County administrator steps down

TIFFIN — The Seneca County Commissioners addressed several administrative items during Tuesday's meeting, including a resignation, the start of a demolition project and funding allocations for the county's foster care system. Following an executive session to discuss personnel issues, the commissioners returned at to address an administrative change. The board voted to pass a resolution "accepting the resignation of Barb Patterson as county administrator effective March 6 of 2026." This item was not part of the agenda. No reason for the resignation was provided during the public portion of the meeting. Commissioner Anthony Paradiso stated, "Disappointed, but I'll take the motion." Commissioner Brent Busdeker followed, saying, "Reluctantly, I'll second. We'll miss you, Barb," before thanking her for a "good job" during her tenure. TB hospital demolition beginsEarlier in the meeting, Patterson delivered her reports, stating that the old TB hospital — located between the Sheriff's Office and the agricultural center — is being razed. "The [TB] hospital is officially starting to come down," Patterson reported, noting she received a call that morning confirming heavy equipment had been moved to the site. The commissioners stated that the project is being funded through a brownfield grant. This external funding freed up $100,000 that previous commissioners had originally set aside for the demolition. Kids in Care funding adjustments The board discussed the costs associated with Job and Family Services (JFS) and out-of-home placements for youth. The county has historically dedicated $500,000 annually to offset these placement costs. Commissioners noted they are reviewing a plan to distribute those funds in monthly installments rather than a lump sum to manage the budget. "The costs have just gotten to be so out of control with placement costs," Busdeker said. There's some very, very high dollars and it does fall back on our responsibility to fund it." The board stated that this is a statewide issue. While the county can receive Title IV-E government reimbursements for about 64% of care costs, it was noted that only two youths currently in the county's care are eligible for that specific program. This reimbursement was described as "a drop in the bucket of what we actually receive in reimbursement for what we spend out." Appropriations and vendor payments The commissioners approved a series of supplemental appropriations. The approved funds included: • $2,922.35 for the General Fund regarding Inmate Psychotropic Medication• $7,000 for General Fund Supplies, specifically a donation for the Sheriff's special response team• $23,232.25 for Sheriff Comm Fund Services• $175,000 for Ditch Maintenance Fund Contract Projects• $1,500 for Ditch Maintenance Fund Other Expense• $10,000 for Soil & Water Fund Contract Services for outsourced IT The board also passed a resolution authorizing the payment of a $10 late fee on an Omni Fiber account for EMS, noting that they are working to transition to credit card payments to prevent future fees. Fort Seneca alley vacation deniedThe meeting included a discussion regarding the vacation of an alley in Fort Seneca. Following legal review and a Feb. 4 email from Pleasant Township trustees stating they "have no interest in vacating the alley," the commissioners formally voted to deny the vacation request. The commissioners voted unanimously to deny it. America 250 celebrations The meeting concluded with an update regarding the upcoming America 250 anniversary. Marisa Stephens of Seneca County Collaborative discussed a kickoff event at the Octagon House over the weekend, which drew an estimated 150 attendees. Seneca County will participate in a five-county driving tour along the Harrison Trail, highlighting spots from the War of 1812. The official kickoff for the trail is scheduled for April 1 in Upper Sandusky. Stephens noted there are over 35 events planned throughout the year in Seneca County, including a 1976 lookalike float contest at the Heritage Festival parade and the planting of "heritage trees" in every township.