By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
brenna@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, to receive their monthly update from the Department of Aging, highlighting the growing demand for senior services and the financial challenges facing the department.
Executive Director Sarah Stubblefield presented Commissioners with updated service numbers that paint a clear picture of how heavily local residents rely on the department’s programs.
Currently, 305 individuals participate in the home-delivered meals program. Stubblefield notes that last year, they were pushing almost 370 seniors participating in the program.
“We have, for the last year, worked to get people either into the centers, or provided services to figure out if they don’t need our meals,” she explained. “We are trying to look at the priority list of people who are most in need.”
During May alone, the department provided 10,854 meals through home-delivered, frozen meal, and congregate dining programs offered at senior centers throughout the county. The overall cost of a meal averages to $16.48, with free-will donations being accepted through the senior centers.
Transportation services also continue to be in high demand. The department provided 684 non-emergency transportation trips during May, helping seniors reach things like medical appointments and essential services.
One of the most significant trends discussed during Stubblefield’s presentation was the rapid growth in supportive services. Seniors request assistance with benefit applications, equipment loans, assistance navigating insurance and long-term care programs, and general other supportive services.
Department statistics show supportive service units increased 302% in the last three years. In 2023, 387 service units; in 2024, 576 service units; in 2025, 1,557 service units
That growth has stretched department resources. Stubblefield explained that the agency has reached a point where a second Licensed Social Worker (LSW) could be used to help with the demand.
However, with federal funding already depleted in March, the Department is now reliant on levy-sourced tax dollars to fund the rest of the year. With the rising expenses of food, transportation, and staffing, a second LSW is not currently an option.
Facilities such as Hillside Country Living and other long-term care providers often rely on the Department of Aging’s social work staff to help residents obtain coverage and services needed to remain in care.
A proposed levy is in the works for the November 2026 election. Stubblefield will soon present a budget breakdown showing exactly why additional funding is needed and how those funds would be used with new levy money.
In other business, Commissioners approved a resolution amending an agreement with Garmann Miller & Associates for the Williams County North Annex Building renovation project. The amendment adds up to $15,000 in additional design and engineering services.
An updated permit application for work conducted within county and township right-of-ways was approved as well. The permit was updated by County Engineer Todd Roth and states the following:
“(A) permit is project specific and will only apply to the scope of work shown in the plans submitted. This permit will expire six months from the date herein and a new application submittal will be required.”
A Title IV-E contract between Job and Family Services (JFS) and Kids County Too, Inc. was approved for child placement services. The maximum contract amount is for $6,000.
The Commissioners then moved into executive session at 10:52 a.m. to discuss employment, requested by Commissioner Rummel. No action was taken afterwards.
The next Williams County Commissioner meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 9 a.m.
