Job offer extended to Huron County Job, Family Services applicant

HEATHER CHAPIN-FOWLER

One of the five candidates was offered the job, according to Commissioners Mike Adelman and Ralph Fegley.

Details about whether the candidate is one of the three already on the payroll or two outside applicants also aren't being released, the commissioners said.

The candidates who were considered for the job include Lowell Etzler, interim director; Teresa Alt, head of children services; Carol Gottschling, an attorney who represents the agency; Norwalk attorney Tom Stoll and Ernie Unholz, of Toledo, the commissioners have said.

The commissioners are expected to discuss the hiring today at their regularly scheduled meeting, but it is unknown whether they'll make the appointment.

Last week, Etzler submitted an annual report about the agency's progress last year.

The report stated, "2007 nearly brought the agency to its knees. The year was plagued with negative media coverage involving not only Children Services cases, but also public scrutiny of the management and employees of the agency. However, these events also brought about major changes that will shape the agency for years to come."

Several personnel changes took place last year in the positions of director, the head of children services and at least four others who were either transferred to other positions, terminated or laid off.

The changes were made for various reasons.

The agency has faced two lawsuits in the past few years including the Connre Dixon case where the county had to make a payout to Connre's family. She was a foster child who was killed by her foster father.

Another lawsuit, by an employee against the former director Erich Dumbeck alleges harassment and is still pending.

Three employees who were displaced through budget cuts filed appeals to a state board and also remain pending against the agency.

"Accepting full responsibility for the problems is always the first step in finding closure and moving forward. I am proud to say that each and every staff member has done just that and we are moving forward," stated Etzler in the annual report.

As part of the improvement efforts, the agency developed "agency wide goals,"" an internal review of the agency, established "working teams"" including a customer service team and improved communication both within the agency as well as with other support agencies, Etzler wrote.