Post-meeting release 1/14

Commissioners hear a positive update from Veterans Services Office Thursday

[Tiffin, OH Jan. 14, 2021] – The Seneca County Board of Commissioners heard a positive report from Seneca County Veterans Services Office Director Tara Balliet Thursday morning during a board session.
Balliet said for every dollar spent locally on services for veterans, another $50 was brought into the community in federal funding.
“We are really proud of the work we are doing out here,” she said. “We do have high hopes to resume services that had to be suspended (due to COVID-19) soon.”
The commissioners each thanked Balliet and all of the office staff and the board members on the Veterans Services Commission for their hard work in assisting Seneca County veterans.
County Administrator Stacy Wilson said the Veterans Services Office has always had a great relationship with the county commissioners.
“They are very frugal with their money and they spend it on the needs they have,” she said.
Commissioner Mike Kerschner agreed.
“Of the six years I’ve been here, it’s been a pleasure to work with you,” he said. “Many times, we pray for our veterans during our meetings. Thank you very much and God bless everyone involved.”
Balliet thanked the commissioners for always making veterans a priority.
As part of the meeting, the board adopted some increases to the Veterans Services Office budget due to the required millage, according to the Seneca County Auditor.
Balliet also said she was saddened that the Veteran of the Year dinner was canceled this year due to COVID-19. The winner, Charles Giles, died shortly after he was given the honor last December.
“We plan to hold a recognition dinner for Charlie as soon as we are able to, in addition to the 2021 Veteran of the Year event,” she said, adding that Giles deserved a grander recognition.
In other business, County Treasurer Paul Harrison requested some increases to his budget. The commissioners agreed to add $1,000 to the treasurer’s advertising line, per his request. Harrison also asked for a $20,000 increase to the projected revenue of the Seneca County Land Bank. Harrison made other budget increase requests, but the commissioners put them on hold as they await more information on county revenue during the first quarter of 2021. At that time, the board will re-evaluate budgets across all departments.
During Commissioner Tyler Shuff’s report, he said he has been off to a good start during his first couple of weeks in office. He said he’s been meeting with department heads and elected officials to become more acclimated with the job.

During new business, the board approved:
* A $75,000 fund transfer to the Bond Retirement Fund.
* A $132,000 fund transfer to the Justice Center Operating Fund.
* A $50,000 fund transfer to the Loan Repayment Fund.
* Establishing the ability for departments to dispose of unneeded, obsolete or unfit property via online internet auction.
* Designating official representative (Paradiso) and alternate (Shuff) for the purpose of voting at the annual meeting of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.
* Appointing Commissioner Shuff to the Revolving Loan Fund Committee.
* Entering into an agreement with the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Services for tourism-related services.