Post-meeting release 8/22

Commissioners to submit letter of support for Tiffin, Fostoria vehicle charging stations

[Tiffin, OH August 22, 2019] – The Seneca County Board of Commissioners agreed Thursday morning to submit a letter of support for grant applications by the cities of Tiffin and Fostoria to bring electric vehicle charging stations to their respective cities.
The commissioners were made aware of the AEP Ohio grant opportunity during last week’s meeting and decided this week to defer the projects to Tiffin and Fostoria.
Seneca Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Charlene Watkins brought the opportunity to the board and said the two cities submitted pre-application paperwork this week. The city of Tiffin is applying for two charging stations, while Fostoria is applying for one. It’s possible the grant funding could cover all the costs of the installation of equipment.
The Tiffin stations would tentatively be placed in City Lot No. 7, while the space in Fostoria would be in the lot across from Dell’s, 224 S. Main St.
Commissioner Shayne Thomas said if the grants are received, it will be a “win” for the community.
In other action, Chad Stover, a partnership specialist for the US Census Bureau, gave the commissioners information related to the 2020 Census count.
Stover said it is very important for all county residents to participate in the Census count because about $675 billion of federal funding is disbursed based on data collected during the count.
He also stressed that all information gathered is confidential and secure. For the first time ever, the Census can be completed online this year. Stover said the Census consists of 10 questions and should take about 10 minutes to complete. Residents should receive information on how to complete the Census online on or about March 12. National Census Day is April 1 and the county currently is included in a Tri-County Complete Count Committee with Wyandot and Marion counties. A Census Day event is being planned for April 1.
Also during the meeting, Cayla Shreffler, of Senator Rob Portman’s Office, addressed the board. She said she came to the meeting to introduce herself and to let the commissioners know she is available if the board needs anything from Portman’s office. Shreffler said she covers Seneca and 17 other counties for Portman.

During budget adjustments, the board approved:
* A $2,500 supplemental appropriation to the County Sewer District for contract services.
* A $3,000 supplemental appropriation to the County Sewer District for equipment.
* A $2,342 supplemental appropriation to the County Sewer District for contract services.
* A $1,000 supplemental appropriation to the County Sewer District for supplies.
* A $1,100 supplemental appropriation to the DRETAC Fund for other expenses.
* A $1,400 supplemental appropriation to the Juvenile Court Special Projects Fund for contract services.
* Establishing the Drugged Drivers Education Program Fund.