Commissioners’ 33rd Business Meeting
44th Overall Meeting
September 23, 2025
10:07 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 September 23, 2025
Lawrence County Commissioners Meeting Highlights – September 23, 2025
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners held their 33rd business meeting (44th overall) on September 23. Here are the main highlights:
Special Guest
- Congressman Dave Taylor attended the meeting, sharing updates on federal budget progress and the benefits of H.R. 1 for the Second District. He encouraged residents to contact his office for help with federal agencies.
Administrative Approvals
- Meeting minutes from September 16 were approved.
- Floodplain permit renewals were approved for Joshua Howard and Symmes Township projects.
- Appropriations and transfers under $75,000 were approved, with Commissioner Finley abstaining.
- The County Auditor’s certification confirmed that appropriations align with official resource estimates.
- A Letter of Intent was signed for the County Engineer’s Office to participate in the State Disaster Relief Program.
Donations and Contracts
- A $5,000 donation to the senior center was approved at the request of Clerk of Courts Mike Patterson.
- The Quinn Estates contract was approved pending Prosecutor review.
- Commissioners approved a $12,000 donation to Friends of Ironton for ongoing Ro-Na Theater expenses.
Proclamations
- September 15–19, 2025, was proclaimed Adult Literacy Week.
- October 23–31, 2025, was proclaimed Red Ribbon Week.
Youth Council and Prevention Updates
- Impact Prevention’s Eddie Neal shared that the county now has 15 youth-led prevention teams and a countywide Youth Council.
- Youth leaders from St. Joe, Tri-State STEM, and Fairland schools presented Red Ribbon Week plans, community projects, and anti-drug outreach efforts.
- Commissioners praised the students’ efforts and agreed to explore lighting the courthouse dome red during Red Ribbon Week.
- Judge Ballard commended the students and congratulated Alex Gnau for being named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist.
Community Updates
- Julie Monroe shared progress on the Developmental Disabilities levy campaign, with another town hall scheduled for October 13 at Upper Township Fire Department.
- Commissioners expressed appreciation for the special-needs youth fishing event, thanking all volunteers and partners.
Executive Sessions
- Commissioners entered executive sessions to discuss legal contracts with County Administrator Dylan Bentley and later personnel matters with Dylan Bentley and Missy Evans.
The meeting concluded with unanimous or noted roll call votes, and Commissioner Copley adjourned the session.
Full Text of Meeting Minutes from September 23, 2025
Commissioners’ 33th Business Meeting
44th Overall Meeting
September 23rd, 2025
10:07 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
Congressman Dave Taylor was in attendance for today’s meeting, stating he was honored to represent Lawrence County. He spoke about the benefits of the H.R. 1 Bill and he explained that the initiative will bring broad benefits across America and will directly help the Second District and Lawrence County in many ways. He provided an update on Washington, noting that budget work is moving forward, with bills out of committee and ready for the House floor—the first real budget process since 1994. He emphasized that the Second District has promising opportunities ahead and mentioned ongoing discussions about potential projects in the historic building. He expressed gratitude for the chance to be present, said he looked forward to returning, and encouraged people to reach out to his office if they have issues with federal agencies, highlighting that his experienced staff, led by Michael Perkins, are ready to assist at any time.
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve the Meeting Minutes on September 16th, 2025, as corrected.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To approve the following floodplain permits submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District:
New:
None
Renewal:
2025-850 Joshua Howard- Filling & grading and Stream maintenance projects located at 96 Twp. Rd. 258
2025-851 Symmes Township-Grading culvert, paving & maintenance projects located on Township Road R.O.W.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To approve the following appropriations and transfers dated September 23rd, 2025, under $75,000.00
submitted by Dylan Bentley, County Administrator.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley ABSTAIN Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion 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: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To receive and sign the Letter of Intent for the County Engineer’s Office in regard to the State Disaster Relief Program.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To approve the donation request of $5,000 to the senior center, requested by Mike Patterson, Clerk of Courts.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Holliday
To sign the Quinn Estates Contract, pending Prosecutor Approval
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Finley, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To proclaim September 15-19, 2025, as Adult Literacy Week
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Motion by Commissioner Copley, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To proclaim the week of October 23-31, 2025, Red Ribbon Week.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Eddie Neal of Impact Prevention spoke about their youth teams and stated Lawrence County currently has 15 youth-led prevention teams and a countywide Youth Council.
Alex Gnau (St. Joe senior) represented the Youth Council and outlined projects such as the annual Youth Summit with Scioto County, community beautification projects (painting hopscotches at elementary schools and painting benches for public spaces), and the recent suicide prevention walk. He also shared that the Council is exploring ways to enhance Red Ribbon Week, including the idea of lighting the courthouse dome red to match Scioto County.
Miley Ferguson (St. Joe senior) described Red Ribbon Week activities at her school, including dress-down theme days and lessons on coping skills and positive habits for younger students.
Katie Piaskowski (Tri-State STEM junior) explained that since her school does not have an elementary, her team is planning to bring Red Ribbon Week outreach to South Point Elementary and possibly Burlington Elementary, helping to fill a gap where no prevention teams currently exist.
Isabel Barrow (Fairland senior) emphasized the importance of early education, sharing that her team works with kindergarten and first graders through skits, dance parties, and interactive activities that teach the dangers of drugs in an engaging way.
Annabelle Weinsweig (Fairland senior) added that they hope to expand Red Ribbon Week into the high school level this year. She also described their participation in Hello Week, which encouraged students to connect with peers through fun activities such as rock-paper-scissors games, helping to foster inclusiveness at the high school.
Commissioners responded positively to the youth’s ideas, noting they would check courthouse dome lighting for Red Ribbon Week.
Judge Ballard attended the meeting to commend the youth for their leadership and specifically recognized Alex Gnua for being named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist.
Julie Monroe stated the DD levy campaign recently held its first town hall at OU Southern, with another scheduled for October 13 at 6 PM at the Upper Township Fire Department. Commissioners praised the effort being put into the campaign and highlighted the importance of community awareness.
Commissioners also thanked participants and partners involved in the special-needs youth fishing event, recognizing volunteers and local supporters who helped make the event a success for the children and families who attended.
Motion by Commissioner Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Copley
To meet in executive session with Dylan Bentley 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 Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
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 Holliday, Seconded by Commissioner Finley
To make a donation to the Friends of Ironton in the amount of $12,000 for ongoing costs of the Ro-Na.
Roll Call: Commissioner Finley Yes Commissioner Holliday Yes Commissioner Copley Yes
Commissioner Copley adjourned the meeting.
______________________________________
Dr. Colton Copley, President
______________________________________
DeAnna Holliday, Vice President
______________________________________
Mike Finley, Member
Bd of Lawrence County Commissioners
Lawrence County, Ohio
ATTEST: _________________________, Clerk
Colton Kuhn, Clerk
Bd of Lawrence County Commissioners
Lawrence County, Ohio