Seneca County Commissioners discuss countywide EMS, approve alley vacations

Tiffin, Ohio — In a meeting held on Thursday morning, the Seneca County Commissioners provided updates on Seneca County EMS (SCEMS), discussed the financial status, and made decisions regarding alley vacations.

Commissioner Anthony Paradiso expressed his contentment with the progress of Seneca County EMS. He disclosed having a productive meeting with leaders from Bascom EMS and emphasized his goal of enhancing collaboration between SCEMS and other ambulance service providers in the county. These providers include Tiffin, Fostoria, Bascom, and North Central EMS.

Paradiso stressed the significance of reaching a consensus among all parties and proposed the creation of a philosophy statement or a memorandum of understanding. Such an agreement would ensure seamless coordination among agencies, leading to the establishment of a “true” countywide system. While acknowledging the positive efforts in working together, Paradiso encouraged continuous improvement and seamless mutual aid between the departments when required.

Commissioner Bill Frankart shared that discussions were underway for Green Springs to join the Seneca County Joint Ambulance District. He mentioned that Green Springs Mayor Adam Greenslade is working with the village solicitor to prepare for joining the district by Jan. 1. This move would bring the number of entities (townships and villages) in the SCJAD to 17, as Green Springs is currently covered by North Central EMS.

In addition to the EMS updates, County Administrator Barb Patterson presented a financial overview. According to the July Sales Tax report, receipts for May amounted to $949,246.63. This indicates a decrease of approximately two percent compared to the figure from July 2022. However, the year-to-date sales through July reached $6,944,477.88, reflecting an approximate increase of about 5.5 percent compared to the same period in 2022.

Analyzing the figures, it was noted that this is the first time in 11 months that a year-over-year increase in the raw sales tax figure was not observed (comparing it to the report from last July). Last year’s “down” July was followed by an extraordinary August report, showing a 9.2 percent increase from the previous year.

County Administrator Patterson highlighted that the sales tax pace, using data from the past five non-COVID years, now stands at about $12.1 million. This is approximately $50,000 higher than what was certified by the Seneca County Budget Commission.

During the meeting, the commissioners also held separate continued hearings for alley vacations and approved each of them. The alleys that were vacated are located in Springville (Big Spring Township), Alvada (Big Spring Township), and in the Hamlet of Caroline (Venice Township).

During new business, the commissioners approved:

• A $6,500.80 supplemental appropriation to the Sheriff’s Commissary Fund for Supplies.
• A $2,907 supplemental appropriation to the Sewer District Fund for the Bascom Transfer Out Line.
• A $3,160 supplemental appropriation to the Sewer District Fund for the New Riegel Transfer Out Line.
• A $100,000 supplemental appropriation to the Mental Health and Recovery Services Grant Fund.
• A resolution approving the agreement between the County Engineer and the American Federation of state, county, and municipal employees Ohio Council No. 8, Local No. 3540, AFL-CIO.
• Authorization for the County Treasurer to cease payment of interest earned on Star Ohio Investment Account for Park and Sewer Districts effective July 1, 2023.