Commission approves small property purchases and easement for Red Oak Bridge project

Franklin County commissioners approved four actions to secure property interests for the Red Oak Bridge replacement project, including three fee purchases from private owners and acceptance of a permanent easement deed.

The commission approved commission order 2025-234 to purchase certain real property from Timothy J. Decker and others; commission order 2025-235 to purchase property from Benjamin and Kelsey Bland for $510; commission order 2025-236 to purchase property from Anthony I. Buffalo for $305; and commission order 2025-237 accepting and approving a permanent easement deed. Each item passed on motion and voice vote.

Process and valuation: County staff described the right-of-way acquisitions as routine, small-dollar items. A staff member explained the county establishes fair market value and typically makes offers at 100% or slightly over 100% of that valuation, with adjustments by parcel size when appropriate. Commissioners noted the purchase amounts were small (examples cited included $335.10, $510 and $305) and aimed at completing the bridge project's right-of-way needs.

Why it matters: Securing these parcels and the easement clears property interests that the county said are necessary to proceed with the Red Oak Bridge replacement.

Action taken: The commission voted to approve the listed commission orders; the chair called for the ayes and declared the motions carried. No recorded roll-call tallies were included in the meeting summary.