Commissioners’ 7th Business Meeting
10th Overall Meeting
February 24th, 2026
10:08 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:
Mrs. DeAnna Holliday, President——–Present
Dr. Colton Copley, Vice President——–ABSENT
Mr. Mike Finley, Member——————-Present
Summary of Meeting Minutes from February 24, 2026
Lawrence County Commissioners Meeting Highlights – February 24, 2026
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners met for a regular session on February 24, 2026. Commissioner DeAnna Holliday and Commissioner Mike Finley were present. Dr. Colton Copley was absent. Here is a quick summary of the main actions and updates from the meeting:
Administrative Approvals
- The commissioners approved the corrected meeting minutes from February 17, 2026.
- Floodplain permits were approved for projects involving Columbia Gas of Ohio and Jason and Shannon Adams.
- Appropriations and transfers dated February 24, 2026, under $75,000 were approved.
- Additional appropriations were approved for the 911 Operating Fund and the Board of Developmental Disabilities fund.
- The board received the County Auditor’s certificate confirming that appropriations do not exceed official resource estimates.
- The Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services monthly report for the period ending December 2025 was received and filed.
Personnel Changes
- The board accepted the resignations of David Peer and William Smith, both full-time EMTs.
- The employment of Caitlyn Carver, part-time paramedic, was terminated effective February 17, 2026.
- Anna Beliles was moved from part-time to full-time EMT status.
Other Board Actions
- The commissioners approved donating a 2011 McCoy Miller ambulance to the Village of Coal Grove.
- A liquor permit request for Casa Grande Inc. in South Point was approved.
- Michael Boster was appointed to a new three-year term on the Lawrence County Planning Commission beginning March 1, 2026.
- The board approved and signed a Work Experience Program contract with DJFS.
Museum Funding Request
- Sue Lunsford of the Lawrence County Museum and Historical Society spoke to the board about storm damage to the historic 1870 museum building.
- She explained that repairs are more costly because the building must meet historic preservation standards.
- The museum asked for possible financial help or grant support.
- Commissioners asked for cost estimates or bids and said they would review the request after more financial information is provided.
911 Center Update
- Sheriff Jeff Lawless announced that Lawrence County’s consolidated 911 Center is now fully operational.
- All law enforcement dispatching has been moved from the Sheriff’s Office to the 911 Center, creating one central dispatch location for law enforcement, fire, and EMS.
- Officials said the transition has gone smoothly and will improve response times, communication, and public safety.
- Commissioners thanked everyone involved for their work on the long-term project.
Executive Session
- The board entered executive session with County Administrator Dylan Bentley to discuss real estate and legal contracts.
The meeting ended after the executive session, with all recorded roll call votes approved by the two commissioners present.
Full Text of Meeting Minutes from February 24th, 2026
Commissioners’ 7th Business Meeting
10th Overall Meeting
February 24th, 2026
10:08 a.m.
__________________________________________________________________________
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners met in a Regular Session on the above date and time.
Commissioner Holliday, President of the Board, opened the meeting with roll call:
Mrs. DeAnna Holliday, President Present
Dr. Colton Copley, Vice President ABSENT
Mr. Mike Finley, Member Present
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve the Meeting Minutes on February 17th, 2026, as corrected.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve the following floodplain permits submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District:
Renewal:
2026-737 Columbia Gas of Ohio -pipeline replacement via Opening Trenching project located on State Route 775.
2026-738 Jason & Shannon Adams-filling & grading project located at 1872 Co. Rd. 37
Amendment:
2026-703 Columbia Gas of Ohio-Pipeline replacement project located at 561 Co. Rd. 3 to extend to 689 Co. Rd. 3.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve the following appropriations and transfers dated February 24th, 2026, under $75,000.00 submitted by Dylan Bentley, County Administrator.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve the following appropriations for the 911 Operating Fund, submitted by Parker Rowe, Director of Finance.
B65-06F-002-000 $160,000.00
B65-06F-080-000 $22,400.00
B65-06F-083-000 $2,320.00
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve the following appropriations for the Board of DD fund, submitted by Parker Rowe, Director of Finance.
B50-11A-002-000 $858,470.00
B50-11A-003-000 $23,000.00
B50-11A-004-000 $20,000.00
B50-11A-005-000 $(3,000.00)
B50-11A-006-000 $(58,751.00)
B50-11A-007-000 $19,000.00
B50-11A-011-000 $(6,000.00)
B50-11A-080-000 $120,185.00
B50-11A-081-000 $12,877.00
B50-11A-082-000 $239,816.00
B50-11A-083-000 $12,447.00
B50-11A-084-000 $(10,000.00)
B50-11A-112-000 $50.00 Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
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 Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To receive and file the Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services Monthly Report – Ending December 2025
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To make the following personnel changes:
David Peer Resignation – FT EMT
William Smith Resignation – FT EMT
Caitlyn Carver Termination of Employment – PT Paramedic Effective 2-17-26
Anna Beliles – PT to FT EMT
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve the donation of the 2011 McCoy Miller Ambluance with VIN 1FDWE3FS5BDA01979 to the Village of Coal Grove.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve and sign the Liquor Permit Request for Casa Grande Inc. 25 TWP Rd 1429 W, South Point.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To appoint Michael Boster to the Lawrence County Planning Commission to a new 3-year term beginning March 1, 2026, and ending February 28, 2029.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve and sign the Work Experience Program Contract with DJFS.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Ms. Sue Lunsford, representing the Lawrence County Museum and Historical Society, addressed the Board regarding storm damage sustained last fall that resulted in partial roof loss on the historic 1870 museum building. She explained that due to the building’s historic status, roof repairs, gutters, and downspouts must meet preservation standards, increasing costs. The museum is requesting financial assistance or grant support, as operating expenses are also high due to the building’s age and limited insulation.
Ms. Lunsford noted upcoming museum events, including exhibits recognizing the Ironton Tanks and the 100th anniversary of Ironton Stadium, as well as other historical programming throughout the year.
Commissioners requested cost estimates or bids to assist in evaluating the request and advised prioritizing roof repairs to protect the structure. The Board expressed appreciation for the museum’s contributions to preserving local history and indicated the matter would be taken under advisement pending additional financial information.
Sheriff Jeff Lawless announced that Lawrence County’s consolidated 911 Center is now fully operational. All law enforcement dispatching has been moved from the Sheriff’s Office to the 911 Center, creating a single, unified dispatch location for law enforcement, fire, and EMS. The system has been live for approximately three weeks, with the transition reported as smooth.
The Sheriff noted the project has been more than two decades in the making, with significant progress over the past four years. He thanked 911 Director Nick, staff, IT support, the Auditor’s Office, and past and present Commissioners for their financial and operational support.
The 911 Director, Nick Kuhn, explained that consolidation improves response efficiency, situational awareness, and interagency communication, particularly during multi-agency emergencies. All dispatchers now operate in one room, reducing delays and enhancing safety for first responders and the public. The center meets state benchmarks for dispatch times and incorporates upgraded technology, including improved cell phone location capabilities and enhanced communication tools. The additional staffing also improves working conditions and morale for dispatchers.
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the collaboration among county offices and commended staff for their dedication to public safety.
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley regarding real estate and legal contracts.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Call Back: Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Commissioner Holliday adjourned the meeting.
______________________________________
DeAnna Holliday, President
______________________________________
Dr. Colton Copley, 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