ADDRESSING THE PUBLIC … Commissioners Terry Rummel, Bart Westfall, and Lew Hilkert were happy to address any questions and concerns the public had at their first Coffee with the Commissioners session held at Edgerton’s Cup O’ Joy on Monday before their regular session. The commissioners went into recess while still at Cup O’ Joy, returning to their office at 1425 East High Street in Bryan to adjourn the meeting.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners met twice in regular session last Monday and Thursday, with the week resulting in the approval of three resolutions, October and November credit card appropriations, October’s financial statements, a funds request submission approval for JFS, vacation time carry overs, travel requests, bills as presented, and a document showing due diligence for asset protection for 2023.
Monday’s session was held at Edgerton’s Cup ‘O Joy, where village officials thanked the commissioners for their support of local improvement projects, especially with regards to the Oak Street project.
The commissioners also addressed an issue pertaining to water usage by a Defiance agriculture farmer, and assured the public that the impact of this water usage on local wells is being looked into, with conversations scheduled.
The minutes for the October 30, 2023 meeting were approved as presented, and Thursday saw a meeting with representatives from the Imagination Library and United Way to discuss their impact in Williams County.
They supply age-appropriate books to children until their 5th birthday to help get them closer to literacy at an appropriate pace, with United Way being the largest sponsor of the Imagination Library in this area.
Imagination Library Regional Director Melissa Timko and United Way of Williams County Executive Director Andy Brigle shared the benefits of their program, as well as their wishes to expand services to children of those without transportation, who may not usually be exposed to these kinds of resources.
Commissioner Rummel voiced his support of the initiative, adding that he can look into equipping the JFS social workers with information to share with the families they work with.
Right now, only 60% of eligible youths in Williams County are registered, and with everyone’s help, they hope to bring that as close to 100% as possible.
Those interested in partnering with or donating to this program should visihttps://www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org/.