During the monthly meeting of the Wayne County Board last Thursday night, members approved another $25,000 payment for the courthouse heating and cooling project bringing the total paid to Hayes Plumbing & Heating to approximately $425,000.
The payment was the 17th installment for the project, which has experienced delays. Several board members questioned when the work would be completed, noting that it was originally expected to be finished during the summer.
District 1 board member Quinton Greenwalt explained that the contractor had fallen behind schedule after losing an employee. He said only one additional payment remains before the project is completed. The board approved the payment, with District 3 representative Steve Troyer abstaining.
County Supervisor of Assessments Jodie Poole also answered questions concerning property assessments, including older grain bins and reassessments following improvements to existing properties.
Poole said her office continues working to update property records throughout Wayne County, with Barnhill, Leech, Massillon and Jasper townships among those scheduled for assessment work this year. She said a part-time employee has been hired to help enter information into the county’s computer system.
The board also approved a $49,000 budget transfer from Building and Grounds to Contract Services for work involving the Supervisor of Assessments Office and geographic information systems provider, Sidwell. Three board members abstained, while one voted against the transfer.
In other business, Wayne County Public Defender Heidi Hoffee requested additional funding in the county’s 2027 budget to help cover compensation for a part-time assistant public defender and a secretary.
Hoffee said the additional assistance has significantly reduced her caseload and is more cost-effective than hiring outside attorneys. She estimated the current assistance costs approximately $89 per hour, compared with $150 per hour for outside legal representation.
County Treasurer Yvette Anderson reported that Wayne County received approximately $101,000 in grant funding this year to supplement the public defender’s salary. That amount is expected to increase to $106,000 next year.
Hoffee also requested funding for office space at The Reserve. Board members asked for additional financial information, and no action was taken on the request.
Wayne County Engineer Dennis Seidel announced that the Highway Department is hiring two new employees. Jennifer Moore of Wayne City will serve as secretary, while Nick Snidle will work as a construction inspection technician.
Seidel said the county expects to undertake approximately three bridge projects each summer over the next several years. Having an in-house inspector is expected to reduce costs associated with outside consultants.
Snydle will also eventually oversee inspections and documentation of approximately 2,000 road signs along more than 180 miles of county roads.
The meeting also included recognition of longtime courthouse security officer William “Brad” Winter, who is retiring after 12 years of service. Sheriff Chris Otey announced Winter’s retirement. Winter previously served 25 years with the Fairfield Police Department, including time as police chief, before retiring in 2014. He also served five years as a Wayne County sheriff’s deputy.
Winter’s wife, Shari, who currently serves as Wayne County Coroner, announced that Ryan Best will serve as a deputy coroner until the November election. Best won the March primary for the position and will use the opportunity to become familiar with the duties of the office.