Commissioner Paul Barnaby “A Public Servant”
Retires After Four Terms
Those who are acquainted with Paul Barnaby know his passion for Fulton County, agriculture and education. This year, he is retiring after four consecutive terms (sixteen years) as a Fulton County Commissioner. “My greatest privilege serving as Fulton County Commissioner is that I’ve been happy to promote Fulton County from east to west,” Barnaby states, “Fulton County is something special.”
Barnaby graduated from Metamora High School and attended The Ohio State University graduating with a degree in Agriculture. He also received education certificates from the University of Toledo and Bowling Green University. He was a teacher in the Evergreen School District for 36 years, teaching Elementary and Junior High, Occupational Work Adjustment (OWA) and Future Farmers of America (FFA). He has also been a dairy farmer and a fireman. Almost anywhere Commissioner Barnaby goes, there is always someone stopping by to affectionately shake “Mr. B’s” hand or give a hello as he is well known throughout the county.
A public servant, Barnaby started his term as Commissioner in 2001. Oftentimes the first person to arrive at a meeting, he has been a committed member of many organizations and task forces he has served on. His most recent service includes the Area 7 Consortium for Workforce Development, Audit Review Committee, Board of Revisions, Consortium for Aging through the Fulton County Health Department, Emergency Medical Services Committee, Fiscal Report Review Committee, Four County Joint Board of Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Williams Counties, Four County Solid Waste District, Investment Advisory Council, Job and Family Services Advisory Board, Law Library Resources Board, Maumee Valley Guidance Center, Maumee Valley Planning Executive Council, Microfilming Board, Northwest Ohio Area Office on Aging-Trustee, Ohio State University Extension Advisory Board, Records Commission, Workforce Policy Board (ex-officio), County Risk Sharing Authority of Ohio (CORSA) and County Employee Benefits Consortium of Ohio (CEBCO). He has also been a supporter of the Fulton County Christmas Cheer and Food Bank, United Way, Toys for Tots, Amateur Radio, Fulton County Fair and much more.
When asked to reflect on some of the highlights of his career as Commissioner, he is always quick to note that he is and has been one of three Commissioners, taking no sole credit for any accomplishments. Some of his most notable accomplishments include implementing the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System and Advanced Life Service Units that are still in existence today. He also supported the creation of the Fulton County Board of Disabilities Recycling program at Triangular Processing, still operating today. He and his fellow Commissioners were instrumental in getting 31 tornado sirens installed throughout Fulton County, as well as installation of a dry hydrant system. He was involved in the process to have the Fulton County Courthouse named on the National Register of Historic Places, and consistently supports maintenance and repairs for preservation of the courthouse. He was part of the board who implemented and negotiated the Northeast Water System, which continues to provide water to the northeast corner of Fulton County, and has been an active supporter of Area 7 Workforce Development and the Fulton County Senior Center.
Throughout his term, he has also served on the Recovery Services of Northwest Ohio Board, 911 Board, Fulton County Airport Board, Water and Sewer Board, among countless others.
Outside of his Commissioners role, Paul has been elected to the Agriculture Hall of Fame, as well as awarded Honorary State Farmer, Honorary American Farmer, and Associate Farmer of the Year. He resides in Amboy Township with his wife, Ruth and enjoys spending time with his two children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most about being Commissioner is talking to people, and promoting the county. It’s also the thing that I will miss the most.”