By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County got a clean bill of health Wednesday morning during the State of the County Address in the courthouse atrium.
Finances are strong, buildings are well maintained, unemployment is at a record low, and the future looks bright.
As is customary every spring, Wood County commissioners Craig LaHote, Ted Bowlus and Doris Herringshaw issue a status report – and this year the status is strong.
The 2024 general fund for the county totals $52.6 million, a nearly 5% increase over last year.
“We attribute this to a healthy local economy, steady revenues, and our continued efforts to budget conservatively and spend wisely,” LaHote said.
Sales tax continues to be the largest source of revenue for the county, with nearly $29 million collected last year. Investment income increased slightly due to rising interest rates.
“We extend our appreciation to our fellow county elected officials for their cooperation during the budget process and their responsible spending throughout the year,” LaHote said. “We will continue to closely monitor revenue and expenditures in the year ahead.
Following are highlights of the State of the County Address:
Economic development
The county experienced another successful year of economic development, and the unemployment rate remained at a record low, with December’s rate of 2.8%.
LaHote talked about continued expansions by First Solar, the hiring of more than 600 employees at the new UPS facility near the CSX intermodal facility, and the announcement of a proposed data center with a minimum investment of $750 million, and purchase of more than 700 acres.
“These successes would not be possible without the great collaboration we have in Wood County,” he said.
LaHote also mentioned the commissioners providing $250,000 to Bowling Green to help with infrastructure costs related to the Abbott Laboratories project.
ARPA funds
Wood County has awarded $25.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds from the federal government.
“We allocated the funding to numerous entities, focusing on projects that would impact a large number of county residents and provide lasting benefit to our community,” LaHote said. “This funding is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Wood County.
The projects include:
- Four large scale water and sewer improvement projects.
- Identification and replacement of lead drinking water service lines throughout the county.
- Two stormwater improvement projects managed by the county engineer.
- Financial assistance for operational expenses at the Cocoon Shelter and Habitat for Humanity.
- Financial assistance for a building renovation at the Wood County Health Department.
- Expansion project at the Wood County Landfill.
- HVAC upgrades in several county-owned buildings.
- Implementation of a county-wide computer aided dispatch, records management, and jail management communication system.
Jail project
Progress was made on the $28 million jail renovation and expansion project. The new booking and intake area has been completed and approved for occupancy by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
Construction and renovation efforts have shifted to the female housing unit, the new medical area, the master control station, and HVAC improvements. The completion date is set for this August.
“We are confident this jail will serve the needs of Wood County for many years to come,” LaHote said.
Courtrooms and security
A renovation project was recently completed in Judge Molly Mack’s Courtroom 2, and the county received an Ohio Supreme Court Technology Grant to fund new magnetometers and X-ray machines at the Wood County Courthouse and the Juvenile Court.
A space study is planned to evaluate security and space concerns in the Domestic Relations Court, which operates in two courtrooms, one which is quite small.
“Given the volatility of some of these proceedings, the smaller courtroom poses security concerns for parties, witnesses and the magistrate,” LaHote said.
The county is also investing in cybersecurity to protect the county’s internet connected systems, networks and devices. Last year, the county IT Department implemented a county-wide multi-factor authentication system for all county network users.
Landfill and recycling
The county is moving forward with an expansion of the landfill. The permit from the Ohio EPA provides for nearly 100 years of expansion capacity on land purchased by the county decades ago.
The expansion will be completed in phases, with the first phase kicking off this spring, Bowlus said. The project will cost approximately $2.8 million and will provide the county with solid waste disposal space for the next five to seven years.
Since 2018, the county has been operating a residential drop-off recycling program with sites located throughout the county, with one recently added in North Baltimore. Last year, more than 658 tons of recyclables were dropped off at the sites.
“Maintaining an effective recycling program is key to ensuring adequate landfill space,” Bowlus said.
Last year, the Ohio EPA approved the Wood County Solid Waste Management District plan update. The plan describes how solid waste will be safely managed in the district, and how state required goals will be met for waste reduction, recycling, education and outreach.
Funds shared
Last fall, Wood County Clerk of Courts Doug Cubberley made a one-time $500,000 contribution of title funds to the county general fund. The commissioners decided to contribute $250,000 to help the Wood County Park District purchase 33 acres adjacent to the Reuthinger Memorial Preserve.
“The additional land will allow for park expansion and preservation of the natural habitat in a highly developed area of Perrysburg Township,” Bowlus said.
The remaining $250,000 will be allocated to the county engineer for road and bridge projects.
Also last year, Wood County Job and Family Services Director Dave Wigent recommended a partial reduction in the collection of local levy dollars due to the availability of additional state and federal funds.
The commissioners requested that the Human Service Levy collection be reduced by 23% for 2024. This reduction will save county taxpayers $1.4 million, Bowlus said.
Opioid crisis funds
Wood County has received more than $290,000 in OhioOne settlements from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The settlement funds may only be spent on programs and services that relate to substance abuse treatment, prevention, avoidance, education and addiction recovery support.
“We are hopeful that this funding will make a meaningful difference in the fight against addiction in our communities,” Bowlus said.
Road and bridges
The care of roads and bridges continued to be a priority in 2023, said Herringshaw. Under the direction of Wood County Engineer John Musteric, more than 106 miles of county roads were either resurfaced or provided a surface treatment, and 10 bridges were replaced.
Many miles of ditch maintenance projects were also performed last year, including cleanouts, brush removal, bank repairs, spraying and mowing.
The commissioners are continuing to plan for the construction of a new highway garage facility, Herringshaw said.
The three buildings on the current site off East Poe Road need significant repairs and maintenance, and the above ground fueling station and a salt shed are severely undersized, she said.
Also in the works
Herringshaw listed the following projects completed last year or planned for this year:
- Update will begin of the Wood County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, with the planning commission guiding the effort.
- Rob Cendol was appointed new chief building official for the Wood County Building Inspection Department.
- Wood Haven Health Care finished 2023 with an increased census and improved staffing levels.
- Wood County Museum reopened late last year after being closed 10 months due to flooding in the facility.
- Last year Wood County Auditor Matt Oestreich received the Auditor of State Award with Distinction, for excellence in financial reporting.
- Probate Judge Dave Woessner partnered with neighboring counties to create a guardianship services board due to a spike in guardianship filings and a shortage of available guardians.
- Wood County Emergency Management Agency staff was praised for their efforts to prepare county residents and businesses for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8.
Sheriff shares
Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn also spoke at the State of the County Address, and praised the commissioners for maintaining county buildings. He asked those present to look around the courthouse atrium, and reflect on the condition of county facilities.
“They take care of things,” he said.
Wasylyshyn also talked about the monthly elected officials breakfasts that have been held since the 1970s.
“I don’t know any other counties that do this,” he said. “Communication is key.”
The sheriff talked about the jail renovation and expansion project.
“It’s not a beautiful project, like a bridge,” but it’s a necessity, he said.
The county has been in the jail business since 1820, and will likely continue for many years to come. The existing jail space had become too cramped, and was no longer safe for inmates or deputies, he said.
Across the nation, jails are struggling with so many patients who need mental health care but are jailed instead. At the same time, jails have also become detox facilities for inmates with addictions.
“We must treat everyone with respect, in a clean, safe and healthy environment,” the sheriff said.
Wasylyshyn reported that Wood County Jail has scored 100% for several years during inspections by the Bureau of Adult Detention.
