Delaware County land bank re-elects chair, approves financial reports and opens Star Ohio account

The Delaware County Land Reutilization Corporation on April 14, 2025, completed its annual organizational business and regular quarterly meeting by re-electing officers, approving the treasurer's report and several invoices, and authorizing the opening of a Star Ohio investment account for surplus cash.

At the annual meeting the board re-elected Jeff Penn as chair; Michelle (board member) was elected vice chair; Gary (board member) was elected treasurer; and Sandra (board member) was elected secretary. Each position was put forward and approved by voice vote during the meeting.

The board approved the filing and distribution of the land bank's annual report (filed March 19, 2025) and accepted the audit work in progress. The treasurer reported March activity including two deposits: a state demolition grant of $25,345 and a Brownfield grant of $92,143; disbursements included a March 28 transfer of $25,045 to the City of Powell, a March 28 payment of $4,020.87 to Civil & Environmental for grant administration, and a March 31 payment of $2,143 to Columbus Housing/Homeport related to a Brownfield reimbursement. The March 31 bank balance was reported as $326,680.54. The treasurer said a DTAC (delinquent tax collection) deposit of $866,287.01 posted on April 10; after pending checks clear, the projected balance will be $291,458.68.

The board approved routine administrative payments: an annual SFM insurance premium of $3,115 (a modest increase from the prior year) and a counsel invoice for $450 for the quarter. The treasurer's report and the invoices were approved by voice vote.

On a motion from the board, members approved establishing a Star Ohio money-market account to earn higher overnight returns on surplus cash. The board authorized a move of funds to that account and approved authorized signatories; county staff suggested a working plan to keep about $20,000 in the checking account for monthly operating needs and to invest the remainder. Justin Nave, director of finance for Delaware County, will be authorized to open the account, and the board approved adding Karen (staff), Gary (board member), and Chair Jeff Penn as signatories for transactions.

The board heard additional updates on property and project activity, including a tax-foreclosure matter in Concord Township that the prosecutor's office resolved by locating heirs and enabling a neighbor to negotiate a purchase. The meeting ended with routine closing items.