NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2007

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, January 18, 2007, at 8:30 a.m., in the Conference Room of the Defiance County Commissioners, 500 Court Street, Defiance, OH 43512. Commissioner Otto L. Nicely called the meeting to order. Also present were Commissioners Thomas L. Kime, James E. Harris, Jr., Becky Wagner, County Administrator, and Joanne Goerlitz, Deputy Clerk.

General Session – The Commissioners were presented with various resolutions and documents for approval. The Commissioners reviewed agenda items, discussed upcoming meetings, and reviewed and updated the calendar of events.

The Volunteer Connection is offering free assistance with Federal and State Income Tax Returns for seniors and low-income individuals beginning February 8, 2007 through April 15, 2007. The hours are 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. For an appointment, please call 419-782-3212.

There were two new member appointed to the Metropolitan Park Board by Judge Ruyle. The new members are David Jones and Roger Herrett.

The Commissioners awarded the bid for four (4) new 2007 cruisers for the Defiance County Sheriff’s Department. Mark Moats Ford-Mercury was awarded the bid with a price of $19,798 per vehicle.

County Administrator Becky Wagner submitted her report to the Board. Becky reported that Ron Cereghin, Defiance County Maintenance Department supervisor is having the concrete from the old hospital building hauled to Werlor. Becky also advised that the last dumpster of trash and scrap metal will be cleaned up and hauled away today.

Becky also advised she is working on a contract with the City of Defiance to do building inspections for surrounding townships. She will keep the Board informed as it progresses.

Randy Vogel, Defiance County Dog Warden came in for his monthly report. Randy reported year-to-date court fine revenue is $548.50.

Randy also reported the number of complaints and calls investigated for 2006 are at 1,581 for the year. The number of personal contacts was 3,468; Randy issued 244 warnings and 287 citations.

The total tag sales revenue through December 31, 2006 was $97,668, which is up from last year by $5,400. The licenses are currently being sold at the Defiance County Auditors Office, Jewell Grain, Ayersville Carryout, Defiance County Humane Society, Hicksville Police Department, Sherwood Police Department (only on Tuesday’s from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.) and at the Defiance Area Animal Hospital.

Master Gardner, Norm Tadsen came in along with Monica Hearne and Orville Clark to discuss ideas for landscaping at the Defiance County East offices.

Norm discussed using colorful accent plants around the building and presented several images for the Board to review.

News Release Approved: ____________________________________________________ Otto L. Nicely, Defiance County Commissioner