Lawrence County Commissioners Meeting Minutes, May 19, 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 12, 2026, as corrected. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
2. Moved by Commissioner Copley, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to approve the following floodplain permits submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
   • New, permit 2026-782: Shawn Garrido — filling & grading and residential structure projects located at 66 Twp. Rd. 1284.
   • Renewal, permit 2026-781: Lawrence County EMA — debris removal project located multiple county wide.
   • Renewal, permit 2026-783: Beverly Sue Greene — filling & grading and stream maintenance projects located at 5681 St. Rt. 217.
   • Renewal, permit 2026-784: Danny Holschuh — filling & grading and materials storage projects located between Co. Rd. 107 and Rolo Sand and Gravel.
3. Moved by Commissioner Finley, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve the following appropriations and transfers dated May 19, 2026, under $75,000.00, submitted by Dylan Bentley, County Administrator. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
4. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve and sign the Subgrant Award Agreement for Lawrence County Prosecutors Office (2025-SK-SAK-86723). Roll call: Finley abstained; Holliday and Copley voted yes.
5. Moved by Commissioner Finley, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to receive and refer the petition regarding 11014 Private Road to the Engineer’s Office. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
6. Moved by Commissioner Finley, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to allow the Airport Manager to apply for the SFY 2027 Ohio Airport Improvements Program. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
7. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to receive and file the DJFS April Report. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
8. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Finley, 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: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
9. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve and enter into the Grant Agreement with Foundation for Appalachian Ohio for the Civics Education Fund and to authorize the County Administrator to execute all necessary documents pending prosecutor approval. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
10. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Finley, to sign the letter of commendation and award the certificate of appreciation to Sheriff Jeff Lawless. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.The Commissioners presented the commendation to Sheriff Jeff Lawless in recognition of National Police Week and expressed appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their families. Sheriff Lawless thanked the Board on behalf of law enforcement personnel throughout the county and nation, noting the challenges officers face while continuing to protect the public. Commissioners acknowledged the important role law enforcement plays in maintaining community safety, highlighted the positive relationships deputies build within local schools, and recognized the support and sacrifices made by officers’ families.
11. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Finley, to proclaim the week of May 17–23 as EMS Week. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley.Commissioners recognized and expressed appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of Lawrence County EMS during EMS Week. Remarks highlighted the high level of care provided by EMS personnel, their quick response to emergencies throughout the county, and the trust medical professionals and residents place in their service. Commissioners also acknowledged the department’s award-winning reputation and thanked EMS staff for their continued commitment to serving the community.
12. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Finley, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley, Colton Kuhn, and Missy Evans regarding personnel: hire, fire, reprimand. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley. The board entered executive session and returned to open session upon call back; roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley.
13. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Finley, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley, Corey Watson, and Colton Kuhn regarding real estate and legal contracts. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley. The board entered executive session and returned to open session upon call back; roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley.
14. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley, Colton Kuhn, Alex Osborne, Randy Lambert, and Brigham Anderson regarding personnel: hire, fire, reprimand. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley. The board entered executive session and returned to open session upon call back; roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley.
15. Moved by Commissioner Finley, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley and Colton Kuhn regarding personnel: hire, fire, reprimand. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley. The board entered executive session and returned to open session upon call back; roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley.
16. Motion by Commissioner Holliday and Commissioner Finley, to appoint Mike Finley and Colton Copley to the Lawrence County Port Authority Board. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.
17. Moved by Commissioner Finley, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to approve the donation of $5,000 to the William C. Lambert Military Museum & Archive. Roll call: Finley, Holliday, and Copley voted yes.

Discussion items

Discussion was held regarding potential countywide zoning related to future data center development in Lawrence County. Dylan Bentley provided an update that letters had been sent to all township trustees requesting feedback on whether they wished the county to assume zoning authority and pursue a ballot initiative for countywide zoning in unincorporated areas. At the time of discussion, two townships had responded in support. Commissioners discussed the complexity of countywide zoning, emphasizing the importance of local control, township input, and understanding the legal definitions and impacts surrounding data centers before taking action. Commissioners also noted the need to balance public concern with responsible planning, while recognizing the importance of protecting Lawrence County’s land, quality of life, and future development interests.

Commissioner Holliday reported on a recent work session discussion with La Soupe, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity by repurposing surplus food into prepared meals for individuals and families in need. She stated that the county is exploring potential partnership opportunities, identifying local resources, and planning follow-up meetings with additional stakeholders to determine how a similar program could be implemented in Lawrence County.

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.