The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

County looks at Delphos ED services

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

While the portion of Delphos located in Van Wert County makes it the second-largest community in the county, the city has typically been underserved when it comes to economic development.

Delphos Mayor Michael Gallmeier (right) and Safety-Service Director Shane Cole listen to an economic development proposal from the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners on Friday. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)
Delphos Mayor Michael Gallmeier (right) and Safety-Service Director Shane Coleman listen to an economic development proposal from the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners on Friday. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

That’s about to change, though, if Delphos City Council approves a proposal by the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners.

The commissioners met with Delphos Mayor Michael Gallmeier and Safety-Service Director Shane Coleman on Friday to discuss a plan to add a part-time economic development person who would also serve Delphos’ ED needs.

Commissioner Todd Wolfrum said the commissioners have been looking for someone to help out Economic Director Sarah Smith with her myriad duties. “There’s too much for Sarah to do in that office now, with all the stuff we’re doing,” Wolfrum said, noting that the person they’re looking at for the job is a Delphos native.

The commissioners are also looking to foot most of the bill for the new position, which would entail approximately 25-30 hours a week to start with, but would ask Delphos city officials to provide $2,500 a year to assist with the cost.

The commissioners noted that Delphos’ share of the cost could come from a similar-sized donation now being made to the Ohio State University-Van Wert Economic Development Office. Wolfrum said he feels using the money now going to the city’s economic development office makes sense, since that office’s responsibilities are now limited to Van Wert city, rather than the county as a whole.

Both Gallmeier and Coleman said they liked the idea, but also noted they would need Delphos City Council’s approval to move forward with the plan.

“We think it’s a good idea, but, again, you know the financial situation we’re in, so it comes down to dollars and cents,” Gallmeier said.

Wolfrum explained what the commissioners see for the position, noting that the position would work two or three days in the county office, learning about county economic development and helping Smith with grants — which could also benefit Delphos — and would work exclusively for Delphos at least one or two days a week in Delphos.

Commissioner Stan Owens noted, though, that if something big was happening in Delphos that needed more attention, both the new person and Smith could work on that.

“If there’s something jumping over there, Sarah and her could both be over there,” Owens noted. “Wherever the action is, is where we would focus the manpower.”

The new position would also be expected to work with Delphos’ existing economic development entities, including Delphos city officials, Delphos Community Improvement Corporation, and a new economic development organization recently created by a number of Delphos business people.

Wolfrum said the commissioners feel Delphos is a key economic development area for the county, since a third of the city lies within Van Wert County borders.

Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger agreed, adding, “The boundary of Van Wert County runs right through the center of Delphos, so there’s that obligation on our part to help make sure you have economic growth as well.

“(Delphos is) the second biggest player in the county,” Lichtensteiger added, noting the economic success of the Delphos-based operations of Toledo Molding & Die and Unverferth Industries.

The commissioners said they are ready to move on the plan as soon as Delphos City Council gives its approval.

“We’re ready to pull the trigger,” Lichtensteiger said.

Meanwhile, that approval could come at council’s next meeting on Monday, December 1.

POSTED: 11/22/14 at 8:32 am. FILED UNDER: News