Commissioners approve staffing appointments and authorize outside counsel for county representation

After returning from executive session, county administration presented multiple personnel appointments and an authorization to hire outside counsel.

The commissioners approved appointments to fill vacant full‑time bargaining unit Eligibility Specialist II positions at a starting wage of $19.50 per hour (JFS bargaining unit pay grade 28A step 1). The appointees listed in the meeting record were Serena Davidson, Sarah Tolles, Jessica Stone, Camille Ochsner and Keona Perkins. The appointments were to include the probationary periods required by the collective bargaining agreement.

The board also approved appointments to CSEA Case Manager positions at a starting wage of $21.06 per hour (CSEA bargaining unit pay grade 20 step 1). The appointees listed were Megan Griffith, Jonathan Nybert, Jenny Fritsch and Rita Whitlock.

Administrator Ford asked the board to authorize hiring outside counsel to assist the Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney in representing the Lucas County Sheriff and the Lucas County Commissioners in pending court matters. The board authorized retaining Shoemaker, Lupin & Kendrick for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $30,000 to be paid from the county risk management fund.

The transcript identifies the names of appointees and gives the pay rates and bargaining unit grades; it does not provide personnel files, individual start dates beyond the approval or the specific pending court matters for which outside counsel was hired.