Public information officer appointed, commissioner appointments to remain unchanged for the year
By HOLLY GASKILL
For their first meetings of the year, the Wells County Council and commissioners settled their board organization, appointments and approved the hire of a public information officer.
The County Council approved adding the position of a public information officer during the 2023 budget sessions last August. The commissioners had requested the part-time position to streamline communication and increase engagement between county officials and the public.
On Tuesday, the commissioners unanimously approved LeAnne Holdman Gibbs to fill the position.
Commissioner Jeff Stringer stated the commissioners had reviewed three candidates within the county but that Gibbs’ experience stood out. He noted that she may not hold the position long-term but that her experience would be worthwhile to the foundation of the position.
Gibbs is the founder of Fresh New Start, an organization that supports young widows. She previously worked as projects director for Sen. Todd Young and Sen. Richard Lugar and as a legislative assistant for former Vice President Mike Pence during his time as an Indiana representative. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Taylor University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Huntington University.
Both the county council and commissioners also had to determine their leadership organization for 2023.
During the commissioners’ re-organization, Commissioner Vice-President Blake Gerber motioned to appoint Commissioner Jeff Stringer to serve as president of the Board of Commissioners. However, Stringer followed by motioning that all appointments remain the same for 2023.
Stringer’s motion was then seconded by Gerber and passed unanimously. Gerber will retain his position as vice president and Mike Vanover will remain as the commissioners’ president.
The county council unanimously approved Seth Whicker and Vicki Andrews as president and vice president, respectively.
Whicker, previously council vice-president, succeeded the position from council members Steve Huggins, who had filled the role for two years. Whicker then nominated Andrews to fill his previous role.
The council also settled their board appointments for 2023, ultimately choosing to renew Judy Affolder’s position on the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals in a 4-3 vote.
New council member Brandon Harnish stated he had several concerns with her renewal given the previous year’s allegations of misconduct. He also cited issues with Affolder being a former assessor, living out of the county, and belonging to the Democratic party. Harnish stated he believed the two other members, who have served less than a year, were making progress in their certifications and were capable in the appeals process.
Council member Vicki Andrews said she had spoken with the new county assessor, Laura Roberts, and there were concerns about the lack of experience within the board.
Ultimately, council members Whicker, Andrews, Scott Elzey, and Todd Mahnensmith voted in favor of her appointment for 2023 with Huggins, Harnish, and new council member Brian Lambert opposed.
The county council also made the following board appointments:
• Andrews for the Chamber of Commerce, Solid Waste District board, and as an alternate for the Area Plan Commission.
• Elzey for Bluffton NOW!.
• Whicker for the 911 advisory board.
• Huggins for Economic Development.
• Mahnensmith for the EMS Advisory Board.
• Harnish for Wells County Trails.
They also approved the appointment of Richard Jackson to the Regional Sewer District. He will finish Mike Mossburg’s term through 2023.
The commissioners also agreed to hire the Beers Mallers law firm of Fort Wayne for legal counsel, with Tedd Storer as county attorney. Storer will replace Colin Andrews of the Andrews and Crell law firm of Bluffton, as Andrews is now the county prosecutor.
holly@news-banner.com
