Delaware County joins regional council of governments for Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, names commissioner as initial representative

Delaware County commissioners voted July 14 to join a regional council of governments (RCOG) establishing the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) as a regional entity and appointed Commissioner Jeff Benton as the county’s member representative to the council.

Deputy Administrator Eric Hostetler, who helped lead the county’s review, told commissioners the resolution authorizes entering into the RCOG, approving the agreement and bylaws and allowing the board president to make non‑substantive changes as final documents are prepared. Hostetler said he reviewed the contract and bylaws and “I don't have any, concerns with the most recent drafts.”

Commissioner Gary Merrill described the background: the COAAA was created in the 1970s and grew into a larger organization now operating out of a City of Columbus department. Merrill said the RCOG structure “will better serve the COAAA and the clients that they serve” and noted the group is moving toward a January 1, 2026 transition. Hostetler said two counties had already agreed to join and the RCOG would eventually include eight counties.

The board then approved a separate resolution naming the county's member representative to the council and appointed Commissioner Jeff Benton to that role (resolution 25-521). Hostetler and commissioners discussed practical details: the initial council meeting must choose officers and a board of directors; the council representative is expected to attend to appoint county directors, after which county appointees will serve on the RCOG board of directors. Commissioners said the representative can be changed later if scheduling requires it.

The resolutions passed with commissioners present voting aye.