Commissioners to pass budget later this month

TIFFIN—The Seneca County Commissioners still have high hopes to adopt the 2025 county budget before Thanksgiving. County Administrator Barb Patterson said she's still working on the budget with the budget commission during the regular board meeting Thursday. "Just a quick overview," she said. "We received over $1.5 million in excess of what was certified by the budget commission." She also said this number does not take into consideration requests and raises. She later said the county had an 18% increase in the cost of health insurance and a 5-6% increase in property insurance. "We're trying to whittle that budget down just a little bit," she said. "It's going to take a little bit of time. I think I'm still on track to have it approved by Thanksgiving, that's the hope." The board also discussed the board meeting schedule with the upcoming holiday season. Patterson advised the county office would be closed on Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving but decided to table official discussions of when to reschedule the meeting. Commissioner Bill Frankart said he had been keeping a close eye on Senate Bill 119, a bill sponsored by Ohio Senator Bill Reineke, and regarding the transfer and disposal of solid waste, construction and demolition debris, that now seemed to be "stuck" in the House of Representatives and reported that he wasn't sure if it would pass. Frankart said he was interested in looking into the process of leaving the current solid waste district in favor of the county creating their own. The board approved a joint assessment with the Sandusky County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting and also approved a joint ditch assessment with Hancock and Huron counties during special meetings Thursday. Commissioner Tyler Shuff reported hearing from Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson after Wilkinson requested money from the county to help with the beautification efforts of Court Street next year. Commissioner Tony Paradiso said it would be best to give more of an update on the project after the budget had been approved for the coming year. "We have blinders on until after we approve the budget," Paradiso said. The board also approved the following supplemental appropriations: $0.08 from the general fund for the sheriff's salary. Patterson said this appropriation was needed due to a calculation error. $127,166.65 from the One Ohio Opioid settlement fund for transfer out to PIVOT $13,942.75 from the general special projects transfer out to T-CAP The board later approved the following resolutions: Authorizing fund transfers be made from the One Ohio Opioid fund to the PIVOT fund. Authorizing fund transfers be made to the T-CAP Grant Fund from general special projects fund. Authorizing Master Services Agreement with ISSG Inc. on behalf of the Seneca County Auditor. Authorizing payment of late fees on City of Tiffin Sewer accounts. The next meeting is 10 a.m. Nov. 14, 111 Madison St.