Bill King has completed his tenure as Allen County commissioner.
During his final meeting, fellow commissioners Jerry Daniels and Bruce Symes both praised King’s efforts over the past few years and wished him well.
Daniels thanked King for his “selfless service,” and Symes noted how much he’d learned from King about county matters.
King’s seat will be occupied by incoming commissioner David Lee.
After serving as interim 911 communications director, Chelsie Angleton was selected by commissioners out of four candidates to permanently hold the position.
She is replacing Angela Murphy, who recently resigned her post.
Daniels said the hiring process involved “a very difficult decision.” King echoed his sentiment, saying the competition was “razor thin.”
Angleton was also on-hand to share with commissioners photos of progress on painting at one of the county’s garages, which revealed a marked aesthetic improvement.
She said she hoped the work would be completed by next week.
EMS director Michael Burnett provided commissioners with bids to purchase a new ambulance, replacing an existing 2011 vehicle.
After some discussion, they approved the purchase of a 2021 AEV Traumahawk from American Response Vehicles for $229,385.
Lisse Regher, CEO of Thrive Allen County, said that around half a dozen local businesses were pursuing remaining Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and estimated that about $26,000 remained to assist them.
She also said that, despite the enormous undertaking of distributing $2.4 million in CARES Act/SPARK money, she and others “felt really good to be able to assist” the community, and were pleased with how the process had come to completion.
Jonathan Goering, economic development director of Thrive, discussed getting the ball rolling in relation to improvements at Allen County Regional Airport.
Goering mentioned that he and others are meeting with the FFA today, and that through conversations of this kind “a handful of different options” were appearing in terms of airport projects based on things like feasibility and road access.
