Hocking County commissioners approve sewer invoice, appropriations and right‑of‑way permits; amend sewer rate resolution to round to nearest quarter

The Hocking County Board of Commissioners voted on a series of routine fiscal and right‑of‑way items during its Jan. 16, 2025 meeting, approving a contractor payment for Rockbridge sanitary sewer construction, multiple appropriations for county offices, rescinding and reissuing transfers related to an installation and a badge system, and amending a prior resolution that governs annual sewer rate increases.

The nut graf: Commissioners approved the actions unanimously (two commissioners present) and directed staff to retype and attach the amended language to the original 2022 resolution to make future annual sewer increases both a 3% adjustment and rounded to the nearest quarter dollar for billing efficiency.

Key actions and votes (summary)

- Rockbridge sanitary sewer contractor invoice: Commissioners approved payment of $296,364.28 for work through Jan. 1, 2025, and authorized the chair/signature to request funds for payment. The county engineer had recommended the payment and the contractor signed for quantities installed. Motion: approved (yes: 2; no: 0).

- Housing Trust Fund administrative fee: Commissioners approved continuation of a 1% administrative fee on recorded housing trust fund items for 2025. Motion: approved (yes: 2; no: 0).

- Sheriff's office appropriation: Commissioners approved an appropriation transfer from the general fund (1001) to account 100132105‑033100 for $35,100 to pay for MRAP repairs. Motion: approved (yes: 2; no: 0).

- Prosecutor’s office supplies appropriation: Commissioners approved an appropriation transfer for $75,100 into an account ending in 504000 to correct a 2024/2025 purchase order and return funds to county accounts. Motion: approved (yes: 2; no: 0).

- Rescind and reissue transfers / badge system: Commissioners rescinded a transfer related to equipment and a $2,425 entry for a new badge system after an update to the High Business Gateway (state payments site) caused ACH rejects; they approved paying two small late fees ($21.60 and $78.47) while pursuing credits from the bank/vendor. Motion: approved (yes: 2; no: 0).

- Amendment to 2022 sewer rate resolution: Commissioners moved to amend resolution 20221228 to read that annual sewer billing increases will be 3% "rounded to the nearest quarter dollar," effective Jan. 1 each year, and directed staff to retype and attach the revised paragraph to the original resolution. Motion: approved (yes: 2; no: 0).

- Right‑of‑way permits / utility work: The board approved multiple county right‑of‑way permit requests from utility providers (AEP and South Central, using subcontractors such as DRG Technical Solutions) to replace or maintain existing poles and equipment at locations including Township Road 320, Township Road 315, County Road 26, Thompson Ridge Road, State Route 93 at Webb Road, State Route 180, Middle Fork Road, Baylor Road, Mount Olive Road, Big Cola Road, and State Route 678 at Dunlap Road. All requests were approved. Motions: approved (each yes: 2; no: 0).

Other routine items

Commissioners also approved signature of the final MOU for the jail demolition and noted a meeting with planners; they authorized opening the courthouse during the Logan Frozen Festival on Jan. 18, 2025, subject to sheriff’s approval; and they made appointments to local subcommittees (OPWC District 18 subcommittee appointment and a proposed appointment of Commissioner Michael Mason to the workforce development board).

Procedural notes and next steps

Commissioners instructed staff to retype the amended sewer resolution language and attach it to the 2022 resolution for clarity. Several items stemming from website/bank ACH issues will be followed up with the treasurer’s office and bank to pursue fee credits.

Ending

All motions taken at the Jan. 16 meeting passed by voice vote with the two commissioners present; the meeting adjourned after the public comment period.