Blaine K. Davidson

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and review/approval of numerous bills spanning various county functions, including utilities, supplies, software, public defender services, and travel expenses. Key discussions covered an update on IT infrastructure, including the completion of the Microsoft 365 transition and high website traffic metrics. Financial actions included multiple additional appropriations for Contract Services, Professional Services, the Prosecutor's office (OCJS ARPA Fund), Lodging Tax expenses, and the Family Children First Council. Appropriations were also decreased and transferred within the Housing Trust Fund. The Board approved a Master Services Agreement for Internet and Phone Service for the Hocking County Correctional facility, payment of Buckeye Sheriff's Association membership dues, a MOU with the Hocking County Board of DD regarding maintenance, and a Road Repair Agreement. Additionally, the PID 123990 HOC-CR VAR resurfacing project was awarded to Shelly & Sands. The January Lodging Tax report, Inmate Telephone Contracts, and Jail Commissary Contracts were approved. During Public Comment, the publication of delinquent Lodging Tax businesses was discussed. Actions related to the Tansky Building included approval to transfer sewer and water accounts and a reminder about the upcoming bid opening.

The meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and reviewed various bills for payment covering items such as bottled water, real estate taxes, HR expenses, recycling services, HVAC repairs, utilities, and office supplies. Key actions included the approval of a release of funds request from HAPCAP for the NRG Logan Project. The board also handled several budget certifications and appropriations, including transfers between funds for the Auditor and Engineer departments, and approved funding for the Opioid Hope Grant for the Probate Court. Decisions were made to authorize the submission of a Surface Transportation Block Grant funding application for sidewalk construction on Old McArthur Road and to approve an LPA agreement for the Hocking Valley Scenic Trail bike path. The award for the HOC-CR VAR Resurfacing FY2026 project was granted to Shelly & Sands, Inc. The board also approved applying for ODOT Safe Routes to Schools funds for a shared-use path design. Bids for the JFS Building Renovation project were presented and will be reviewed for recommendation next week. Executive sessions were held to discuss confidential business information for economic development and a personnel matter involving the Auditor, Sewer Superintendent, Deputy Auditor, and HR Manager.

The regular session included the approval of the agenda and detailed review and approval of numerous bills, encompassing payments for leases, utilities, legal defense services, office supplies, software support, equipment, and vehicle repairs. Key business decisions involved approving advance requests and certificates of additional revenue related to Workers Compensation. The board approved a Professional Services Agreement with DLZ for the Haydenville Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project and authorized an application for related funding. Contracts for WPCLF Bid Award Contracts #2025-006 and #2025-009 were awarded to E & J Hilltop Acres. The renovation project for the JFS building was awarded to Gutknecht Construction. The board approved a contract with Beacon Software Services for the Jail Management System, designated Jason D'Onofrio as the signer for CDBG Program documents, and approved the Dog Warden report for January. Further actions included approving the Hocking County Farmers Market to utilize the courthouse parking lot on May 9, 2026, and approving utility installations/relocations by Columbia Gas and Frontier. Estimates were approved for Flea Market Lift Station repair and for front-end sewer truck repairs. A vacation payout for Sewer Superintendent Tim Meehling was approved, and initial work on an EMS evaluation process was noted.

The meeting included tabling the minutes from a previous session. Key discussions involved numerous bill approvals spanning various county departments including Commissioners, Auditor, Prosecutor, BOE, Municipal Court, Sheriff, Coroner, Veteran Services, Engineer, EMS, 911, Senior Center, and Sewer. General Business covered appropriation transfers and additional appropriations for the Prosecutor's Office and Hocking Soil & Water Conservation District, as well as a Fund Transfer. The Board approved Commissioners' budget items, including an additional appropriation for Rockbridge Sewer. A recommendation was made regarding the demolition of the Wintersong building and a secondary property for the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. An appointment slip for Robert Sisson to Station 2 was approved. The Commissioners agreed to enroll in the State of Ohio's Cooperative purchasing program and approved the December 2025 Lodging Tax Report. They also approved the FY2026 Pavement Markings Contract and reduced speed limits on Bradford Drive and Mercia Drive. The 2025 County Highway System Mileage Certification was approved. Several utility pole replacement and installation requests from South Central Power and Columbia Gas were authorized. Appointments were made for the Hocking County Soil & Water Board and the Buckeye Hills Regional Council on Aging Board. The Board also addressed public comment regarding the Jail opening timeframe.

The regular session agenda included the approval of the agenda and a review of numerous bills for payment, covering categories such as commissioner travel, insurance deductibles, HR expenses, utility services, public defender fees, detention expenses, various supplies, maintenance charges, and governmental dues. Key actions taken during General Business included approving the contract for the Creamery Hill bridge repair project, reducing the speed limit to 25 MPH on Bradford Drive and Mercia Drive, and approving installations and abandonments of service lines by Columbia Gas and Frontier. The Commissioners also approved extending the dog tag due date to February 13, 2026, and ordering a replacement wet well pump for the Carbon Hill Sewer. Updates were provided regarding the HVAC part status, a potential electronic sign on 33, and the forthcoming zoning ordinance proposals (Short Term Rental, Impact Fee, Site Standard). The session concluded with an executive session concerning personnel matters.