By HOLLY GASKILL
Property taxes were a forefront issue for Republican primary election candidates for the county’s fiscal body.
The race has four candidates, three of which are incumbents, for the three At-Large seats. Moderator Rick Johnloz kicked off the “Meet the Candidates” forum at the Wells County Commerce and Visitors Centre by asking the candidates perspectives on managing capital expenses given rising property taxes. Each candidate has professional business and financial experience.
Scott Elzey, finishing his first term on council, emphasized that the county still has one of the lowest rates in the state. He also recognized that the county has experienced quite a bit of growth and investment in its infrastructure. “If we’re not growing, we’re dying,” he noted.
Vicki Andrews, who has served 12 years on council, communicated a similar idea, saying that the council keeps a frugal mindset but has to recognize there are necessities. Seth Whicker, eight years on council, also encouraged taxpayers to keep officials accountable and attend budget sessions.
Heath Schlagenhauf, the incumbents’ challenger, differed, noting that the county has taken on several projects at once rather than creating a long-term plan.
Candidates were also asked for their stand on Paddlefish Solar, a company with land leases in Chester and Liberty townships. The group had received a 10-year total tax abatement from the county in 2022 in exchange for a series of economic development payments and are currently seeking a zoning layer for energy development from the County Commissioners. Of the three incumbents, Andrews was the only to vote against the abatement in 2022.
On Monday, however, all four candidates stated they were against the development.
Whicker explained that the county had been aggressive in its negotiation for economic development payments and would reportedly receive roughly 90% of what would have been collected through property taxes. He said it had always been the county’s intention to use a portion of this money specifically for Southern Wells schools, as well. However, as public discussion has unfolded, he no longer feels it’s in the best interest of the community.
Elzey felt likewise, saying he was a proponent of land use rights and “tolerance for your neighbor,” but the rift in the community was “too high a price.”
A farmer himself, Schlagenhauf said he had “trouble” with industrial use of farmland, especially at the scale Paddlefish Solar has outlined. He also recognized how the matter has sewn discord within the county.
The group was also asked about the Economic Development Commission, given the recent discontinuation of the agreement between the county and Chamber of Commerce. Elzey, Schlagenhauf and Whicker expressed that a change was needed for greater accountability, and wanted to move forward with the opportunities available ahead.
Andrews said she had served on the board for economic development when Chad Kline, the former director, had been hired. She said she would like to see someone new carry the torch of what Kline had started.
Lastly, the candidates shared what they believed to be the biggest issue to tackle in the next four years. Both Schlagenhauf and Whicker highlighted concerns about EMS funding and fire coverage, with Schlagenhauf also stating his desire to support county infrastructure like drainage. Andrews said she would like to see more community involvement.
Elzey gave three points — jobs, housing and youth retention — which he believed were all tied to economic development.
holly@news-banner.com
