Commissioner Paul Prevot reflects on first 8 months serving Harrison County

Paul Prevot has been a county commissioner since January and said he has most enjoyed getting to know people in the community.

“It’s spending time in the community, talking to the mayors and trustees about how we can help them as a county. I’ve really enjoyed that. A lot of times it’s just little things,” Prevot said.

He pointed to helping Germano build a playground as an example.

“I think driving by and seeing it completed the other day, it’s a cute little park now,” he said. “I think just really helping these communities do some of those projects, it’s been a lot of fun.”

When he first stepped into the role, Prevot said he was nervous. But now he feels he has settled in with fellow commissioners Amy Norris and Dustin Corder.

“I work with two commissioners who are great to work with,” Prevot said. “I can say in the eight months I’ve been there, we haven’t had an argument. We may disagree but we talk through it and tomorrow it’s a new day and we continue to work for the county. That makes a big difference for me. I’m enjoying working with my fellow commissioners. They’re both really good people and their hearts are in the right place. I think that’s helped, also, ease me into the role. They’re both helpful, they’re both accommodating. It was really a very easy transition for me.”

Much of his focus this year has been connecting villages with grant opportunities. Prevot entered the role with many business connections and, as commissioner, hears about funding opportunities that locals may not.

“It’s just matching that up. I know of a grant or I know of an opportunity. It’s just connecting people, sometimes just giving them a phone number,” he said.

His experience on Jewett Village Council and as owner of a local tavern has helped him transition into the commissioner’s seat.

With a background in internet and cell technology, Prevot has brought new connections to the office. As a member of the county CIC, he has encouraged and aided in finding space for new cell towers and in connecting more residents to internet access. Rural broadband has been an issue in Harrison County for many years, with progress often happening behind the scenes. Prevot hopes to change that with development plans into 2026 and beyond.

He said his biggest challenge has been learning how organizations connect with the commissioners.

“Getting to know all the things they do, what type of funding they use, where it comes from; learning about all the organizations in the county,” Prevot said.

Before he was elected, Prevot made rounds to as many village council meetings as possible. Serving as commissioner has not changed his travel plans, as he continues to meet with mayors, village councils, township trustees and residents across the county.

“For me, Harrison County has always been home,” he said. “I moved 12 times in my career, but even during all of that, I still called this home.”

Prevot encourages residents to reach out to the board, attend meetings and be proactive in their communities.

“We have a lot going on,” he said. “I’m really excited about all the opportunities coming to us in Harrison County.”