Wade Branstetter

Key discussions during the meeting included an update on the CEBCO 3rd Quarter 2025 Report, noting a decrease in medical and Rx claims and potential savings from avoidable ER visits. The Board reviewed details regarding the Trane Turnkey Proposal for the Union County Ag Center HVAC Replacement project, which involves installing new high-efficiency boilers, a geothermal well system, new water source heat pumps, and an upgraded Trane Tracer Building Automation System. Resolution No. 26-044 approved this turnkey proposal. Resolution No. 26-045 approved the Joint Purchasing Proposal Contract Award to Trane U.S. Inc. The commissioners also discussed the delayed Pilot Program payment schedule for the solar project with the Auditor, which will result in two payments in 2027 instead of one in 2026. Furthermore, the Board approved the recommendation of acceptance for the Jerome Village - Ryan Pkwy Widening improvements.

The Commissioners held their monthly staff meeting with various elected officials and department heads providing updates. Key discussions included Maryhaven ceasing services for Union County effective May 15, which prompted immediate planning for new service providers by the Mental Health and Recovery Board. The Coroner reported an increase in total deaths but a decrease in overdose deaths for 2025, with plans to hire another investigator. The Auditor's Office noted high volumes of Board of Revision (BOR) applications and the increase in dog tag costs due to late fees. The Health Commissioner announced the opening of registration for the Stay Active 5K and noted the rise of Influenza A. The Prosecutor is tracking statutory changes and a proposed bill amending the burglary statute. The Board of Elections detailed new federal requirements for absentee ballot receipt deadlines and announced Glacier Ridge Elementary School will become a new polling place. The Treasurer noted many resident inquiries regarding increased tax bills in light of proposed House Bill 186. The Probate and Juvenile Court reported they are still hiring a magistrate and scheduled a security drill closure.

The Commissioners conducted a regular session that addressed several resolutions. Key actions included the approval of several previous meeting minutes from December 2025 and January 2026, and the approval of travel for Union County Human Resources for Calendar Year 2026, detailing various conference and training attendance. The Board also approved a resolution acknowledging the completion of work and releasing the performance bond related to a Road Use and Maintenance Agreement with Jerome Township and AEP Ohio Transmission Company, Inc. Furthermore, action was deferred on an annexation petition submitted by L&R Ranco Investments, L.L.C. until March 4, 2026, due to issues with the survey and contiguity documentation. The session included approval for the payment of bills and several transfers of appropriations and/or funds, notably between Human Services and Prosecutor departments, and for the Mental Health & Recovery Board to reimburse Sheriff's fees for a patient transport. Administrator actions included approvals for capital equipment requests for the Sheriff's Office, specifically for two AEDs and a message board trailer, and various bill payments. The Economic Development Director provided an update on the Economic Development Strategy Community Survey, noting 1700 responses and positive indicators regarding quality of life, while highlighting weaknesses such as housing availability. The Commissioners entered executive sessions to consider confidential marketing plans for economic development and to consider the employment of a public employee.

This Annual Plan of Operations outlines realistic goals and specific objectives for conservation planning and treatment in Union County. The plan aims to promote, preserve, and enhance natural resources for the residents of Union County by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance. Key strategic objectives include training, technical assistance, education, drainage maintenance, wildlife education and assistance, urban conservation, resource and watershed planning, outreach and public relations, conservation product provision, and district policies and administration. The overarching vision is to locally lead and promote soil and water conservation efforts within Union County.

The meeting addressed several resolutions, including the approval of the Del Webb at Maygrass, Phase 1A Performance Bond, and participation payments for Washington Township road improvements concerning Dura-Patch application and chip sealing, as well as radar speed advisory sign installation. The Commissioners also approved advertising the bid opening for the 2025 Union County Pavement Marking Program and authorized payment of regular purchase order bills and 'then and now' bills exceeding $50,000.00 for the week of June 23, 2025. Transfers of appropriations and/or funds were approved for the Commissioners/COYC department and the Mental Health and Recovery Board. Following updates from the County Administrator regarding JEDD discussions with Jerome Township and Marysville concerning utility competition, and crisis communication training attendance, the Commissioners entered into an executive session to consider public employee compensation, which concluded without action. The meeting included a public comment section where a resident inquired about the investigation into the Tri-County Jail.