Williams County commissioners authorize CDBG applications, budget moves and routine business

The Williams County Board of Commissioners met May 5, 2026 in Bryan and approved a slate of routine actions, including minutes, the day's agenda, payment of bills, several supplemental appropriations, and authorization to apply for two Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs.

The board voted unanimously among those present to carry the measures. Commissioner Bartley E. Westfall moved each motion and Commissioner Scott A. Lirot seconded; both voted "yes" on recorded roll calls. Commissioner Terry N. Rummel was recorded as not present.

The actions matter because they set the county's near-term spending plan and allow staff to pursue grant funding for local infrastructure and downtown revitalization projects. The county authorized the administrator to apply for a CDBG PY2026 FLEX Downtown Grant seeking up to $250,000 and for the CDBG PY2026 Residential Public Infrastructure Grant Program seeking up to $750,000. When asked whether those award requests are annual, Commissioner Westfall asked, "Do we have to do this every year? For these grants? Or are they specific?" County Administrator Vond T. Hall replied, "They are specific."

Key budget changes were approved under Resolution 26-0229. Notable entries include a supplemental appropriation to create a Common Pleas Court technology capital line for a SCO technology grant ($126,253.35); a $40,000 reallocation for the county engineer to cover contract services and equipment repairs; Hillside Country Living line adjustments for equipment and repairs; an IT reclassification of a $4,325 capital asset line; and establishment of a new Sheriff line for SRT/Dive Team repairs ($10,000).

The board's agenda packet also included a Notice of Award and recommendation from Maumee Valley for the Montpelier Waterline Replacement project; staff said the county will present a contract/resolution so the board can review start and end dates before executing an award.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 26-0226 — Approve minutes (April 30, 2026): Mover Bartley E. Westfall; Second Scott A. Lirot; Roll call: Lirot Yes, Westfall Yes, Rummel Not Present — Carried. - Resolution 26-0227 — Approve agenda as amended: Mover Westfall; Second Lirot; Roll call: Lirot Yes, Westfall Yes, Rummel Not Present — Carried. - Resolution 26-0228 — Approve payment of bills: Mover Westfall; Second Lirot; Roll call: Lirot Yes, Westfall Yes, Rummel Not Present — Carried. - Resolution 26-0229 — Supplemental appropriations (multiple departments, see packet): Mover Westfall; Second Lirot; Roll call: Lirot Yes, Westfall Yes, Rummel Not Present — Carried. - Resolution 26-0230 — Authorize application for CDBG PY2026 FLEX Downtown (up to $250,000): Mover Westfall; Second Lirot; Roll call: Lirot Yes, Westfall Yes, Rummel Not Present — Carried. - Resolution 26-0231 — Authorize application for CDBG PY2026 Residential Public Infrastructure (up to $750,000): Mover Westfall; Second Lirot; Roll call: Lirot Yes, Westfall Yes, Rummel Not Present — Carried. - Resolution 26-0232 — Enter into IV-E placement contract (New Beginnings Residential Treatment Center LLC): Mover Westfall; Second Lirot; Roll call: Lirot Yes, Westfall Yes, Rummel Not Present — Carried.

What happened next

Staff and the commissioners agreed to hold off on signing a Rails-to-Trails parking arrangement until the parcel and an existing tower foundation are reviewed. County staff will also follow up on a bidder's emailed complaint about bid handling and timing of an addendum. The meeting adjourned at about 9:15 a.m.

A packet of resolutions and contract documents (including the full IV-E agreement and Schedule A rate information) was placed on file with county administration and Job & Family Services.