Commissioners’ 3rd Business Meeting
6th Overall Meeting
February 3rd, 2026
10:01 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——–Present
Mr. Mike Finley, Member——————-Present
Summary of Meeting Minutes from February 3, 2026
Lawrence County Commissioners Meeting Highlights – February 3, 2026
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners met on February 3, 2026, for a regular session. Here is a simple summary of the main actions and updates from the meeting.
Administrative Approvals
- Commissioners approved the corrected minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting.
- Several floodplain permits were approved for stream maintenance, drainage, grading, repairs, and restoration projects across the county.
- Appropriations, transfers, and financial documents submitted by county staff were approved.
- The board accepted the County Auditor’s certificate confirming that appropriations did not exceed official estimated resources.
- A transfer and advance of funds totaling $1.2 million was approved between county accounts.
Contracts, Agreements, and County Business
- The board approved two 2026 Title IV-D contracts for child support services, including service of process and legal services.
- Commissioners approved a service agreement with Maximus.
- Dylan Bentley, County Administrator, was authorized to sign and complete an antidegradation addendum for the Environmental Protection Agency.
- The Whole Child Committee Contract for 2026 with the Lawrence County Educational Service Center was approved, pending prosecutor approval.
- The board approved and sent a letter to PUCO regarding the proposed Aqua Ohio water rate increase.
- A letter of support was approved for the Lawrence Welk Show 70th Anniversary.
Licensing and Records
- The deadline for dog tag licensing was extended to February 28, 2026.
- Liquor permit requests for Sams East Inc. in South Point and Casa Grande Inc. in South Point were approved.
- The Annual Summary of Statistical Records for calendar year 2025 was received and filed.
- The Lawrence County Municipal Court Annual Record for 2025 was also received and filed.
Personnel and Recognition
- The retirement of Steven Carver, part-time paramedic, was accepted effective February 2, 2026.
- February 2026 was officially proclaimed as Career and Technical Education Month in Lawrence County.
Collins Career Center Update
- Mike Staton from Collins Career Center thanked the commissioners and county partners for their continued support.
- He shared updates on the school’s growth, including the South Point campus and renovation work at the former Ohio University Center in Proctorville.
- Commissioners recognized Collins Career Center as an important partner in workforce and economic development for Lawrence County.
Sheriff’s Office Equipment Discussion
- Sheriff Jeff Lawless reported that five new cruisers are expected to arrive within the next month.
- Because of changing technology, the new vehicles will need updated radios, docking stations, body camera stations, and other equipment.
- The estimated cost to fully equip the cruisers is between $62,000 and $75,000.
- The sheriff also reported that the department’s tasers are outdated and nearing the end of their service life, with replacement costs estimated at about $243,000.
- Commissioners said they want more review and discussion before making final funding decisions.
Facilities and Maintenance Updates
- Representatives from Veregy and MidState Contractors spoke to the commissioners about their proposal for the courthouse dome and restoration project.
- They highlighted their Ohio-based team, historic restoration experience, and work on similar projects.
- ABM reported on repairs at the jail after clogged and unserviced fan coil units were found to be affecting airflow and temperatures.
- ABM cleaned the units, replaced dampers, and installed a new thermostat, with more adjustments still in progress.
Executive Sessions
- The board entered executive session several times to discuss legal contracts, personnel matters, and real estate issues.
The meeting ended after the executive sessions, with roll call votes recorded as approved unless otherwise noted, and a few abstentions on annual record filings.
Full Text of Meeting Minutes from February 3rd, 2026
Commissioners’ 3rd Business Meeting
6th Overall Meeting
February 3rd, 2026
10:01 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 Present
Mr. Mike Finley, Member Present
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve the Meeting Minutes on January 20th, 2026, as corrected.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve the following floodplain permits submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District:
Renewal
2026-717 A.R. Bradley Farms LLC.-Stream Maintenance, Filling & grading and tile maintenance repair
and addition projects located on Co. Rd. 27 and St. Rt. 522.
2026-718 Bob Taylor-Filling & grading project located at 19750 St. Rt. 141
2026-719 Bob Taylor-Residential repair project located at 19750 St. Rt. 141
2026-720 Bob Taylor-Log House restoration project located at 19726 St. Rt. 14 l
2026-721 Stream maintenance project located at 19544 & 19750 St. Rt. 141
2026-722 Tom Schneider-Stream maintenance and subsurface drainage projects located at 3566 St. Rt.
378 & 3321 St. Rt. 378
2026-723 Thomas Schneider-Surface drainage project located to the right and behind 887 St. Rt. 3 78
2026-724 Tom Schneider-Stream maintenance and subsurface drainage projects located on Co. Rd. 8
2026-725 Mark A. Wilson-Stream maintenance and filling & grading projects located across from 14 5 5 2
St. Rt. 775
2026-726 Donald Rigney-Filling & grading, culvert and stream maintenance ( clearing and grubbing)
projects located at 1090 Co. Rd. 121
2026-727 Steve Heffner-Filling & grading, materials storage, scales and accessory structure projects
located at 3670 St. Rt. 7
2025-728 Eric Morris-Stream maintenance project located at 11 St. Rt. 217
Amend
2025-859 Javie and Kim Staggs Family V LLP to Filling & grading and 50X80 non-residential structure.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve the following appropriations and transfers dated February 3rd, 2026, under $75,000.00
submitted by Dylan Bentley, County Administrator.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve the requested appropriations and transfers in the submitted financial documents requested by
Parker Rowe, Director of Finance.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, 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 Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve the following transfer and advance of funds, requested by Michelle Collins, Finance Director.
AMOUNT FROM TO
$600,000.00 K04-12A-0 18-03 5 K04- l 2A-06 l -099
$600,000.00 K04-12A-06 l-099 K06- l 2A- I 57-062
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve and sign the LCDJFS Child Support Enforcement Agency Title IV-D contract with Jamie
Pruitt for service of process for the contract term of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve and sign the LCDJFS Child Support Enforcement Agency Title IV-D contract with McCown
and Fisher LPA to provide legal services for the contract term of January I, 2026, through December 31,
2026.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve the extension of dog tag licensing to February 28th
, 2026.
Commissioner Copley Yes
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve and sign the liquor permit request for Sams East Inc, 432 Private Dr, South Point.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Commissioner Holliday Commissioner Copley
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve and sign the liquor permit request for Casa Grande Inc, 25 Township Road 1429 W, South
Point.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To receive and file the Annual Summary of Statistical Records/ Calendar Year 2025.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley ABSTAIN Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To receive and file the Lawrence County Municipal Court Annual Record for 2025.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley ABSTAIN Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To allow Dylan Bentley, County Administrator, to sign the Service Agreement with Maximus.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To allow Dylan Bentley, County Administrator, to sign and complete the Antidegradation Addendum for
the Environmental Protection Agency.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To accept the retirement of Steven Carver, Part-time Paramedic effective 02-02-26
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve and sign the Whole Child Committee Contract 2026 with the Lawrence County educational
Service Center pending prosecutor approval.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To Proclaim February 2026, as Career and Technical Education Month in Lawrence County.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Mike Staton from Collins Career Center expressed appreciation to the Commissioners and county
partners for their continued support. He highlighted recent growth, including the opening of the South
Point Campus, which houses CDL programs. The Career Center has also purchased the former Ohio
University Center in Proctorville and has begun renovations, with plans to begin holding classes there this
fall.
Commissioners recognized Collins Career Center as a strong workforce and economic development
partner for Lawrence County. The Center currently serves over 600 high school students and more than
500 adult education students, with instructors and staff credited for preparing students for successful
careers and contributing positively to the local workforce.
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve, sign and send the letter to PUCO regarding the Aqua Ohio proposed water rate increase.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve and sign the letter of support requested by Scott Wheeler Jr., regarding the Lawrence Welk
Show 70th Anniversary.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Sheriff Jeff Lawless informed the Commissioners that five new cruisers are expected to arrive within the
next month. Due to advancements in technology, the vehicles will require updated equipment, including
MARCS radios, docking stations, body-worn camera stations, data ports, and related technology. Older
equipment cannot be transferred from existing vehicles because it is outdated and incompatible. The
estimated cost to fully equip the five cruisers is projected between $62,000 and $75,000. The
Commissioners acknowledged the importance of modern communication equipment and agreed to
coordinate with staff to review funding options.
Additionally, the Sheriff reported that the department’s tasers are outdated and nearing the end of their
service life, with replacements likely needed by the end of the year. A preliminary quote to replace the
system, including devices, training, cartridges, warranties, and updated download capabilities, was
approximately $243,000, though final pricing may vaiy. The Sheriff emphasized the importance of
maintaining less-lethal equipment for officer and public safety. Commissioners requested additional
review and discussion before making funding decisions and plan to schedule follow-up meetings to
evaluate options.
Brian Gifford ofVeregy and Doug Hooper ofMidState Contractors addressed the Commissioners
regarding their proposal submitted in response to the Courthouse dome and restoration RFP. The
representatives emphasized their team’s extensive experience in historic dome and fayade restoration
projects, noting that demonstrated expertise and risk reduction are critical factors in a project of this
complexity. They stated their team is entirely Ohio-based and referenced their recent completion of a
project for Rock Hill Schools as a local example of their work.
The presenters expressed appreciation for the opportunity to submit a proposal and requested the
opportunity to meet with the Commissioners to further discuss their submission and answer any
questions. They highlighted their specialization in courthouse and historic building restoration and their
commitment to traditional craftsmanship. The Commissioners received the comments for consideration.
Richard Phelps of ABM reported that previously sealed and unserviced fan coil units were discovered to
be heavily clogged, restricting airflow at the jail. ABM cleaned the units, replaced dampers, and installed
a new averaging thermostat to help stabilize temperatures. Recent system readings show temperatures
returning to the desired range, with additional adjustments ongoing.
Commissioners and the Sheriff acknowledged the challenges and expressed appreciation for the continued
collaboration to improve system performance and ensure stable conditions at the facility.
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley and Sheriff Jeff Lawless regarding legal contracts.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Call Back: Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley and Missy Evans regarding personnel.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Call Back: Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley and Corey Watson regarding real estate.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Call Back: Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley regarding personnel.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Call Back: Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Commissioner Holliday adjourned the meeting.
ATTEST: __________ _, Clerk
Colton Kuhn, Clerk
Board of Lawrence County Commissioners
Lawrence County, Ohio