Commissioners vote to request public hearing after health‑department aquifer review

A county official reported that the state health department has completed an initial investigation into residents’ concerns about wells in an area of Williams County. The agency’s process requires a public meeting to explain findings; commissioners voted to request that meeting and to invite Defiance County to participate.

During the meeting, a county representative summarized correspondence received from the health department and said that department staff had conducted an initial site visit and had sent a letter back to the county dated Sept. 15 describing next steps. That letter, the speaker said, outlines that the public meeting can be requested either by the health department or by the county commissioners.

A commissioner moved to request the public meeting and to invite Defiance County to join the request; the board approved the motion in a roll call. Commissioners said the meeting should give neighbors the chance to hear what the health department found and to understand any next steps; the health department, the county representative said, cannot impose penalties beyond its investigation but will complete a report that residents can use if they choose to pursue any additional action.

The board’s motion directed staff to proceed with scheduling and public notice in coordination with the health department. The transcript records the motion as “proceed with it with the idea that I will also invite Defiance County if they wanna join us.” Commissioners voted in favor and the motion carried.

What’s next: County staff will coordinate with the health department on setting a date for the required public meeting and issue public notice for nearby residents.