Kevin Aston

The board addressed citizen concerns regarding a proposed data center and potential environmental impacts. The session included the recognition of National Ag Day and the designation of National Agriculture Week. Several financial actions were taken, including fund reimbursements and additional appropriations for employee salaries and insurance costs. The board accepted reports from the Dog Warden, approved multiple child placement agreements with various organizations, established a new fund for Jackson County Transit, and approved a new load limit for the Smokey Hollow Road bridge. Additionally, the board entered an executive session to discuss economic development matters.

The meeting encompassed several key agenda items, including the request for letters of support for various community projects involving federal and state funding, such as new facility construction and ADA-accessible infrastructure. Financial matters were addressed, including multiple additional appropriations, budget transfers, and certificate of reimbursement adjustments. The board also reviewed dog warden reports, approved a temporary work agreement, authorized a subgrant agreement for job and family services, and proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Additionally, representatives provided a briefing on the re-industrialization efforts at the former Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Pike County. Finally, the board rescinded a real estate purchase agreement due to the seller withdrawing.

The proceedings included several financial actions, such as approving additional appropriations for Worker's Compensation ($6.02), Utilities ($50,000.00), and New Autos ($73,785.00), as well as approving a Certificate of Reimbursement from LEPC to Salaries ($10,300.00). The Auditor submitted reports detailing the Amended Official Certificate of Estimated Resources and Sales Tax receipts for 2025 and 2026. Resolutions were passed appointing Engineer Melissa Taylor to the District 15 Public Works Integrating Committee for a three-year term, reducing the load limit on bridge C-25-6.32 on Limerick Road, approving a design-build bridge replacement contract for Springer Road, authorizing the disposal of an obsolete copier, and approving the submission of an application for FY27 Community Project Funding. The meeting recessed briefly and then reconvened to read a proclamation regarding 4-H week, culminating in a resolution to proclaim the week of March 8-14, 2026, as Ohio 4-H week.

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to several financial matters, such as additional appropriations for insurance damage ($6,374.07) and OMEA Reimbursement to MVGT ($170,131.68). The approval of vouchers was motioned. A resolution was passed to approve a one-year corporate membership with the Jackson Area Family Activity Center for $1000.00. Representatives from the Ohio Public Defender's office discussed updates for 2026, including the successful integration of new staff and addressing lingering probation cases, which is relevant to House Bill 96 concerning performance audits for indigent defense. The session included multiple executive sessions with the Grant Writer for contractual matters. A public hearing was held regarding the 2026 eligible programs, including CHIP, CDBG, and various housing and community action programs, with total possible funding of $1,000,000 distributed among the County, the City of Wellston, and the City of Jackson. Dog & Kennel Weekly Reports for January 24th-30th and January 31st-February 6th were noted.

The meeting involved several financial actions, including approving additional appropriations for Search & Rescue/Equipment ($8,083.00) and LEPC/Other Expense ($8,000.00). Fund reimbursements were processed, including a large OEMA reimbursement to MVGT ($213,131.68) and a reimbursement for Indigent Applications ($1,464.32). A Certificate of Reimbursement was also processed. Vouchers were approved for payment. A resolution was passed to approve the Oak Hill Annexation of territory from Jefferson Township to the Village of Oak Hill concerning an outdoor classroom. The board entered executive sessions regarding personnel matters, with no action taken in the first session, and no action taken in the second. The board approved Temporary Work Agreements for County Rd 51 (Camba Road) regarding lowering the grade near railroad tracks. Bids were opened and awarded for the Springer Road Bridge Replacement Project to Axis Civil Construction, LLC for $773,525.00. A resolution was passed to proclaim February as American Heart Month in Jackson County.