Commissioners’ 28th Business Meeting
38th Overall Meeting
August 12, 2025
10:00 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:
Dr. Colton Copley, President———–—-Present
Mrs. DeAnna Holliday, Vice President—Present
Mr. Mike Finley, Member——————-Present

Summary of Meeting Minutes from August 12, 2025

Lawrence County Commissioners Meeting Highlights – August 12, 2025

The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners held their 28th business meeting of the year on August 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. All three commissioners—Dr. Colton Copley (President), DeAnna Holliday (Vice President), and Mike Finley (Member)—were present.

Administrative Approvals

• Approved corrected minutes from the August 5, 2025 meeting.
• Approved several floodplain items:
  • New: Filling & grading and a residential structure at 2942 Co. Rd. 6.
  • Renewals: Stream maintenance at 4448 St. Rt. 775; stream maintenance at 99 Pvt. Rd. 5467 (Co. Rd. 48); filling & grading near MM 11000 St. Rt. 7.
• Approved routine appropriations and transfers under $75,000.

Personnel Changes (EMS)

• Termination: Patrick Misner (FT EMT), effective 08/08/2025.
• Advancement: Cody Bryant from PT Paramedic to FT Paramedic, effective 08/11/2025.
• New Hire: Anthony Clark (PT Paramedic).

Resolutions & Proclamations

• Approved an emergency resolution supporting new opioid settlements.
• Proclaimed August 2025 as Child Support Awareness Month in Lawrence County.
• Issued a Letter of Commendation declaring August 12, 2025 as “Olivia Fosson Day” in honor of Miss Ohio 2025, a Lawrence County native.

Contracts & Agreements

• Approved and signed a subaward and collaborative agreement between Perry County DJFS and the Child Fellowship Project parties.
• Received and signed the contract for the Village of Proctorville Sidewalk Improvements Project (Commissioner Finley abstained; motion passed).

Community Presentations & Updates

• Miss Ohio 2025 – Olivia Fosson: Spoke about representing Appalachian roots with pride, thanked local supporters, and shared plans as she heads to Miss America.
• America 250 (Rich Donahue): Shared 2026 plans including fireworks, county picnics, school projects (“Lovely Lawrence County”), historic site highlights, commemorative items, and a county history update. An official county flag was presented to the Board.
• Energy Aggregation (Palmer Energy): Consultant Phil Dysart outlined potential benefits of county electric and natural gas aggregation going to the ballot in several townships.
• Developmental Disabilities (Julie Monroe): Provided a neutral informational update on agency services and levy education efforts, including town halls and an online FAQ.

Executive Session

• Held an executive session with the County Administrator and staff regarding real estate matters; no action reported afterward.

Recognitions & Condolences

• Well-wishes to Eric Holmes for a hand injury.
• Condolences to the family of Jim Cremeans, recognized for his significant service to the community and City Mission Church.

All actions passed by roll call unless noted. The meeting was adjourned by President Copley.

Source: Lawrence County Board of Commissioners meeting minutes, August 12, 2025.

Full Text of Meeting Minutes from August 12, 2025

 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: 

Dr. Colton Copley, President———–—-Present 

Mrs. DeAnna Holliday, Vice President—Present 

Mr. Mike Finley, Member——————-Present 

Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley 

To approve the Meeting Minutes on August 5th, 2025, as corrected. 

Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes 

Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Finley 

To approve the following floodplain permits submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District: 

New: 

2025-831 Ophelia Markel-Filling & grading and residential structure projects located at 2942 Co. Rd. 6 

Renewal: 

2025-829 David Randolph-Stream maintenance project located at 4448 St. Rt. 775 

2025-830 Kimberly Fout-Stream maintenance project located at 99 Pvt. Rd. 5467 (Co. Rd. 48) 

2025-832 Jason Tolliver-Filling & grading project located at M.M. 11000 St. Rt. 7 

Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes 

Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley 

To approve the following appropriations and transfers dated August 12th, 2025, under $75,000.00 submitted by Dylan Bentley, County Administrator. 

Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes 

Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley 

To make the following Personnel Changes: 

Patrick Misner FT EMT Terminated effective 08-08-2025 

Cody Bryant PT Paramedic Full-Time Paramedic effective 08-11-2025 

Anthony Clark New Hire PT Paramedic 

Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes 

Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley 

To approve and sign the Resolution To Approve Opioid Settlements and Declaring an Emergency 

Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes 

Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday 

To approve and sign the Subaward and Collaborative Agreement Between Perry County Department of Job and Family Services and the Child Fellowship Project Parties 

Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes 

Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday 

To sign the Resolution that proclaims August 2025 as Child Support Awareness Month 

Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes 

Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday 

To receive and sign the contract agreement for the Village of Proctorville Sidewalk Improvements Project submitted by Michele Throckmorton 

Roll Call: Commissioner Finley ABSTAIN Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes 

Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley 

To sign the Letter of Commendation for Olivia Fosson and Declare August 12th, 2025 “Olivia Fosson Day” 

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 and Missy Evans 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 

Commissioner Holliday read the letter of commendation addressed to Olivia Fosson, Miss Ohio. 

The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners proudly extends its highest commendation to Olivia Fosson, a native of Kitts Hill, Ohio, for her remarkable achievement in being crowned Miss Ohio 2025. Olivia’s accomplishments represent not only a personal milestone but a point of pride for our entire community. Her journey from Lawrence County to the statewide stage of Miss Ohio competition has been marked by grace, determination, intelligence, and a deep commitment to public service. As an advocate for education and a gifted performer with a background in musical theater and law, Olivia embodies the values and potential that define the best of Appalachia and Southern Ohio. Success reflects positively on the young women of our region, serving as an inspiring example of what is possible through dedication and integrity. As she goes on to represent the state of Ohio at the Miss America competition she carries with her the support and admiration of her hometown and her. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Lawrence County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim August 12, 2025, as Olivia Fosson Day throughout Lawrence County, Ohio, in recognition of her outstanding achievements, her representation of our community with excellence, and her embodiment of the character and spirit that makes Lawrence County proud. We are proud to recognize Olivia Fosson as a true ambassador of Lawrence County, and we congratulate her on her outstanding achievement. With gratitude and pride, Commissioner Dr. Colton. Copley Commissioner Mike Finley and Commissioner DeAnna Holliday. 

Olivia Fosson came to the podium. She expressed her gratitude for being back in Lawrence County, noting that no matter where she travels in Ohio—whether Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Columbus—Lawrence County will always be home. She grew up on her family’s Christmas tree farm as the fifth generation on that land and is proud of her Appalachian roots. 

Throughout her year of service, her focus is on uplifting young Appalachian girls, showing them that their heritage is a source of pride. She aims to counter negative stereotypes of Appalachia by highlighting its strong community, hard work, and intelligence. As she prepares for Miss America, she plans to carry the spirit of Lawrence County and Appalachian Ohio with her. 

She was surprised and honored to be recognized with her own day, thanking the county commissioners, small local businesses, and the community for their unwavering support in her career and legal education. 

She acknowledged the role of local supporters, from community theater to businesses like Dickess Auto Repair and Howard’s Body Shop, in helping young people succeed. 

She emphasized that while she wears the crown and sash, they belong to the community as much as to her, as each person has contributed to its success. She will be the first Miss Ohio from Lawrence County to compete at Miss America, leaving August 29 for the September 7 event, and she thanked everyone for making the journey possible. 

Rich Donahue came to the podium to discuss various items regarding the America 250 Celebration. He provided an update on America 250 activities in Lawrence County, noting ongoing projects to preserve and promote local history ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Efforts include compiling a new county history book, updating a 1980s courthouse history publication with current officeholder photos and bios, and recognizing Revolutionary War soldiers—such as Judge Andy Ballard’s fourth great-grandfather—with memorial markers. 

Planned events for 2026 include Fourth of July fireworks in Ironton, two county picnics, and week-long educational activities at the county fair to engage children in local history. He described a county-wide school project, “Lovely Lawrence County,” where students document community history through photos and essays, potentially uncovering new historical details. 

Additional initiatives involve coordinating tree plantings, highlighting historic sites such as the Chesapeake jail, and participating in state programs like “Ohio Ghost of the Movies.” While Lawrence County did not qualify for a state barn-painting project, a mural on the town floodwall will feature local historical themes, including the Gillette Farm barn and the Rome Beauty apple. 

He mentioned commemorative items such as coins, pens, brochures, and lanyards personalized with “America 250 Lawrence County” for distribution at events, with sponsorships helping cover costs. He also discussed producing educational materials for schools and incorporating local sports history, such as the Ironton Tanks’ connection to the Detroit Lions. 

In closing, he presented the county commissioners with an official flag for Lawrence County and expressed appreciation for their continued support of America 250 initiatives. 

Commissioner Copley asked for a price list for some of the various items, stating it would be nice for people to have commemorative items for the event, 

Commissioner Holliday discussed the Whole Child committee partnering with America 250 to help with the coloring books. 

Phil Dysart, energy consultant for Palmer Energy, presented information on the county’s electric and natural gas aggregation program, which is being put to a ballot initiative in several townships. He explained the benefits of the program, the process, and the potential savings for residents. 

Commissioner Copley read the proclamation for Child Support Awareness Month, 

“Whereas child support money is paid by a parent for the purpose of meeting reasonable needs of the child for physical, social, and emotional needs, laying the groundwork for their future success; and whereas Ohio is committed to helping families access community resources that can help overcome barriers to paying child support and Whereas in Lawrence County, year 2024, six million five thousand one hundred eighty-five dollars in child support has been collected and provided support for 2, 738 cases, and whereas Ohio child support program is dedicated to collaborating with judges, district attorneys, clerks of courts, sheriff’s personnel, and child support professionals work to establish and enforce child support orders for Lawrence County, Ohio. Now therefore, we the Board of Lawrence County Commissioners of Ohio do hereby proclaim August 2025 as Child Support Awareness Month here in Lawrence County. Signed, myself, Colton Copley, president. Deanna Holiday, vice president, and Mike Finley, Commissioner.” 

Missy Evans then introduced all the staff for the department. 

Commissioner Finley wished Eric Holmes well and hoped that his hand gets well. 

Commissioner Copley gave condolences to Jim Cremeans family. He said Jim was a pillar in the community and the pastor of the City Mission Church and that he has done so much for so much for the community. 

Julie Monroe, the director for Developmental Disabilities, explained that the agency is conducting an educational tour to share facts about its work and the need for the levy, while the levy committee is holding town halls. Outreach will also include township and school board meetings. She emphasized that agency staff cannot promote the levy on work time, but the committee can. An FAQ is available under the “Levy Information” tab on the Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities website. She thanked the commissioners for the opportunity to provide updates. 

Commissioner Copley adjourned the meeting.