By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners convened for their regular session on July 15, 2025. All were in attendance, including President Terry Rummel, Scott Lirot, and Bart Westfall.
The previous meeting’s minutes, current agenda, and payment of bills were all approved. A single bill, involving incomplete construction, was held until officially complete.
After passing supplemental funding for Williams County departments, a resolution to proceed with the renewal levy for the Williams County Public Library was also approved.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was authorized between Williams County JFS and the ADAMhs Board for the purpose of shared funding.
Commissioners discussed replacing representatives for the Region 16 OneOhio opioid settlement board. Rummel volunteered to serve as a representative, with an alternate yet to be determined. This will be held under discussion in the future as they explore their options further.
The board also reviewed a proposed training seminar on social media management and crisis response. Commissioners expressed their support for funding and proceeding with planning.
A travel request for Michael Levy to attend the Midwest User Group Conference was approved. An additional request for Emil Gravelle, III, to attend the OPAA Prosecutor Trial Boot Camp Seminar was also passed.
An acknowledgment of a Department of Taxation letter regarding airport parcel review was noted.
Kellie Gray, County Treasurer, presented a report of the Public Depositories. She recommended renewing agreements with five local banks: F&M, Huntington, WesBanco, State Bank, and Waterford, for their provided depository services.
WesBanco will remain the county’s main depository, for they offer competitive rates and newly available interest-earning checking accounts.
In a public hearing held with Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) representatives, commissioners discussed two proposed Residential Public Infrastructure Grants (RPIG) projects.
The Village of West Unity is seeking $382,000 in RPIG funds for a $756,000 pump station replacement. Located at the northwest corner of South Liberty Street and County Road K, the pump station is over 50 years old and in poor condition.
The recently completed census shows that West Unity has 55.1% of residents with low income, making them more than eligible to apply for the grant.
The Village of Edon is requesting $750,000 toward a new $2.77 million wastewater treatment plant, which will aid in replacing outdated infrastructure.
Between 2019 and 2024, Edon faced multiple violations due to the plant exceeding its useful design life. An income survey has recently been completed.
Both projects meet the low to moderate income eligibility requirements, and resolutions approving grant applications will be prepared for the next session.
Commissioners also addressed ongoing power limitations on the southeast corner of the courthouse square, which have affected events like Flair on the Square and the Jubilee.
A potential partnership with Bryan Municipal Utilities and other stakeholders was discussed to fund the installation of a new transformer.
Commissioner Lirot reported on repair efforts at the Williams County Fairground beef barn, funded by donations and assisted by community service youth. The beef producers increased their donation to $3,000 to potentially complete repairs around the entire barn.
The session concluded with an update from Ashley Aston, regional representative for U.S. Senator Jon Husted. She introduced the new Toledo office, located on Madison Avenue, and offered federal assistance, including with USPS and FAA issues.
“We’re ready to serve, and anything we can do to assist you federally, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”
Commissioners highlighted concerns about mail delivery in Kunkle following the post office closure and asked for help pursuing aviation-related grants for fuel system upgrades.
Aston made a note to connect the board with appropriate federal contacts so they can continue to pursue this in the future.
With no further business to discuss, the board adjourned at 10:31 a.m.