Commissioners recognize 4-H Week

Seneca County Commissioners Thursday recognized Ohio 4-H Week with a proclamation. The youth program through Ohio State University Extension 245,000 youth statewide, including more than 1,000 in Seneca County along with 43 local clubs led by 150 adult volunteers. Enrollment in 4-H clubs remains open through March 20. For more information, call (419) 447-9722 or email seneca.osu.edu. Also Thursday, Kelley Beckett, of First Step domestic violence shelter in Fostoria, updated the commissioners on changes at the shelter since founder Terri Mercer died about a year ago. In January, she said board members conducted a strategic planning session that resulted in a choice to continue serving victims of domestic violence, and starting to do more for male victims. She said the shelter continue to seek funds and had a Fall Ball fundraiser in October, which the board plans to do again this year. She said she has been applying for grants. Beckett said the shelter has started a support group for shelter residents and anyone in the community affected by domestic violence. Although the center is intended to be a temporary shelter for 30 days, she said it's difficult to get people to move on because there's no housing for them to move into. "We're struggling to move people on once we get them there," she said. She said the shelter has been asked if it provides shelter for homeless people, but there isn't enough staff and beds for the people in need of domestic violence shelter. In addition, the commissioners discussed updates to the merit-based compensation plan for Seneca County Department of Job & Family Services employees not in the bargaining unit. Director Kathy Oliver said employee pay raises depend on their performance. The commissioners raised a concern about keeping the wages of employees in that department similar to those in other county offices. They are to review an updated proposal next week. The commissioners opened bids for a CR 49, 43 and 592 structure replacement of prestressed box beams. The sole bidder was Prestressed Services Industries LLC, Columbus, for $332,740. Also, they approved: • A $1,500 supplemental appropriation to the General Fund for contract services (tax map). • A $202,639.05 supplemental appropriation to the Technology Grant Fund for equipment on behalf of the Seneca County Clerk of Courts office. The money is to come from a grant through the Supreme Court of Ohio and it will be used to fund new computers, servers, training and software. • A $10,000 supplemental appropriation to the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Fund for other expenses. • A $4,931.82 supplemental appropriation to the county engineer's CR 10, 35 and 61 Resurfacing Fund in the transfers out line to close the fund. • A $24,000 supplemental appropriation for capital improvements at the Seneca County Museum's Carriage House. • An agreement with the cities of Fostoria and Tiffin for the Community Housing Improvement Program 2020 partnership. • A bid of $99,198 from Rush Trucking for a new school bus for Seneca County Opportunity Center. Next meeting has been changed to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the commissioners office, 111 Madison St., from it usually Thursday time.