Lawrence County Commissioners Meeting Minutes, July 21, 2026

Full minutes

Members present

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

Commissioner Holliday, President of the Board, opened the meeting with roll call. Commissioner Holliday and Commissioner Copley were present; Commissioner Finley was absent.

Actions, in order

1. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve the meeting minutes of July 14, 2026, as corrected. Roll call: 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: Holliday and Copley voted yes.
   • New, permit 2026-811: William & Amy Lester — Filling & grading and residential structure projects at 80 Pvt. Rd. 707.
   • Renewal, permit 2026-812: Heffner Sand & Gravel LLC — Removal of top-soil and removal of outbuildings projects at 159 Pvt. Rd. 5863 St. Rt. 7.
   • Renewal, permit 2026-813: Liza Boyd — Filling & grading and stream maintenance projects at 11435 Co. Rd. 4.
   • Renewal, permit 2026-814: Nick McGuire — Residential structure project at 678 Co. Rd. 1A.
   • Renewal, permit 2026-815: Robert & Geraldine Null — Stream maintenance project at 2868 St. Rt. 378 & across from 6737 St. Rt. 217.
3. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve the following appropriations and transfers dated July 21, 2026, under $75,000.00, submitted by Dylan Bentley, County Administrator. Roll call: Holliday and Copley voted yes.
4. Moved by Commissioner Copley, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to approve the following hire: James Ellison, Part-Time EMT. Roll call: Holliday and Copley voted yes.
5. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to approve and sign the Rumpke Service Agreement for JROC. Roll call: Holliday and Copley voted yes.
6. Moved by Commissioner Copley, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to approve the resolution establishing the Lawrence County Procurement Website pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 307.87, pending prosecutor approval. Roll call: Holliday and Copley voted yes.

Reports and public presentations

Hometown Love Representatives thanked the Board for meeting with Rome Township residents regarding the Lock 27 project. They expressed appreciation for the clarification that no RV park is planned and stated they look forward to working collaboratively with the County as the project moves forward. Commissioners thanked the group for their involvement and emphasized the importance of continued communication and partnership.

Tim Gladeau presented a proposal encouraging Lawrence County to establish a joint infrastructure review committee to evaluate future data center developments. He recommended promoting modern infrastructure standards, including energy-efficient cooling systems, microgrid technologies, and grid stability measures, while aligning future projects with the advanced technologies being manufactured locally. Mr. Gladeau requested the Commissioners appoint a representative to, or establish, such a committee. The Board thanked him for the presentation and advised the proposal would be reviewed before any action is taken.

Rich Donahue provided an update on recent and upcoming America 250 activities, including July Fourth fireworks, the public reading of the U.S. Constitution, Lawrence County Fair events, the America 250 drone shows, the Lambert Museum open house, the upcoming county picnic, the Memorial Hall time capsule opening, and the August 1 dedication of the Garden Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Union Baptist Church. He also reported on ongoing historical preservation projects and thanked community partners for their support. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the committee’s continued efforts and encouraged public participation in the remaining events.

The Soil & Water Conservation District reported that the County’s first stormwater audit occurred in 2021 and provided documentation of prior findings and resolutions. They advised that the 2026 stormwater audit is currently underway. Commissioners thanked the department for its continued work.

Job & Family Services reported experiencing air conditioning issues at its facility but anticipated repairs would be completed soon. Commissioners acknowledged the challenges caused by the extreme heat and offered assistance if needed.

EMS reported being busy throughout Lawrence County Fair week. Commissioners thanked EMS personnel for their efforts in providing coverage for both the fair and the remainder of the county during the event.

Executive sessions

1. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley, Bullseye Total Media, and Colton Kuhn regarding legal contracts. Roll call: Holliday and Copley voted yes. The board returned from executive session. Call back — roll call: Holliday and Copley voted yes.
2. Moved by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Copley, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley regarding legal contracts and real estate. Roll call: Holliday and Copley voted yes. The board returned from executive session. Call back — roll call: Holliday and Copley voted yes.
3. Moved by Commissioner Copley, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley regarding personnel; hire, fire, reprimand. Roll call: Holliday and Copley voted yes. The board returned from executive session. Call back — roll call: 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.