Paulding County commissioners were briefed on the status of two county solar projects during a meeting, according to The Crescent-News.
Dylan Worden, representing Standard Fintech, LLC, reported that systems at the Paulding County Jail and the Maumee Valley Planning Organization complex are both expected to be finished and operating by the close of September. The announcement states the jail will be the first solar-powered lockup in Ohio.
Worden said the solar array occupies a brownfield and carries no capital expense for the county, and he indicated fencing around both sites will be wrapped up soon. Electric work is finished at the MVPO building, while the jail installation awaits AEP scheduling a transformer disconnect and reconnect. Landscaping repairs are also planned, and Worden intends to coordinate a ribbon-cutting with Sheriff Jason Landers and commissioners.
Separately, Worden said he is working with Economic Development Director Tim Copsey on the Grizzly brownfield solar project. NOPEC has shown possible interest in financing it, and a power purchasing agreement for county facilities could result, he said, while suggesting commissioners back a resolution supporting Ohio House Bill 303.
Scott McMichael outlined a proposal to make the Lake Wayne R. Carr Wildlife Area accessible for fishing, describing a concrete parking space and sidewalk leading to a pad for mobility devices, and noting no such access exists now. He sought funding guidance after ODNR indicated support if money is secured.
Commissioners also heard from emergency management director Jay Klopfenstein on replacing a courthouse defibrillator and adding Canteen volunteers, and from Judge Harvey Hyman on filling an assessment center director post and the Jacob Eaton Children's Home.