Commissioners recognize county treasurer

TIFFIN — The Seneca County Board of Commissioners briefly met on Tuesday to discuss a number of supplemental appropriations, as well as to recognize Seneca County Treasurer Paul Harrison for his seven years of service to the county and decades in various public service roles. Several of his peers spoke to his contributions not only as an elected official, but also as a public servant, as Harrison previously had spent several years as a bus driver for several local school districts. Commissioner Tony Paradiso commended Harrison for his efforts to reduce banking fees paid by the county, noting his involvement in consolidating several checking accounts. Paradiso also recognized Harrison for his contributions to the Land Bank, noting when it was first getting started nearly 100 properties were all in different stages. "It was crazy and I don't know how you got through it, but you have put so much time into it and we appreciate you getting us through that," said Paradiso. Commissioner Brent Busdeker shared that though it is his first year with the county, he is lucky to have worked with an individual such as Harrison. According to Seneca County Auditor Julie Adkins, "There are horror stories about how the auditor and the treasurer do not get along with one another … I'm proud to say we don't have that in Seneca County." Commissioner Bill Frankart recognized Harrison with a proclamation on behalf of the board, saying, "We extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes for a fulfilling and well-earned retirement." New business Two supplemental appropriations were adopted at the meeting, both in regards to the Child Support Enforcement Fund (2019). County Administrator Barb Patterson noted the first was to incorporate $175,000 back into their budget that they previously had cut in an effort to combat the IV-D (Federal Child Support Law) increases that happened earlier in the year. "They moved money out of their salary, and now they're putting it back in," said Patterson. The second, in the amount of $50,000, was in regards to the county's Patchwork House contract. Old business Additionally, two resolutions were passed at the meeting, including one to reverse previously passed Resolution 2025-141 for a funds transfer that was made to the capital improvements fund. She explained that $70,000 was previously put into the Capital Improvement Fund by mistake, as there is a specific Justice Center Capital Improvement Fund that it should've been put into instead. The second resolution reauthorized that same $70,000 to be transferred to the Justice Center Improvement Fund for new fencing, gates, electricity and card readers. Public comment Several residents again raised concerns at the meeting about the proposed Seneca Poultry LLC egg-laying facility. Speakers cited potential environmental impacts, traffic increases and quality-of-life issues for nearby neighborhoods. Paradiso said he felt compelled to address the issue at the meeting, noting he will share a formal written statement soon regarding the project. "From a personal standpoint, one of the big concerns I have is the water. I mean, I have a hard time with the whole well thing and the aquifer and just where it is," he said. The next meeting of the commissioners is set for 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21.