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Adams County proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month; commissioners hear health and JFS service concerns
Summary
The Adams County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and received reports on courthouse building deterioration, a Job and Family Services client complaint that led to a policy clarification, and EMS and animal-control updates.
At its April 20 meeting, the Adams County Board of Commissioners unanimously proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and received updates from the Board of Health, Job and Family Services (JFS), EMS and other departments on facility and service issues.
Executive Director Sonya Meyer and Adams County Children Services staff were present as the board read a multi-clause proclamation highlighting Ohio’s 2025 child-abuse reporting statistics and urging community efforts to protect children. Commissioner Barbara Moore Holt praised the work done by Children Services and the board extended prayers to an ill Children’s Services employee.
Facility concerns: Board of Health Commissioner Jason Work, Nurse Bonnie Pertuset and Adams County fiscal leadership told the commissioners that the courthouse is showing worsening structural issues despite earlier renovations — mortar cracks have progressed to splitting bricks, and water collects under the foundation. The board agreed to contact Engineer Lee Pertuset to inspect and advise on next steps.
Job and Family Services follow-up: Director Angie Malott and Deputy Director (and Fiscal Officer) Danyel McClanahan reported on time-sheet matters and described a client complaint in which a resident asked that food-assistance verification be mailed because travel to the office was burdensome. The transcript records that staff initially denied the request under older policy but, after a follow-up call and clarification that in-person verification is no longer required, the county mailed the verification forms.
Other departmental notes: Adams County EMS Chief Dusty McCleese reported 73 runs for the week and noted a contractor rescheduled an ambulance alignment service to occur in Dayton. The board also reviewed Avery’s Law as it pertains to dangerous dogs and noted Dog Warden Donnie Swayne will attend training on the new law. Lucas Holloway of AirMedCare briefed commissioners on membership options including a bi-weekly payroll deduction with no up-front cost.
What comes next: The commissioners asked staff to secure an engineering inspection of courthouse structural concerns and to continue RFQ review for the county correctional facility construction manager; Children Services and county staff will proceed under the proclamation and existing program delivery obligations.
Speakers referenced: Sonya Meyer; Jason Work; Bonnie Pertuset; Angie Malott; Danyel McClanahan; Dusty McCleese; Donnie Swayne; Lucas Holloway; Barbara Moore Holt.
