By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners had one regular session last week on Tuesday, which began around 9 a.m.
They then approved four resolutions, as well as three certificates of termination for canceled projects, the financial reports for April, the appointment of county LEPC (local emergency planning committee) members, a mortgage release, the minutes from last Thursday’s session, and the bills as presented by the auditor.
At 10 a.m., the Williams County Commissioners met with representatives of the Williams County OSU Extension, who gave the department update as well as the 4-H update.
Jessica Runkle and Megan Schulte shared that Kayla Wyse has partnered with the Ohio Soybean Council, the Defiance County OSU Extension Office, and has continued to pursue a Master Gardener program, teaching classes that see as many as 30 people in attendance. She takes trips with her traveling lab zoo, often to public libraries.
A programming and coding demonstration was then given, with it being shown how the “nano bugs” are controlled through iPad.
They are working hard to work with the county’s school districts to bring hands-on education to students, with hopes for the program to be ready in the Fall.
Updates were given on the kids’ activities that are taking place throughout this camp season before an update was given on the new FCS (family consumer science) Educator, Becky McGuire, with focuses being put on the state of residents’ mental health, career development programs, shortfalls in adult education, and nutritional education.
Near 10:30 a.m., the commissioners met with Amy Hoffman from Palmer Energy. It was discussed how the electric aggregate will be put on November’s ballot, with Hoffman sharing that she believes the failure to pass this election was dependent on the lack of facilitating information on the aggregate, the amount of voters (27% voter turnout), and the number of voters in land under the Midwest Electric Cooperative Corporation, provided under what was the Rural Electrification Administration (REA).
Discussion was held on how to best facilitate the information on the aggregate from township to township, with it being decided that discussion would be held with municipal personnel across the county to see how they would think it best to tackle each community.
Thursday saw the commissioners greeting the EMS, EMA / Communications, IT, and Maintenance in their chambers for their monthly update, and traveled to Hillside and JFS for their monthly updates. EMS shared they are on track financially for May, with April’s net gain $308.66.
A transfer for the wage increases effective May 5th will need to be added to the financials, as well as approved by the commissioners.
AGL, the debt service used by EMS, was detailed, with the insurance company paying the patient and the patient paying AGL.
This ensures that the department gets a minimum amount for unpaid runs. The commissioners shared that the department has their full support in whatever route they choose for payment.
It was then shared that HB33, the ambulance supplemental care program for EMS, passed, which should help increase Medicaid reimbursements on ambulance runs, which have historically resulted in a loss for the county. The timeframe for the release of these funds is still being decided.
A committee is still being compiled to help promote the EMS levy for the next election, and the commissioners were asked to keep an eye out for people that would make a good fit on this 10–12-person committee. Outdated equipment was discussed, as were replacement costs.
EMA / Communications shared this month’s meetings, as well as updated financials. A communications team is being worked on in tandem with the Health Department, and it was shared that some office modifications are being undergone.
The FCC state report is due next week, and one communications employee is expected to be on maternity leave soon, with others taking summer vacations.
Union negotiations are currently underway, and the fire chiefs at the Williams County Mayors Association were noted for their expansive knowledge of mutual aid and best protocol.
The commissioners were told that they should soon expect an MOU (memorandum of understanding) to come across their desk for approval, so that they can modify their payment contract with the union.
Training partnerships are being looked at, as are some design and cybersecurity projects. Cybersecurity threats were discussed, especially as scammers start to employ AI.
Everyone is reminded to keep their devices updated so that they can have access to the latest protection developments.
A data migration was discussed, with possible future training to handle it in-house on the horizon.
The maintenance update was given, with it being shared that the Williams County Courthouse’s 4th floor is done, with a breaker still needing to be delivered for the breakroom.
The new mower saw its first use earlier that morning, with it being shared that the John Deere mower had been picked up the day before.
The East Annex will see major service on the generators, with the work occurring on Saturday to prevent any disturbance during work hours.
Quotes for redoing the pavement at the courthouse should be submitted sometime this fall, and ice treatments were discussed for the winter.
Lights and energy use were discussed for Christmas time around the square, and the commissioners readied themselves to meet again May 21, 2024 at 9 a.m.
