The Soil & Water Conservation District has served Licking County since 1944, promoting conservation of natural resources through local leadership, education, and technical assistance.
Soil & Water's Board of Supervisors:
Landowners and residents of Licking County elect the governing body of Licking County Soil & Water Conservation District. The governing body is referred to as the Board of Supervisors.
The election of Supervisors is conducted by the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission pursuant to rules it adopts under Chapter 119 of the Revised Code. The five publicly-elected members of the Board of Supervisors serve, unpaid, for three-year terms.
The five Supervisors should represent our county's soil conservation and water conservation needs in rural, suburban and urban settings, on farmland and in our backyards and public lands. They voluntarily work with community members and organizations to encourage wise use of our land and water.
Get out and Vote!
Individuals who own or occupy land within the Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District and are 18 or older may vote for Supervisor. Cast a ballot at:
- Soil & Water office from October 2, 2024, until October 31, 2024, during regular business hours.
- Soil & Water Annual Banquet, October 8th, 2024 at The Grove by the River, 5:30–6:30 pm.
Request an absentee ballot from October 2, 2024, until October 25, 2024 ballot by:
- Mail: 771 East Main Street, Suite 100, Newark, OH 43055,
- Call: 740‐670‐5330,
- Email: BritneyStuller@LickingSWCD.com.
Absentee ballots must be received in the SWCD office by October 31, 2024.
Ballots counted and the winners will be announced November 4, 2024.
Winning Candidates start their term on January 1, 2025.
____________________________________________________________
Meet the Candidates for the 2024 Board of Supervisors Election.
Two candidates will be elected to start a 3-year term on January 1, 2025.
Seth Dobbelaer:
Current member of the Licking County Soil & Water Board and has served two years as the Board Chair. Board of Directors Apple marketing Program representing Southwestern Ohio. Former a vendor advisory committee member for the Canal Market District. Seth serves on the Advisory Board at Buckeye Valley YMCA and is a Development Council member at Licking Memorial Health Systems.
1. Cover crop accessibility - increase local cost share opportunities for growers
2. Commercial development - ensure that development is done in a sustainable way that keeps the conservation of our land and natural resources front on mind.
____________________________________________________________
Ron Thompson:
Current member of the Licking County Soil & Water Board and for the past six years. He's served as the Chairman for three years. Ron has a conservation plan for his farm, has participated in the MWCD Cover Crop Program, and his farm is enrolled in the H2Ohio program. He is an Elder, Trustee Chairman, past board chair, and past Sunday School Teacher at Central Christian Church in Newark. A lifelong member of the OSU Alumni Association, a member of the Army ROTC and Stadium Dorm Alumni. A 50 year member of the Hartford Fair Board and past president. A member and past president of the Licking County Agrarians. As well, as a member of the Association of Career and Technical Educators.
1. To continue a very well run plan for commercial and urban development in our county. During the last 6 years the board has completely upgraded the district personnel to meet the growing needs, particularly in western Licking County. As a board member I worked to help make that happen and we have a lot more to do.
2. Continue to implement H2Ohio in the county. The district has started the process, but it is just the beginning for the county. This is a vital program for the agriculture producers in Licking County.
3. Continue an excellently run program to monitor the effects on the land, environment, drainage, water and wildlife with the development in the county, particularly the western portion. Ron Thompson as a board member will work with the Soil & Water board, the county commissioners and other agencies to provide the resources to safeguard the environment.
Candidate Recruitment
Unfortunately, our current Board of Supervisors member, Rodney Tornes, is moving out of the county, and we are searching for a community member to fill the rest of his term (two years). This will be a special appointment with no election due to the circumstances.
The Board is actively seeking an interested, conservation-minded leader to continue the mission of promoting conservation of natural resources through local leadership, education and technical assistance. The Supervisors help chart the course for soil and water conservation and natural resources management in Licking County. The Board also provides supervision to the District Administrator, oversight of fiscal decisions and technical expertise.
The Board is composed of representatives from agricultural and urban backgrounds, educators and technical experts serving a three-year term as public officials.
Candidate Eligibility and Qualifications
A supervisor must be at least eighteen years of age and a legal resident of the district in which he/she is elected.
Candidates are considered based on:
• Widespread knowledge of natural resources within the district;
• Leadership ability;
• Knowledge of persons living within the district;
• Complement the existing make-up of the board so that all geographic, educational, gender, ethnic, and land use interests within the district are represented;
• Complement the existing make-up of the board so that both youth and experience are represented;
• Possess an interest in soil and water conservation district affairs;
• Ability to make time available to adequately perform if elected. The time demanded of a supervisor is considerable. All supervisors are expected and should feel an obligation to attend:
- Every district board meeting, both regularly scheduled and special meetings;
- As many SWCD events as their schedule allows; and
- OFSWCD Area and statewide meetings.
The Board meets monthly at the Agricultural Service Center, 771 East Main Street, Newark, Ohio 43055 typically on the second Tuesday of the month at 4:30 pm. The public is welcome, so please join us for an upcoming meeting to learn about our organization.
If you have any questions regarding potential candidates, please contact Kristy Hawthorne, District Program Administrator at 740-670-5331.
2024 Board Members
Committees
Through committees, work can be divided so that far more can be accomplished. Committees typically meet on a quarterly or as-needed basis. Contact us at Information@LickingSWCD.com for additional information.
Building/Equipment/Safety Committee - Provides recommendations for technology, equipment, rental program, fleet maintenance, building and barn maintenance, and safety policy.
Budget Committee - This committee oversees the preparation of the annual budget, managing the organization’s investments, setting compensation packages for staff, and oversees the Annual Giving Campaign.
Program Committee - While staff carries out the day-to-day activities that result in the development and implementation of the organization’s programs, the Program Committee is charged with long-range planning and general oversight. Assists with developing and monitoring the Annual Plan of Work and Strategic Plan; volunteers for programs; represents the Soil & Water District at community events.
Policy/Personnel Committee- Reviews & recommends updates to the employee personnel policy ensuring compliance with County, State, and Federal law. Recommends updates to job descriptions and makes suggestions for the staff evaluation process.
Associate Board Members
Associate Board members are concerned citizens who officially volunteer their time to assist the Board and District. Associate Board Members serve on board committees, help plan, promote and implement district programs, activities, field days, etc., represent the district at various meetings and events, and present district programs to individuals, groups, and organizations. Contact us to learn more at Information@LickingSWCD.com.
