Post-meeting release 1/22

Commissioners choose interim treasurer, move forward on facilities master plan

[Tiffin, OH Jan. 22, 2019] – The Seneca County Commissioners followed the recommendation of current county treasurer Damon Alt Tuesday morning when they selected Becky Hohman as interim treasurer effective Feb. 1.
Alt is leaving the position at the end of this month to become magistrate for Seneca County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Kelbley. The commissioners were tasked with making a temporary appointment to the position by the end of January. Hohman will serve in the role for about 7-14 days. The Seneca County Republican Party is to choose a candidate to finish Alt’s term, which expires Sept. 5, 2021. GOP officials are expected to discuss the appointment during a meeting scheduled for Feb. 7.
Chris English, Paul Harrison, Stephen Welter and David Koehl are vying for the permanent position.
At Alt’s recommendation, the board decided to choose an interim candidate from within the office, so they would not be endorsing one of the four candidates who will go in front of the Republican Central Committee next month.
Alt said the office will be in good hands with Hohman at the helm.
Hohman said she has worked at the Treasurer’s office for nearly three years.
“I am honored that Treasurer Alt has entrusted me with this temporary position,” she said. “I will continue to provide the same great customer service and practices that Treasurer Alt has put in place. These are big shoes to fill, as Damon has done a wonderful job in the last nine years. I will miss him.”
In other business, the board agreed to move forward in the process of having a facilities master plan crafted that would create a plan for the future of all county-owned buildings.
The board unanimously chose to work with Gossman Group on the plan, pending prosecutor’s approval and some further clarification on the scope of work for the project.
Last week the board received estimates from CT Consultants and Gossman Group for the architectural and engineering work on the plan. Gossman Group’s cost estimate is about $72,500-$89,500 and CT’s estimate is about $69,000-118,000.
Also during the meeting, Doug Smith, of IAP Business Services, addressed the board on an opportunity to upgrade the Seneca County Museum’s energy efficiency by using his company.
The company is to complete a free energy assessment that could reveal a path forward that would save money in the long-term and would also upgrade the museum.
Ohio’s Energy Reduction Program, through Ohio House Bill 295, is a funding mechanism that allows counties to implement facility upgrades and pay for the project with energy savings over a 5-15-year period. More information will be available at the completion of the company’s initial assessment.
In other action, Kelly Marker, Seneca County dog warden, gave a year-in-review update for 2018.
She said the office received 322 complaints, took in 174 dogs, returned 85 dogs and had about 60 dogs adopted last year.
Marker said about 10,286 dog licenses were purchased in the county last year. She said the organization’s goal is to issue 10,500 in 2019.
Dog licenses must be purchased by the end of this month. Licensing your dog is required by state law and may ensure that your pet will be returned if it becomes lost.
Licenses can be purchased in the county auditor’s office, 109 S. Washington St., or online at www.senecacountyauditor.org. For more information, call the auditor’s office (419) 447-0692.
During appropriations, the board approved all legislation from yesterday’s agenda.