By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
brenna@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners met Thursday, August 13, 2026, to officially approve raising dog tag fees before meeting with two neighboring Indiana counties to set maintenance assessments for joint ditches.
A resolution was passed confirming the price increase for dog tag license fees. The rate increased from $18 to $20. An additional $2 convenience fee for participating vendors was approved, such as Town & Country and the Buckeye Veterinary Hospital.
If residents wish to avoid the convenience fee, they can purchase their tag licenses from the Dog Warden or Auditor’s Office for $20 only.
Following the regular session, Commissioners held a joint ditch meeting with officials from DeKalb and Steuben counties in Indiana. The counties share responsibility for maintaining several drainage ditches that cross county and state lines.
Three maintenance assessments were approved as follows. For Joint Ditch 444, also known as the Tamarack, officials approved a total collection of $5,390 for 2027. Williams County will be responsible for 95% of the assessment, while DeKalb County will cover 3.7% and Steuben County will cover 1.3%.
For Joint Ditch 444B, also known as the Tamarack Branch (Buell), a total collection of $500 was approved. Williams County is responsible for 74%, Steuben County for 18.6%, and DeKalb County for 7.4%.
For Joint Ditch 670, or the Herman, a collection of $23,626 was approved. DeKalb County is responsible for 56% while Williams County will cover 44%.
All collections are for calendar year 2027, and cover maintenance efforts such as blockage and routine spraying.
The next Williams County Commissioner meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026.