New face at clerk's desk at Wayne County commissioners' office

After 31 years of service to the county, the clerk for the Board of Commissioners has retired.

Taking Diane Austen's position is Jamie Imhoff, who was the board secretary since February 2023.

Wayne County commissioners recognized Austen's service with a proclamation noting her work as clerk since 2003 and service to the county for 31 years.

"Right from the start, I felt comfortable," Austen said at her final meeting Wednesday. "It's been wonderful, and we have a wonderful staff now. I'm thrilled that I'll be leaving in good hands."

In other matters the commissioners:

• Approved a resolution for utility upgrades at the Wayne County Justice Center.
• Approved a resolution awarding a contract to Professional Services Industries of Canton for testing services for the Wayne County Jail project. The estimated fee is $80,640 for cement testing, with the intent of making sure the materials for construction are of appropriate quality.
• Approved a resolution for the county to enter into an agreement for an Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund with the State of Ohio Development Services Agency. The ODSA noted Wayne County is eligible to receive funding from a Community Development Block Grant to help develop job opportunities for lower and middle-class income people in certain areas of the county.
• Approved a resolution for a Wayne County Department of Job And Family Services sub-grant agreement with People-to-People Ministries for its Back-To-School Readiness Program. The project is at a value of $34,000, and will be funded through local, state or federal funds.

The Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Wayne County Administration Building Upper-Level Meeting Room. Anyone interested in attending virtually can register through a link on the Commissioners' website.