Commissioners pass resolutions

TIFFIN — The Seneca County Commissioners approved several funding measures and resolutions during their Thursday meeting. County Administrator Barb Patterson explained two key budget changes. • $20,000 was approved from the general fund for contract services. This will help pay for an ongoing audit of the county's phone, internet, and data services. The goal is to "find or create savings opportunities," Patterson said.• $50,000 was also approved from the general fund for Indigent Counsel, which provides legal help to people who can't afford an attorney. Patterson noted that the county raised the hourly pay for these court-appointed attorneys last year from $70 to $75, but hadn't increased the overall budget until now. "The county has not previously increased its budgeted amount for indigent counsel," she said. Judge Damon Alt of the Seneca County Common Pleas Court added more context, saying, "We are seeing higher bills, but we have a pretty good reimbursement rate from the Ohio Public Defender's office." He explained that in fiscal year 2024, the reimbursement rate was 85%. Alt also pointed to recent jury trials as a reason for the higher costs. "That trial showed an extensive amount of video footage that counsel had to review, so it was a larger bill," he said, referring to one trial that lasted four days. PIVOT program update After the budget discussion, Commissioner Bill Frankart asked Judge Alt for an update on the PIVOT (Participating in Victory of Transition) program, which supports recovery efforts. "I would say PIVOT is going very good, last week we had a couple graduations," Alt shared. He emphasized the importance of participants being ready for recovery: "Being able to take the time with these individuals is important, but they have to be ready for recovery. You cannot force it upon anybody, and I think with the help of the screening and admission process, we have been able to select good candidates." Other resolutions passed The commissioners also approved several other resolutions: • A contract with BT Transit Ohio, LLC for car repairs for the Department of Job and Family Services.• A contract with Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. for car rentals for the same department.• A release of mortgage for the Seneca County Land Reutilization Corporation, closing out a 2017 loan.• A resolution declaring the need for a tax levy that exceeds the standard 10-mill limit, as allowed by Ohio law. This resolution, according to Patterson, is a renewal on behalf of the Seneca County General Health District and will appear on the November 4 general election ballot. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 10.