(PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DUAL ROLE … Heather Mercer was appointed as the new Director of Emergency Management. Mercer will still be involved in her previous position working for the Williams County Communications Office.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
At the May 8th Williams County Commissioners’ meeting, all members were present, including; Terry Rummel, Scott Lirot, and Bart Westfall. Starting at 9:00 a.m., a range of new business items were discussed and deliberated.
First, the board approved appropriations for departments, such as; the Bryan Police Department, the Recorder’s Office, and the Sheriff’s Office.
A service agreement was entered with the Williams County Common Pleas Court Juvenile Probate Division and the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center. They will be offering services at no cost to the county from August 1, 2025, to June 25, 2026.
Commissioners approved the appointment of Heather Mercer as the new Director of Emergency Management, formalizing her dual role which includes 911 operations. Mercer was also sworn in during the meeting.
The Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) announced upcoming changes to office hours beginning in June. New hours will be Monday through Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the office closed on Fridays.
This change is designed to better serve the community while accommodating recent staff hires and ongoing under staffing issues. It was noted that the shared services and the current automated phone system are set to be removed as JFS availability opens up.
Commissioners reviewed and authorized 21 permits from Charter Communications for work within township and county right of way. Additionally, notice was given regarding the approval of an Exemption Certificate for the 2025 Asphalt Paving Program.
Discussion continued on the Community Development Block Grant Initiative, with the second public hearing scheduled for May 20th. Two slots remain available.
The board emphasized that no final decisions would be made during this hearing, which is largely a program requirement. Outreach to villages to explain and promote their initiative is expected to follow.
Parker Houk and Vickie Grimm from the Auditor’s Office presented the April 2025 financial report, with rates following the trends from the previous years. All issues are expected to resolve in the following year.
With no further meetings or business to attend to, the Thursday, May 8th meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m.