Post-meeting release 5/4/23

Commissioners honor regular meeting attendee, get 4-H update Thursday morning

[Tiffin, OH – May 4, 2023] — The Seneca County Board of Commissioners honored a Seneca County resident for his engagement with local government on Thursday Morning.
Commissioner Tyler Shuff read a commendation letter and presented a Seneca County Commissioners mug (not purchased with taxpayer money) to local resident and long-time attendee of commissioners’ meetings, Tom Breidenbach.
The letter thanks Breidenbach for this “exemplary attendance” at commissioners’ board meetings.
“Your dedication to engaging with local government has not gone unnoticed, and we are delighted to commend you for your excellent commitment to the Seneca County community,” the letter states. “As you are aware, the Commissioners place great value on transparency and accessibility, and your regular attendance at meetings is a testament to your engagement and commitment to keeping informed on the county’s activities.”
The commendation also mentions Breidenbach’s work as a county employee and as a volunteer, working to maintain and beautify the county cemetery.
“Your hard work and dedication to this important task have not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for your contributions to our community,” the letter states.
The commissioners thanked Breidenbach and explained that he is a great example of active citizenship and getting involved in the county.
In other business, Katie Cole, 4-H Educator for the Ohio State University Extension Office, updated the commissioners on a busy summer ahead.
She explained that 4-H Clubs in the county now have about 935 youth members and 140 adult volunteers. Cole said the annual 4-H kickoff event is scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday at the Seneca County Fairgrounds, 100 Hopewell Ave.
The event, Cole said, is to include different games for children to play, and refreshments are to be available. The event is for students or adults interested in learning more about or becoming involved with 4-H.
After a brief executive session, the commissioners agreed to promote Barb Patterson from Fiscal Clerk to County Administrator/Clerk to the Board.
Commissioner Anthony Paradiso said Patterson has worked closely with outgoing administrator Jaime Wolfe, and said he believes she will bring “great continuity” to the office.
Commissioner Bill Frankart said he looks forward to continuing to work with Patterson and that she brings “fiscal responsibility” to the role.
Before coming to the county late last year, Patterson had about five years of experience at the Seneca County Auditor’s Office and about 25 years in the private sector.
“I am excited about the opportunity,” she said. “I can’t wait to work with everybody within the county.”
Patterson officially moves into the role on May 12th.
Also during the session, the commissioners discussed two letters they are sending to state officials. One was to support Vanguard-Sentinel’s grant application for funding to help with the launch of their EMS/fire training program. The other letter is to Gov. Mike DeWine’s office, and it asks the governor to re-establish the Ohio Water and Sewer Rotary Loan Program. The program would promote economic development by improving the ability to construct water and sewer infrastructure.
In new business, the commissioners approved all resolutions and budget adjustments from the meeting agenda.