(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
PORT AUTHORITY … Joe Kimball (left) and Tyson Stuckey (right) were sworn in as Port Authority members by Commissioner Rummel during Tuesday’s meeting.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners received a funding request from the county park board during their meeting on Tuesday, April 1st. The request was for $30,000, which County Administrator Vond Hall noted had been approved by the commissioners for the previous two years.
The commissioners just approved a resolution for $10,000 to help fund a dog park project at Goldie Newman Park. Commissioner Terry Rummel expressed hesitation about spending another $30,000 without knowing the source of incoming funds.
He also noted that a few years ago, the commissioners would offer a couple of thousand dollars for items like mower fuel and attempt to fund projects as needed.
A meeting with Williams County Engineer Todd Roth may be needed later to discuss future funding.
“I guess I’m going to need to be sold on this $30,000 expenditure out of the general fund,” Rummel said. “I think Todd and the board do a great job with the money that we give him. The parks look really nice, but I would like to see some matches and use this money for some different things.”
The commissioners discussed the North Annex rehabilitation project. Commissioner Scott Lirot mentioned they will make changes to the plan with the architect and considered splitting the project into two parts.
They debated whether to bid the entire project at once or focus on the elevator that needs work. The county received a $187,000 state grant for the elevator, to be used by June next year.
Lirot and Rummel suggested that dividing the project could attract more local vendors, as fewer would bid if the elevator installation was included. Rummel noted that separating it out can generate good ideas and give local vendors a better chance.
The changed plans will be reviewed once the commissioners receive them.
Members from the Port Authority attended the meeting to be sworn in by Commissioner Rummel. Joe Kimball was appointed to replace a board member, and Tyson Stuckey renewed his term on the board.
Other Business
-Right-of-way appeal has been sent to the Ohio Supreme Court.
-Sent the Ohio Department of Natural Resources a letter requesting a public meeting to discuss ground water conflicts.
-Approved an Alcohol Awareness Month banner for the courthouse square.
-Discussed State Issue 2, a renewal issue on the May ballot. Created in 1987 and renewed three times since then, it funds local infrastructure projects without raising taxes.