Seneca County Commissioners thank Clerk of Courts Jean Eckelberry for service, approve successor

Tiffin, Ohio — Seneca County Clerk of Courts, Jean Eckelberry, announced her retirement to the community after serving the public for over 20 years, including the last nine years as Clerk of Courts.

The Seneca County Board of Commissioners took time during their meeting Thursday to thank her for her years of service, and Eckelberry thanked her staff, judges, county employees, and local attorneys for helping her be successful during her tenure.

“Now it’s time to look forward to joining my husband in retirement,” Eckelberry said, adding that she looks forward to spending more time with family and friends.

Eckelberry’s final day in office is set for May 31. She recommended Stephanie Hicks as her replacement and said that Hicks has the knowledge and experience to be successful in this role. The commissioners unanimously approved Hicks as their appointee to the Clerk of Courts position.

“You will be sorely missed,” Commissioner Tyler Shuff said.

Also during the meeting, the commissioners reflected on a successful 2022 with their Year in Review PowerPoint, which can be viewed at this link. The presentation focused on three major points: fiscal responsibility and financial management, county leadership and accomplishments, and progress on major priorities. Each section delved into several topics, including expanding rural broadband internet access, solidifying the Seneca County EMS system, and investing in capital projects to avoid issues with deferred maintenance.

Commissioner Bill Frankart introduced the newest Ohio State University Extension Office employee, Pressley Buurma, who will be serving as Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator.

Buurma, who is from Willard, said she grew up on a vegetable farm and had animals. She said she was in 4-H and FFA and went on to graduate from the University of Findlay with a degree in Animal Science in 2022. Buurma said she is excited to share her love of agriculture with Seneca County in her role as Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator.

Lastly, the board approved the Ottawa-Sandusky-Seneca Joint Solid Waste District’s Joint Solid Waste Management Plan five-year update. The plan update needs to be approved soon due to a tight timeline set by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The commissioners recommended that other governmental entities in the county approve the plan update so that work can begin on amending it to include funding for the Seneca County General Health District to help pay for oversight functions at Sunny Farms Landfill.

During new business, the commissioners approved:

• A $14,799 supplemental appropriation to the Commissary Fund for equipment.
• A $1,645 supplemental appropriation to the General Special Projects fund for contract services.
• A $531.80 supplemental appropriation to the General Special Projects Fund for leases.
• A $3,960 supplemental appropriation to the General Special Projects Fund for software licenses/services.
• A resolution establishing a Budget Stabilization Fund for Seneca Regional Planning Commission.