Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Williams County endorses Drug‑Free Communities grant; health staff outline youth programs and septic assistance
Summary
Health-department staff asked the Williams County commissioners to endorse a second‑cycle Drug‑Free Communities grant that would provide $125,000 per year for five years; the commission voted to provide a letter of support and staff also described septic‑repair funds and program eligibility.
Williams County commissioners voted to provide a letter of support for the county’s application for a second‑cycle Drug‑Free Communities grant after health‑department staff presented program details and local needs.
An agency official explained the grant’s structure: “the cycle is a 5 year period, and each year, you get a $125,000, put into Williams County.” Staff asked commissioners to endorse the application and provide a formal letter of support; commissioners moved, seconded and approved the endorsement by roll-call vote.
Health‑department presenters described the local coalition’s peer‑leader model and school programming — suicide‑awareness activities, a yellow‑ribbon campaign and Red Ribbon Week — and said about 150 students participate in the initiative. Staff noted the coalition has been highlighted twice by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will be recognized at a national meeting in mid‑July.
Presenters also outlined complementary water‑and‑septic assistance. They said the county’s Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) had roughly $90,000 remaining to use by November and that the EPA provided about $50,000 more for next year; staff described income‑based tiers for WPCLF assistance (50% and 85% EPA contribution levels) and said eligibility is limited to owner‑occupied, existing homes. One presenter summarized program logistics and fees: “the total fees that would come to us would be, $960 if you needed everything, including the operation permit.”
Staff clarified that design and permitting for small‑flow systems (small commercial/industrial or atypical systems) follow Ohio EPA standards and noted that regulatory oversight for those designs reverted to Ohio EPA effective April 26. Commissioners asked how residents find help and what income thresholds apply; staff said eligibility follows HUD standards and site evaluation details are on an information sheet they will provide.
The grant endorsement allows staff to include the commission’s support in the Drug‑Free Communities application; commissioners said they will follow up if more information is needed. The commission then returned to other business and adjourned.
