PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CHIP PROGRAM HEARING … Liz Keel of the Maumee Valley Planning Organization spoke at the second public hearing for the CHIP program.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners met for their regular session on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to approve child placement resolutions and discuss the fiber optic installation throughout the county.
President Scott Lirot, Bart Westfall, and Terry Rummel were in attendance. A fiber optic review was held with County Engineer Todd Roth and Engineering Project Manager Ron Buda.
“We’re here to talk about right-of-way permits and the activity that is going on right now with fiber being put out throughout the county,” Roth stated.
The Commissioners have signed hundreds of permits for Spectrum, acting through Charter Communications, to install fiber optic internet throughout Williams County, particularly in underserved areas with limited internet access.
County officials explained that many installation crews have not been following agreed-upon guidelines, including failing to use flaggers, working after dusk, and parking equipment on private property without notice.
“The biggest thing for us has been — are they safe? Do you have out signs, do you have cones out, do you have flaggers out?” Roth said.
“It has been non-stop chasing them around, and it’s the same conversation every time.” Buda also noted that crews have failed to provide 48-hour notice to some affected property owners prior to beginning construction.
While the work is taking place within county right-of-way areas, officials stated notifying nearby landowners is proper courtesy.
Residents have also reported damaged ditches and disturbed property. According to Buda, a landscape restoration company has been contracted to address damage complaints at no charge to residents.
Roth and Buda requested information regarding the possibility of a stop-work order and whether Commissioners would support a resolution if needed.
This would revoke the previously approved permits and immediately stop all construction.
However, officials stated there are currently no plans to halt the work and will continue working with the crews to come to an amicable solution, while keeping a stop-work order in mind.
“We’re trying to keep them moving, we’re trying to work through the problems,” Roth stated.
Commissioners later held the second public hearing regarding the 2026 Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) Program through the Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO).
The Board also approved a resolution authorizing and directing the County Administrator Vond Hall to submit the county’s 2026 CHIP application.
Seven IV-E contracts were approved via resolution for foster care and child placement services. The organizations contracted are as follows:
-Ohio Teaching Family Association
-New Beginnings Residential Placement
-Lutheran Homes Society, Inc. Genacross Family & Youth Services
-Keeping Kids Safe, Inc.
-The Marsh Foundation
-Inner Peace Homes, Inc.
-National Youth Advocate Program
An MOU was additionally entered with the Adopt America Network. This is for the purpose of outlining mutual responsibilities to recruit legally permanent sources for children in foster care, also known as the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK) Program.
An executive session was entered for employment at 10:50 a.m., requested by Commissioner Rummel. The next Williams County Commissioner meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
