Lawrence County Commissioners Meeting Minutes, May 12, 2026

Full minutes

Members present

• Mrs. DeAnna Holliday, President
• Dr. Colton Copley, Vice President
• Mr. Mike Finley, Member

Commissioner Holliday, President of the Board, opened the meeting with roll call. All three members were present.

Actions, in order

1. Moved by Commissioner Finley, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve the meeting minutes of May 5, 2026, as corrected. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
2. Moved by Commissioner Finley, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve the following floodplain permits submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
   • Renewal, permit 2026-780: Union Township — grading, culvert and paving projects located on Twp. Rd. R.O.W’s.
3. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve the appropriations and transfers dated May 12, 2026, under $75,000.00, submitted by Dylan Bentley, County Administrator. Roll call: Finley abstained; Holliday and Copley voted yes.
4. Moved by Commissioner Copley, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to approve and sign the GOWBI Program Year 2026 and 2027 Sub-Grant Agreement. Roll call: Finley abstained; Holliday and Copley voted yes.
5. Moved by Commissioner Finley, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve and sign the Design Airport Drainage/Erosion Control Application for the Lawrence County Airpark. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
6. Moved by Commissioner Copley, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to approve and sign the Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Grant 2025 sub-grant. Roll call: Finley abstained; Holliday and Copley voted yes.
7. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve and sign the Lawrence Drug & Major Crimes Task Force sub-grant. Roll call: Finley abstained; Holliday and Copley voted yes.
8. Moved by Commissioner Finley, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to declare the following vehicle as surplus property and authorize its transfer to the Lawrence County Port Authority: 2016 Ford F-150, VIN 1FTEW1EG2GFB03430. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
9. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley, Colton Kuhn, and Eric Floyd regarding legal contracts. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes. Call back: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes. Executive session was left as Eric Floyd had not arrived.

Chris Saunders of Burlington addressed the Board to introduce the newly formed nonprofit, Burlington Heritage Alliance, a registered 501(c)(3) organization focused on preserving Burlington’s history, promoting community pride, and supporting economic development. He noted the group has been in development for approximately six months and currently consists of a small founding board. Saunders highlighted ongoing efforts including historical research, development of signage for the Burlington Commons, and documentation of Underground Railroad sites. He also expressed interest in coordinating with local officials on Burlington-related matters. Commissioners acknowledged and welcomed the organization, expressing appreciation for community involvement and a willingness to collaborate on future initiatives.

10. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley, Colton Kuhn, and Corey Watson regarding real estate. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes. Call back: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
11. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley, Colton Kuhn, and Eric Floyd regarding legal contracts. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes. Call back: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes. Commissioner Holliday adjourned the meeting.

Attestation

Board of Lawrence County Commissioners, Lawrence County, Ohio. Signed by DeAnna Holliday, President; Dr. Colton Copley, Vice President; and Mike Finley, Member. Attested by Colton Kuhn, Clerk.