NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2012 in the Hicksville Village Council Room, Hicksville, Ohio. Chairman Thomas L. Kime called the meeting to order. Also present were Commissioners James E. Harris, Jr. and Otto L. Nicely, Laura Howell, Administrator, Stephanie Metz, Clerk, and

The Commissioners met in General Session and approved and signed various resolutions, contracts and documents. The Commissioners also reviewed the calendar of events and discussed upcoming meetings.

Laura Howell, Administrator, met with the Board to provide her weekly update with various department and project updates. Laura provided the following department updates:

SENIOR SERVICES: Tina Hiler reported that Senior Services will be represented on Thursday at the following events: General Motors Information Fair – Senior Center employees will be on hand in shifts to explain activities and brochures will be on hand regarding the nutrition and commodities program. General Motors Retirees Meeting – Two employees will explain the rest and recuperation program and the transportation program. Approximately 700 people are expected to be in attendance.

WORKERS COMPENSATION: The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation recently informed us via press release that the BWC Board of Directors approved a seven percent (7%) workers compensation rate reduction to help local governments. Last year, the general fund paid $51,893 for workers compensation. The 7% reduction will save Defiance County approximately $3,632.00. Defiance County is also going to take full advantage of the bureau’s additional rate-savings and safety programs such as Drug Free, Transitional Work, Industry Specific and Go Green.

MAINTENANCE: Ron Cereghin reported that the Maintenance Department completed roof replacement of the two small flat roofs on the north side of the Courthouse, installed the air conditioning unit in Judge Schmenk’s office and poured the concrete approach and striped the parking spaces at the fairground’s Multipurpose Building, as required for a general election polling location.

The Commissioners discussed the 2013 budget process which will start next week. They agreed to a two percent (2%) pay increase for each department to be allocated as the Elected Official sees appropriate.

They also reviewed the new insurance rates presented by Medical Mutual. The renewal calls for an increase of 12% on the reinsurance premium and an increase of 5.54% on the aggregate claims cap. The County has experienced greater discounts this year since switching to Medical Mutual. Because of this, there will be no increase to the County employees.

Release Approved: ____________________________________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Defiance County Commissioner