
“What’s the better option?” questioned Lirot. “We are looking into other opportunities.”
Supplemental appropriations for county departments include: Williams County Airport, Emergency Transportation Services, Common Pleas Court, and the Williams County Victim Assistance. “This is when we move money into different places within the county to fund different things,” Rummel said.
Lirot continued with updates of the Williams County EMS, who were given $100,000 out of the general fund to finance day-to-day affairs. “This is what it costs to run our EMS right now.”
“We are looking into third-party billing, which will clean things up even more,” he stated. “With the house bill coming out with ‘No Surprise Billing,’ it’s just something we need to stay on top of.”
A recent partnership with Pioneer First Responders was announced. The county will take the responders under its payroll, noted as a $12,000 expense. “We are trying to get it back to what it used to be,” commented Rummel.
“If we can pay folks to be ready, we can get better coverage for less money, and not have to come back later for another tax levy.”
A resolution to advertise for sealed bids for Project 6-2025 was approved, for the purpose of the Asphalt Paving Replacement program. Located on County Road K, 12.50 to SR 15, and on County Road 5, SR 6 to the railroad tracks. The bid will open on August 28, 2025, and is funded by the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC).
A second resolution pertained to authorizing the County Administrator, Vond Hall, to prepare, submit, and participate in the OPWC State Capital Improvement and Local Transportation Improvement Program. Vond will execute contracts as required, as this is a yearly grant submission.
Other matters addressed included a Victims Assistant Subgrant Award Agreement for $47,000. A request for snow removal and sweeping bids for the Williams County East Annex and Title Office was approved, along with the monthly credit card expenditures for the IT department.
An acknowledgement was made for the Williams County Treasury Management by the bank for July 2025.
Additional topics included a change order for added sewer taps at Hickory Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant and a permit to work within the right-of-way limits on a section of U.S. 20 and State Route 9 in Bridgewater.
A healthcare consulting company for Hillside Country Living was considered among the Commissioners. Polaris Group is a top healthcare consulting company serving senior care and long-term care providers.
The Commissioners would like to seek help from volunteers within the county before approval, naming Pam Goll as one option. “I hope to have something done and decided by the end of the week,” Rummel affirmed.
A review letter sent from Mr. Shaffer regarded the temporary relocation of the State Auditor’s office. The previous office was moved due to asbestos.
Shaffer requested that action be placed back into a more permanent location. The Commissioners plan to pursue moving them back to their previous site, or the North Annex, as renovations continue.
With no other business to attend to, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.