Commissioners discuss Senate Bill 119, set date to receive bids for new EMS station

Tiffin, Ohio — The Seneca County Board of Commissioners convened a meeting on Thursday morning to address Senate Bill 119, proposed by Senator Bill Reineke.

The board prepared written testimony that will be presented before the State Senate’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee later in the day, specifically at 4 p.m. Commissioner Anthony Paradiso will be the one presenting the board’s support for the bill during the hearing.

The testimony focuses on highlighting the potential detrimental effects of unregulated out-of-state trash, particularly from New York, on the environment, water sources, and the overall quality of life in Seneca County and the state of Ohio. Senate Bill 119 aims to tackle this issue by granting regulatory agencies increased oversight over landfill facilities.

Within the written testimony, three changes in the bill are recognized. These include an improved process for local input, the implementation of increased and equalized fees for waste disposal, and the strengthening of local health districts. According to the commissioners, these changes prioritize the well-being of the community, environmental protection, and the equitable distribution of oversight resources.

To view the full written testimony, please click here.

First EMS Station Bids to be Opened in Seneca County

County Administrator Barb Patterson announced during the meeting that sealed bids for the construction of the first EMS station in Seneca County will be opened on June 8th at 10 a.m. The bid opening will take place at the commissioners’ office. The EMS station will be located on the east side of Bloom Township and is part of a larger plan to improve response times for Seneca County EMS personnel.

The board acquired approximately 3 acres of land on US 224 in Bloom Township for this project back in March 2022 at a cost of around $52,500. In February 2022, the commissioners allocated up to $750,000 for the construction of the new EMS facility. This station will accommodate both paid and volunteer Seneca County EMS staff, leading to improved emergency medical service coverage for county residents and those within the SCEMS coverage area.

The joint ambulance district, which approved a 2.5-mill levy in November, works closely with the county to provide emergency medical services to rural areas lacking coverage from other agencies. The passage of the levy enables the JAD and SCEMS to employ additional paid personnel alongside existing staff and volunteers.

During the session, the commissioners also approved a budget supplement of $3,000 for preliminary work on the second EMS station. This station will be located on the southwest end of the county, further expanding the emergency medical service coverage in Seneca County.

Commissioners Recognize Accomplishments and Observances

In addition to the discussions and decisions made, the commissioners took the opportunity to present several proclamations during the meeting. These included:

• May as Mental Health Awareness Month: The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Wyandot’s Executive Director, Mircea Handru, received this proclamation.
• Outstanding Achievement through the SkillsUSA Program: Students and personnel from Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers were recognized for their exemplary performance and for being named as one of three schools recognized as a model of excellence through the SkillsUSA Program.
• May 21-27 as National EMS Week: Seneca County Emergency Services Director Don Ballah and other SCEMS personnel were presented with this proclamation, commemorating the 49th National EMS Week.

New Business

In new business, the commissioners approved:

• A $15,000 supplemental appropriation to the General Fund for professional services.
• A $3,000 supplemental appropriation to the Capital Projects Fund for the Southwest EMS Station.
• A supplemental appropriation of $30.22 to the Unclaimed Money Trust Fund.