Knox County

The meeting commenced with a bid opening for consumable office supplies for 2026 for county DJFS, with bids received from Ritters and Quill. Key agenda items included the approval of a certification for the collection of delinquent water and wastewater accounts to the Knox County Auditor for placement on property taxes. An inter-agency agreement concerning guardianship services between Knox County Job and Family Services, Licking County Job and Family Services, and the Ohio Network for Innovation for Purchasing Partners was also approved. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed review and discussion of the 2026 Knox County budget, including revenue estimates based on sales tax and property tax, and appropriations. Discussion highlighted the $1.4 million increase in the general fund budget, primarily driven by an approximately $860,000 increase in the Sheriff's Office and Jail budget, exhibiting a concerning six-year trend of approximately 10% year-over-year increase in that area. Other budget discussions covered increases in insurance premiums, the Board of Elections budget, and adjustments in various smaller line items within the general fund, such as reduced funding for the animal shelter and changes in the IT and Commissioner budgets related to service contracts and new software implementation.

The meeting focused heavily on updates from the Knox County Water and Wastewater department. Key discussions included the completion of rehabilitation work on Well Number Six, which involved an unexpected $50,000 expenditure. The status of Well Number Seven was reviewed, noting that its associated permit had expired and a meeting with the Ohio EPA secured top priority for renewal, aiming for completion by late summer or early fall 2026. The department is also working with the engineering firm Arcadius to finalize financing estimates for the infrastructure phase of Well Seven. Other agenda items covered the successful inspection and chlorination of the water storage tanks, maintenance of septic tanks in Bladensburg, and repairs to the recirculating beds at the treatment plant. Additionally, Commissioners addressed several resolutions, including reappointing members to the Knox County Law Library Resources Board and the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Finally, discussions included the need to review and potentially adjust water and sewer rate structures, and challenges related to billing structure revisions concerning facility water meters in the reserves.

The meeting commenced with a presentation by Knox County Transit regarding recent accomplishments, including the acquisition and customization of two new buses designed to provide a smoother, more stable ride for wheelchair users. This initiative, ongoing since 2023, involved partnerships with the Board of Developmental Disabilities for local matching funds and collaborations with Pathways 211 for bus rebranding and advertising. Following this, commissioners recessed for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new vehicles. The meeting then heard from members of the Knox County Airport Board. They provided an update on airport operations, staff, and safety measures, highlighting the acquisition of specialized snow removal equipment (a surplus state broom and a plow from Akran Canton Airport) for rapid snow and debris removal. A significant discussion involved wildlife management after a recent incident where a landing aircraft struck a deer. The presentation detailed the airport's classification as a Level Two airport, its substantial contribution to local economic development through supporting major companies, generating revenue via fuel sales and taxes, and its current capacity constraints, noting a heavy demand for hangar space. Airport capital investments planned through 2035 were also outlined. Updates on ongoing projects included the Aviation Education Center, set for completion by December 2025 or January 2026, and the replacement of the Aviation Weather Reporting System (AWAS). Furthermore, the board committed to upgrading runway lights to high-intensity runway lights for improved safety during low visibility conditions.

The meeting began with announcements regarding office closures for administrative days following Christmas and New Year's Day. Key agenda items included the approval of a proclamation designating Friday, December 12th as Food for the Hungry Day in Knox County, and the approval of a current agricultural use valuation renewal application for 54.64 acres of county-owned land on Fairgrounds Road used for hay bailing. The Commissioners also approved an agreement between the Knox County Engineers Office and Dine Pride for Bureau of Motor Vehicle Taxing District Audits. Updates were provided on ongoing projects, including progress on the sheriff's evidence storage room, which is expected to be functioning by January, and the transit facility, where final engineering plans are being completed prior to state review and bidding anticipated in January. Finally, the Knox County Treasurer's Office investment income report for November, detailing total interest earnings of $84,865.81, was received and noted for the record.

The meeting commenced with a procedural note regarding an added agenda item for a happy birthday wish. Key actions included the approval of an advertisement for legal notice invitation to bid for the Knox County Business Center project, with bids anticipated to open on February 3rd. The board also set the permanent assessment base for the north branch of the Ford Creek ditch. Water and sewer rates for 2026 were established for several areas, including a $2 increase for water and sewer in most locations, and adjustments to overage rates to cover operational costs. A resolution was amended to replace a previous authorization for the purchase of equipment, allowing the signing agent to proceed with acquiring a different piece of machinery, including applying trade-in value. Approvals were granted for the SECO wellness grant agreement and bid awards for consumable office supplies for the Department of Job and Family Services, split between two vendors based on supply type. Furthermore, the board approved the purchase of snow and ice control truck equipment under an NPP government contract. Several utility permits for broadband services in various townships were approved. Finally, a memorandum of agreement between the Knox County Job and Family Services and Licking County Job and Family Services for child care provider licensing and inspection services was approved.