By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County finds itself in a good place in 2022. The jobs are plentiful, the farms are fertile, and the COVID pandemic appears to possibly be in the rearview mirror.
But out of an abundance of caution, Wood County Commissioners Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote and Ted Bowlus recorded their 2022 State of the County Address – with hopes that next year’s address can again be made in person.
The county made it through the pandemic by making use of technology, relying on common sense, and trusting the guidance from the Wood County Health Department, the commissioners said.
The result was getting through two years of COVID in good shape – for which Herringshaw thanked local citizens’ patience and resilience.
“We have much to be thankful for here in Wood County,” Herringshaw said. “Great people, prosperous agriculture, excellent educational opportunities, vibrant economy prospects, a terrific quality of life and more.”
Wood County has a record low unemployment rate of 2.8%, with businesses looking for employees.
“There is an abundance of available jobs,” Herringshaw said. “This has pushed wages higher – which is good.”
But pandemic issues linger.
“Supply chain issues are a significant problem at this time,” she noted. And the price of materials and equipment continue to climb.
“So while revenues are healthy, costs are up,” Herringshaw said.
After delaying some expenses, Wood County is now moving forward with projects such as the expansion at the county jail, LaHote said. The project will add to the booking and medical areas of the jail, as well as the housing area for female inmates.
The county is also looking for the best way to spend the $25.4 million it was awarded in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
“Most every city, village and township received money through this act as well,” LaHote said.
The county has already approved use of a portion of the COVID relief funds for some water and sewer projects, air handling systems in county buildings, and programs for domestic violence survivors.
Wood County is also working on an expansion of the county landfill, as approved by the Ohio EPA. The landfill, which currently has about 2.5 years of permitted space left, will have approximately 100 years of space once the expansion is complete, LaHote said.
Meanwhile, the county’s waste reduction and recycling programs continue to be available at several drop-off locations – with 691 tons of recyclables being collected last year.
Last year also saw the completion of the Wood County Veterans Memorial plaza in the southwest corner of the county courthouse lawn.
“It respectfully honors fallen service members in a manner that is accessible and visually appealing,” LaHote said.
Economic development success was seen in the county last year, including the groundbreaking for a $600 million expansion of the First Solar plant in Lake Township. The company is now the largest solar panel manufacturer in the western hemisphere, Bowlus said.
Though Peloton backed out of its production site in Troy Township, Bowlus said county officials are hoping the building will capture the interest of another manufacturer.
“We are optimistic about this site in Troy Township,” Bowlus said.
And the Amazon fulfillment center in Rossford has experienced unexpected job growth. The company originally promised to hire 1,000 employees, but by the end of 2021 it had employed approximately 4,000 at the site, Bowlus said.
Wood County weathered the pandemic, following the guidance of the health department, with the assistance of the Wood County Emergency Management Agency. After a year of many events being canceled, 2021 saw a return of the Wood County Fair, the National Tractor Pulling Championships, and allowed for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the county courthouse being built.
