(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
APPROVED … Commissioners approve the accepted offer of Kylee Towne as the Director of Williams County Job & Family Services.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County commissioners recently convened with Pat McCauley from the state treasurer’s office to receive an update on the programs offered through that office.
The Ohio Treasurer’s Office offers a program to assist residents in purchasing a home, whether it’s their first time or if they want to upgrade.
The Ohio Homebuyer Plus program, launched in January, allows individuals to save for a home and receive a higher interest rate compared to what banks or financial institutions offer.
Residents who are 18 or older and live in Ohio can participate. They can check with their local financial institution to see if they are participating in the program. You can save up to $100,000 in an account for your primary residence in Ohio.
The funds can be used for the down payment and closing costs, and you have five years to use them. It’s open to anyone, and you don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer.
Since the program’s launch earlier this year, Ohio now has about 18,000 accounts, while Iowa only has around 800.
Many financial institutions in northwest Ohio are participating, providing customers with plenty of options. Commissioner Terry Rummel supports the program based on personal experience.
McCauley mentioned the tax benefit of using the program, as contributions can be deducted from income tax.
The treasurer’s office still offers the popular Ag-Link program, which has been performing well since the borrowing limit was increased to over $150,000 and made available year-round.
McCauley mentioned that they have helped finance around $9.1 million this year, with last year’s total being $14.3 million.
He also discussed the STABLE Account, which enables individuals with disabilities to save and invest without affecting their federal benefits, helping them cover living expenses and medical costs.
Many parents open accounts for their young children to save for their future living expenses. Anyone can contribute to the account, and businesses can offer a direct deposit option to employees. Ag-Link funding is for operations only.
In other news, the Commissioners approved the following transfers:
Williams County Commissioners: $5,212.42 from Unappropriated to Repairs for Painting Common Pleas Restrooms and 4th Floor Flooring; $454.00 from Workers Compensation to Dues to fund line through end of 2024.
Williams County Common Pleas Court: $125.00 from Unappropriated to Special Projects for Budget shortfall.
Williams County EMS: $20,634.82 from EMS BWC to EMS Repairs for low fund amount.
Williams County Engineer: $150.00 from Unappropriated to Fuel for Fuel for mowing county parks; $14,000.00 from Administration to Repairs and Materials for Repair cost for WWTP Repairs and Materials for WWTP and new tap.
Williams County Sheriff: $425.10 from Workers Comp to Advertising for MAN Unit Ad.
Williams County Treasurer: $200.00 from Unappropriated to Office Supplies for Office Supplies (Adding Machine).
Kylee Towne has been offered and accepted the Director position of Williams County Job & Family Services with a potential start date of November 18, 2024.
The new director will receive a salary of $115,000 per year, in addition to benefits. She will directly report to the county administrator. The hiring is subject to a successful background check.
The next commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15th at 9:00 a.m.
