Departments discuss 2021 plans, goals

WAPAKONETA — Auglaize County elected officials and department heads congratulated Public Defender Gerald Siesel on his upcoming retirement during the group’s meeting Thursday.

Siesel said he was fortunate to work in Auglaize County and that Attorney Rob Wiesenmayer is taking the interim role for the next few months. Additional details about the position’s future are expected soon.

County Prosecutor Ed Pierce said people don’t realize the administrative side of the public defender position and Siesel would truly be missed.

Commissioner Doug Spencer announced an additional retirement as long-time maintenance supervisor Rick Bice is planning to retire in March. Board of Elections Director Michelle Wilcox reported that elections employee Josie Schaub will retire in 2021 as well.

When discussion turned to the coronavirus crisis, Pierce gave credit to Auglaize County Health Commissioner Oliver Fisher for doing “a tremendous job under enormous pressure” during the pandemic. Those kudos were echoed by Auglaize County Developmental Disability Su

perintendent Renee Place, who is working closely with the health department on vaccinations.

In practical matters, Clerk of Courts Jean Meckstroth reported the Common Pleas Clerk’s office saw an increase in receipts for 2020 of $586,875.47 over income received in 2019. This increase includes all title money for the year.

Overall, the title office saw an increase in fees collected by $5,103 and had an increase of 672 more titles being issued in 2020 over 2019.

The Municipal Court Clerk saw a decrease in monies received compared to 2019. The decrease totals $812,135.07 for 2020.

There was also a decrease of 3,734 cases filed in the Municipal Court Clerk’s office in 2020 compared to the totals in 2019.

The largest decreases are in civil and traffic cases.