By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners convened for their regular meeting on September 16, 2025, in the Commissioners’ Session Room. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. Commissioner President Terry Rummel, Scott Lirot, and Bart Westfall were in attendance.
The September 11, 2025, and Special Session #2 from September 15, 2025, were approved. The agenda was passed with no additions or corrections, along with the payment of bills.
Routine appropriation transfers for the Board of Elections, Common Pleas Court, Engineer’s Office, and Recorder’s Office were approved with Resolution 25-0414.
Commissioners moved forward with a resolution aimed at reducing the number of people with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders in jail, officially becoming a part of the nationwide initiative “Stepping Up.”
After naming Terry Rummel as the special county coordinator, the commissioners hope to support local jurisdictions in establishing and reaching measurable goals that reduce the prevalence of serious mental illness across the justice system.
The board also approved a government addendum with Verizon RCS terms of service to fix service issues with some county employees’ work phones.
In addition, advertising was authorized for sealed bids regarding Project 8-2025. This marks a major step forward with the North Annex renovation process.
Another measure included entering into a bi-annual service agreement with Maximus on behalf of the Clerk of Courts, from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Commissioners moved to table Resolution 25-0419, which would recognize the Williams County Landbank as a lead entity designation.
Rummel requested more information for lead appointment details. A notice of intent to the Ohio Department of Development regarding lead entity designation was additionally tabled for further review.
An executive session was held at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the Opioid Litigation Update with Williams County Prosecutor Katherine Zartman.
After returning to open session at 9:43 a.m., a 2024 Audit Review was held with Nathan French, Corinna Hancock, Kristina Hoyng, Scott Sands, Vickie Grimm, and Kellie Gray.
The auditors stated they are pushing for an early release and hope to see the official report disclosed before September 30, 2025.
The commissioners suspended their meeting and handed it over to the auditor’s office, which gave a brief overview of their findings. No unusual transactions were noted, and several minor noncompliance findings were addressed.
An adjustment and management adjustment letter was signed by Rummel, Lirot, and Westfall for the state auditor. Once officially released, the 2024 Audit will become public information and be available through the state auditor’s website.
At 10:42 a.m., the board suspended its meeting and returned to regular session. A discussion was held regarding the 2026 “Coffee with Commissioners” meetings, and several new locations were explored.
Rummel and Westfall expressed interest in gaining more public attendance, with talks of including visits at local schools as well.
A motion was made by Rummel to allow coffee purchases through the commissioner’s office to ensure it is available to all public attendees during their monthly meetings.
The next “Coffee with Commissioners” meeting will be held at the Alvordton Community Center on October 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
With no further business to attend, the September 16, 2025, commissioner meeting adjourned at 10:57 a.m.