(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
EXTENSION … Judge-Elect Rhonda Fisher and Court Administrator Kim Coller attended a meeting with the Williams County Commissioners on Thursday to discuss the extension of two contracts.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
During the Tuesday meeting, the Williams County commissioners approved a grant agreement for improvements in Pulaski Township.
The county has been awarded a grant of $256,800 to work on County Road 1575. This project aims to address drainage and flooding issues in the area.
Dennis Miller from the Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) informed the commissioners that the project will be a collaboration with Pulaski Township.
The township is contributing its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the project, which totals $250,801.
The total estimated cost of the project is $682,001, and the township must allocate its ARPA funds by year-end, so the project needs to be put out for bid soon.
Commissioner Terry Rummel abstained from voting because of a potential conflict of interest.
The commissioners have authorized a six-month land lease agreement between the county’s Information Technology (IT) Department and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.
This agreement concerns a Multi-Agency Radio Communications (MARCs) radio tower situated near the Clerk of Court’s office. It is important to note that there are no associated costs with this lease.
Rummel mentioned that Commissioner Lew Hilkert is collaborating with Kim Herman, the Williams County Clerk of Courts, as well as the incoming clerk, to draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the tower.
“It is important that we have that documented, that there is an MOU between us and the Clerk of Courts, so that when we are not here, it flows down through and everybody understands why we are doing this,” said Commissioner Rummel.
During the Thursday meeting, the Williams County commissioners approved two contract extensions for Williams County Job and Family Services.
One agreement is with the Shalom Counseling and Mediation Center to provide supervised visitations and parenting education classes, with costs not exceeding $60,000. This agreement will extend through September 30th.
The second agreement is with the Ohio State University Extension Office in Williams County, which will offer hands-on life skills training and preparation for the future for youth. This agreement has a cost not to exceed $10,000 per year, also extending through September 30th.
In other news, the commissioners approved a transfer of funds to acquire an additional phone system for Hillside County Living.
They also waived the 30-day waiting period for a new employee in the Williams County Court of Common Pleas to begin receiving health insurance.