FUNDING REQUEST … Nicki Ferguson, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Liaison of the MAN Unit, explains her position to the Commissioners as they seek additional funding.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, January 8, 2026 to advertise sealed bid projects and meet with the Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force (MAN Unit).
All commissioners were present, including President Scott Lirot, Bart Westfall, and Terry Rummel. The minutes from the January 6, 2026, session were approved, alongside the payment of bills.
At 10:00 a.m., the MAN Unit joined the commissioners to discuss a funding request for their liaison position. Sheriff Thomas Kochert, Deputy Sheriff Ben Baldwin, Commander Ben Williams, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Liaison Nicki Ferguson were in attendance.
With Ferguson’s position being officially created in 2024, the MAN Unit hoped to gain funds to continue her successful position.
“Unfortunately, due to the national opioid epidemic, the State of Ohio is severely impacted,” began Commander Williams.
“Due to this, an opioid settlement was provided by the local government. The MOU from that settlement (says) ‘these funds are to be used for substance misuse prevention treatment and recovery services.’”
They used these funds with the Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Use Grant Program (COSSUP) grant to previously fund her position. However, the coverage is set to end in 2026.
While there are no plans to remove Ferguson’s position, the Man UNIT only requested funding for one year. The total amount of funds requested is $109,000.
With a range of the neighboring six counties, three cities, and one village, the liaison helps those with mental health issues and/or substance use disorder.
It was noted that Ferguson is “a sworn law enforcement officer with training in crisis intervention, crisis negotiation, and mental health first aid for both adults and youth.”
Ferguson provided a projected overdose data list for 2025. It stated there was one fatal overdose and seven non-fatal overdoses in Williams County, but she reiterated that this consists of only reported, narcotic-related overdoses.
“The numbers that are reflected there are just the tip of the iceberg,” admitted the sheriff. “You could probably safely multiply those numbers exponentially and be very safe in your final figure.”
“Her position since she has come on has been invaluable,” continued Sheriff Kochert.
“It’s important not to focus on just her position within Williams County, but part of the benefit of being in the MAN Unit is the geographic area we cover. So aiding each other, the communication back and forth – you benefit everyone in it.”
Within the six-county span of the MAN Unit, Williams County ranks fourth in the highest amount of overdoses. The surrounding counties include Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, and Putnam.
The commissioners agreed to pledge $10,000 to the cause, upon final approval of the county prosecutor and clerk.
Several contracts requested by Job and Family Services were approved as follows:
-An IV-E Contract with Kids Count Too, Inc. for child placement services, at a cost not to exceed $5,000. The term limit is January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026.
-An IV-E Contract with Keeping Kids Safe, Inc. for child placement services, at a cost not to exceed $5,000. The term limit is January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026.
The first two projects of 2026 were announced and advertised by the County Engineer as follows:
-Project 1-2026 involves Asphalt Emulsion Products, with sealed bids to be received on January 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
-Project 2-2026 involves Durhan Estates Storm Sewer Improvements, with sealed bids to be received on February 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Commissioners then reviewed a Competitive Retail Electric Service (CRES) government aggregator application. Multiple courthouse permits were presented, which included requests from Ray Strup for “Right to Life” and “Flair on the Square,” scheduled for July 25, 2026.
Fifty-one permits for work within county and township right-of-way limits were received — 3 from Frontier and 48 from Charter Communications.
A Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) certification of determination for a Stryker and Montpelier project was additionally listed, but no details were mentioned during the meeting.
Commissioner President Lirot announced plans to update Hillside Country Living’s Activity Room.
With around $600,000 set aside in the activity fund, the commissioners are planning to include a pinball machine and shuffleboard. The pool table recently installed was already well-received.
“It’s not costing any county funds,” Lirot explained, “it’s been donated. Unfortunately, we haven’t done anything with that money.”
“We’ve used it off and on, but I’d just like to add that I appreciate Scott’s effort on going out and playing pool and stimulating interest in becoming engaged.
“Those folks out there do a really good job at taking care of everything, but it can be really stale,” explained Rummel.
“By getting these folks different activities and things, it will be interesting to see them grow into the next level.”
The commissioners adjourned their meeting at 10:43 a.m.