Commissioners honor retirees

At the Seneca County Commissioners' meeting Tuesday, the board recognized several retirees. The board honored Judge Michael P. Kelbley, who retired after 34 years as Seneca County Common Pleas judge, Dawn Fitch, who retired after 32 years as a Tax Map Office employee and Seneca County Commissioner Mike Kerschner, who retired after 8 years as commissioner. Judge Steve Shuff came to the meeting to express his appreciation for Kelbley and Kerschner. Shuff, who alongside Kelbley for 24 years, said the following about him: "Kelbley looked at the best interest of not only the justice system but the best interests of the citizens of Seneca County. I think all the projects that took place were a collaborative that included all the judges, as well as the commissioners and others." As for Kerschner, Judge Shuff said: "Your business sense, your common sense and your ability to not complain and not blame anyone is outstanding. I think that's the character of a leader. I want to thank you for all your eight years of hard work. You will be missed." When it came to commissioner reports, Kerschner said he wanted to leave people with the advice to do something small to make someone's life better or improve a situation. He explained if everyone does something small each day, it all adds up to something great. "I appreciate the opportunity to have been able to serve." "It's been a real privilege working with Commissioner Kerschner," said Commissioner Tyler Shuff. "One thing I've always respected about him is that he's been very fair." Then a tribute video for Kerschner, put together by Seneca County PR Director Jimmy Flint, was played. In the video, several people Kerschner had worked with over the years shared memories of him and expressed their appreciation for him. Fitch was presented with a proclamation by the commissioners for her years of service with the Tax Map office. She ensured that legal descriptions and land surveys complied with state and local standards and oversaw the modernization of the Tax Map department, leading a transition away from hand-drawn plot maps to parcel maintenance on the county's computerized GIS mapping program. Kelbley was also given a proclamation to recognize his time as judge. During his time as a judge, he officiated over 730 weddings, both in and out of the county. Kelbley served as the director of the Seneca County Public Defender's Office and as the village solicitor for Attica, Bettsville, Bloomville, New Riegel and Republic. He is a member of the Seneca County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association and has served on the Supreme Court Magistrate Committee since 2011. Kelbley also has made significant contributions to his community, serving on the Seneca County TB & Health Board, where he served as vice president from 1995-1996 and treasurer from 1998-2004. He has also been involved with various organizations, including the Sons of the American Legion, the New Riegel Moose, the United Services for Alcoholism and the Alcohol Intervention Program. As for supplemental appropriations, the board granted the renewal of Fairfield Computer Services LLC online dog license program agreement on behalf of the Seneca County Auditor and Dog Warden, an agreement with Seneca County General Health District for 2023 medical and health care services on behalf of the Seneca County Youth Center, a contract service agreement with Crawford County Board of Commissioners for the receipt, custody and care of Crawford County juveniles on behalf of the Seneca County Youth Center in 2023 and an agreement with Resource Solutions Associates on behalf of the Seneca County Emergency Management Agency. The commissioners also granted an amendment to the resolution certifying unpaid assessments to the County Auditor for collection under Ohio Revised Code Section 6117.02, a resolution authorizing fund transfers to the Budget Stabilization Fund (1900), bringing the fund to just under $2 million and maximizing the amount that can be statutorily invested in the "Rainy-Day Fund" for 2022, resolution to approve American Rescue Plan Act fund requests in accordance with federal guidelines, a resolution to approve the fifth amendment to the agreement of sublease between the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the County of Seneca and acceptance of petition and granting of annexation to the City of Fostoria for certain parcels of land in Jackson Township. Further, they granted a regulatory compliance amendment to the Master Services Agreement with Pay Tel Communications on behalf of the Seneca County Sheriff, an amendment to a contract with IamResponding for emergency services, an emergency medical services agreement with the Seneca County Joint Ambulance District, an agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for general services agreement on behalf of the Seneca County Airport and an amendment to the contract between the City of Tiffin and the Seneca County Prosecutor's Office. The next commissioners' meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m., Jan. 5, 2023, at the commissioners' office, 111 Madison St.