NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2013 in the Conference Room in the Commissioners’ Office at 500 Court Street, Suite A, Defiance, Ohio 43512. Chairman Otto L. Nicely called the meeting to order. Also present were Commissioners James E. Harris, Jr. and Thomas L. Kime, Sherry Carnahan, Finance Manager/Administrator, and Stephanie Metz, Clerk.

Eric Ratts, DLZ, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the Courthouse project. Eric informed the Board that the firm is continuing to work on documentation of the existing structure and area and reviewing Building Code Compliance for the project.

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.

Jerry Hayes and Paige VanderSluijs, Defiance County Economic Development, met with the Commissioners for a monthly update.

Randy Vogel, Defiance County Dog Warden, met with the Commissioners for a monthly update. Randy reported investigating 109 complaints in May that resulted in 7 dogs taken to the shelter, 20 warnings issued and 19 citations written. There were 3,531 miles driven and $262.00 collected in Municipal Court fines. There has been $102,295.00 received from dog tag sales, which is $17,595.00 more than in 2012.

Randy informed the Board that HB 59 passed, with implements the ability for citizens to purchase 3 year dog tags and permanent dog tags. The County will now be required to purchase 1 year, 3 year, permanent and vicious dog tags. Randy stated that he is still in the process of determining the process to implement these changes, including the amount to charge for the 3 year and permanent tags. The implementation of HB 59 requirements will cost the County more, as additional tags will need purchased, and the administrative costs will increase due to additional tracking components necessary. Randy will be reviewing the matter more and provide a financial projection of the additional costs, so the Board can determine if the dog tag prices should be increased in 2014.

Release Approved:

Otto L. Nicely, Defiance County Commissioner