Commissioners’ 47th Business Meeting
50th Overall Meeting
October 21, 2025
10:15 a.m.
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners met in a Regular Session on the above date and time.
Commissioner Copley, President of the Board, opened the meeting with roll call:
Dr. Colton Copley, President———–—-Present
Mrs. DeAnna Holliday, Vice President—Present
Mr. Mike Finley, Member——————-ABSENT
Summary of Meeting Minutes from October 21, 2025
Lawrence County Commissioners Meeting Highlights – October 21, 2025
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners met on October 21, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. Commissioner Colton Copley and Commissioner DeAnna Holliday were present. Commissioner Mike Finley was absent.
Administrative Approvals
- The commissioners approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes, as corrected.
- One floodplain permit renewal was approved for Donovan Ray Watson Jr. for filling, grading, and stream maintenance (near County Road 37).
- The board approved appropriations and transfers dated October 21, 2025, under $75,000.
- The commissioners received and filed the County Auditor’s certificate confirming appropriations do not exceed the official estimated resources.
- The commissioners received and filed the Amended Official Certificate of Estimated Resources for 2026.
Personnel Action
- Michael Cobb was hired as a part-time EMT.
Projects, Contracts, and Other Approvals
- The board approved bids for the PW 661 Law-CR62-3350 Landslide Repair project and awarded the contract to ANT Management Inc. for $169,968.79.
- The commissioners signed a Letter of Support and Partnership Commitment for a POWER Grant application requested by the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation.
- A petition packet for Township Road 1010 was received and sent to the Engineer’s Office for review and a recommendation.
- The board approved and signed Cummins renewal documents for the jail generator.
- The commissioners approved and signed Auto and Inland Marine insurance schedules (pending review).
Presentation: Energy Savings Projects
- Brian Gifford from Veregy (an energy service company) introduced his firm and discussed energy projects they have done for public buildings.
- He shared examples from other counties and noted interest in potential energy improvements at the Lawrence County Courthouse, including the courthouse dome.
Public Comment: Speeding Concerns on McKinney Creek Road (CR-36)
- Resident Lawrence Sullivan spoke about ongoing speeding problems on McKinney Creek Road.
- He presented a petition signed by 43 households and described safety concerns, including accidents and property damage.
- He asked for short-term enforcement and a long-term speed study, plus possible warning signs or radar equipment.
- The board supported the request and agreed to forward the petition to the County Engineer, Sheriff’s Office, and Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Soil & Water Conservation District Update
- Peggy Reynolds and Kim Carrico from the Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District shared updates on recent events and programs.
- They participated in community activities like the County Fair, the Honey Festival, and a pond management program, and reported strong attendance at their annual meeting.
- They reported that more than $1.1 million in drought and federal cost-share funding was distributed to Lawrence County landowners to help with agricultural relief and improvements.
Executive Sessions
- The commissioners held executive sessions to discuss real estate matters and legal contracts with county staff and legal counsel.
The meeting ended with the board adjourning after all listed votes passed with the commissioners present voting “Yes.”
Full Text of Meeting Minutes from October 21, 2025
Commissioners’ 47th Business Meeting
50th Overall Meeting
October 21st, 2025
10:15 a.m.
__________________________________________________________________________
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners met in a Regular Session on the above date and time.
Commissioner Copley, President of the Board, opened the meeting with roll call:
Dr. Colton Copley, President Present
Mrs. DeAnna Holliday, Vice President Present
Mr. Mike Finley, Member ABSENT
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve the Meeting Minutes on October 14th, 2025, as corrected.
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve the following floodplain permits submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District:
New:
None
Renewal:
2025-861 Donovan Ray Watson Jr.-Filling & grading and stream maintenance projects located after 2809 Co. Rd. 37
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve the following appropriations and transfers dated October 21st, 2025, under $75,000.00 submitted by Dylan Bentley, County Administrator.
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To receive and file the Certificate of County Auditor That the Total Appropriations from Each Fund Do Not Exceed the Official Estimate of Resources
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To receive and file the Amended Official Certificate of Estimated Resources for 2026
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To make the following personnel change:
Michael Cobb New Hire Part-time EMT
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve the bids for the PW 661 Law-CR62-3350 Landslide Repair project and award the bid to ANT Management Inc. in the amount of $169,968.79.
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To sign the Letter of Support and Partnership Commitment Letter for the POWER Grant Application requested by the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To receive and refer the Petition Packet for Township Road 1010 to the Engineer’s Office for review and recommendation.
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve and sign the Cummins renewal documents for the Jail Generator
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve and sign the Auto and Inland Marine Schedules pending review
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Brian Gifford, senior account executive with Veregy, an energy service company specializing in local and state government projects, introduced his firm to the commissioners. He highlighted Veregy’s ongoing $19 million project at Rock Hill, which has produced $9 million in savings, and a $27 million, 12-phase project in Washington County involving multiple county buildings, including the courthouse. Veregy has also completed projects in Lawrence County (Rock Hill and Fairland schools), as well as Ross County (lighting, HVAC, roofing) and Scioto County (controls). Gifford noted that Veregy often works on courthouse facilities and expressed interest in potential energy conservation opportunities at the Lawrence County Courthouse, particularly regarding the dome.
Resident Lawrence Sullivan addressed the Board regarding persistent speeding issues on McKinney Creek Road. He presented a petition signed by 43 households requesting assistance after limited success with law enforcement. Sullivan described the road as narrow, unmarked, and heavily traveled at unsafe speeds, resulting in multiple accidents and property damage. He requested short-term enforcement (“speed trap”) and a long-term traffic speed study, potentially with radar signage or monitoring equipment.
Sullivan noted that following submission of the petition to the State Highway Patrol, officers agreed to begin temporary enforcement in the area. The Board of Commissioners expressed support and agreed to accept and forward the petition to the County Engineer, Sheriff’s Office, and Highway Patrol for review and possible action. Commissioners Holliday and Copley discussed exploring options for signage or awareness initiatives similar to other counties and emphasized the importance of community safety and cooperation with law enforcement. The Board committed to following up with the relevant agencies and thanked Mr. Sullivan for his efforts on behalf of the residents.
Peggy Reynolds and Kim Carrico from the Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District provided an update on recent activities. Since their last visit during the Ohio Drought Program, the district has participated in several community events, including the County Fair, Honey Festival (approximately 800 attendees), and a Forest Service Pond Management Program (about 200 participants). Their annual meeting drew over 160 attendees.
Reynolds reported that under the Emergency Drought and Federal Cost-Share Programs, over $1.1 million in funding was distributed to Lawrence County landowners to support agricultural relief and improvements. A spreadsheet outlining program details, acreage, and funding distribution was provided to
the Board. She concluded by noting it had been a productive year despite drought challenges and invited the commissioners to reach out with any questions.
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To receive and refer the speeding petition for CR-36 to the county engineer, sheriff, and state highway patrol.
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley and Colton Kuhn regarding real estate.
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Call Back: Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley, Brigham Anderson and Corey Watson regarding legal contracts.
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Call Back: Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley and Corey Watson regarding real estate
Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Call Back: Roll Call: Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Commissioner Copley adjourned the meeting.
______________________________________
Dr. Colton Copley, President
______________________________________
DeAnna Holliday, Vice President
______________________________________
Mike Finley, Member
Bd of Lawrence County Commissioners
Lawrence County, Ohio
ATTEST: _________________________, Clerk
Colton Kuhn, Clerk
Bd of Lawrence County Commissioners
Lawrence County, Ohio