Meet
Harold L. Merkle
Van Wert County Treasurer 

The Honorable Harold L. Merkle, has been Van Wert County Treasurer since taking office September 1, 1993. Merkle was first elected in 1992 and assumed office Sept 1, 1993 when previous Treasurer Lloyd Basil resigned.

Prior to his election, Merkle operated Merkle Insurance for 17 years. He had also worked for The Dayton Power & Light Co. and The Ohio State University. He is a Graduate of The Ohio State University with a Degree in Agricultural Engineering.

He has served two years in the U. S. Army.

Professionally Merkle is a member of The County Treasurers Association of Ohio, serving on the Continuing Education Committee and the Legislative Committee. He is Past President of the Northwest Ohio Treasurers Association.

Merkle has been active in Community Affairs, having served on The Tri-County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services, The Crestview Board of Education, and was active on Tri-State Venture Group Board, and The Van Wert County Cultural Exchange Committee.

Harold has been Republican Central Committeeman from Harrison Township for nearly 20 years. A member of the Convoy Lions Club, he was Governor of District 13A Lions International in 1993-94. Presently he is a trustee and Vice President of The Ohio Lions Foundation.

Merkle and his wife Janet of 44 years have four children Angela, Kevin, Jeffrey and Janelle along with 13 Grandchildren.

Merkle is native of Van Wert County, having graduated from Wren High School in 1952.

Merkle has initiated a number of changes during his two terms in the office.

Pre-Pay plans have proven to be very popular and many taxpayers prefer to have their monthly payments taken direct from their accounts, while others prefer to pay in cash or by check.

Delinquent Taxpayers have also had the opportunity to make monthly payments to get current on their taxes.

Merkle also makes monthly reports to the Commissioners as to the status of all investments.

Since Merkle took office in 1993 the Investments have earned over $3.4 million in interest. This is new revenue that can be used for county expenses without having to levy additional taxes.