Hocking County commissioners: minutes, transfers, appointments, events and next steps

At their June 5 meeting, Hocking County commissioners handled routine business including approval of meeting minutes, bill payments, appropriation transfers, appointments and community event announcements.

Minutes and routine approvals: Commissioners approved multiple meeting minutes (May 13, May 15, May 22, May 27 emergency meeting and May 29) and approved payment of bills and the meeting agenda. Two of the minutes approvals (May 22 and May 27) were recorded by roll call with some commissioners recorded as abstaining on the emergency-meeting minutes.

Appropriations and revenue: The board approved several finance items, including: - Recorder's office transfer: $652.76 from the workers' compensation account (ending 2200) to the supplies account (50400). - Commissioners' department transfer: $2,500 from OPERS account 502000 to Medicare account 502100 to cover remainder of year costs. - Rescission of an initial appropriation for the sheriff's office web-check account (no funds remained in the account). - Certificate of additional revenue and appropriations from a sheriff's sale: $5,724.94 to other expense account 506000 (treasurer's office). - Auditor sale expenses (auction/"auger" sale) additional appropriations: $5,080.19 to account 506000.

Other administrative actions: The board approved an annual proxy letter allowing the sheriff's office to authorize the chief (Penny Stack) to sign documents required by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for county vehicles.

Appointments and contracts: Commissioners approved an appointment of Tom Williamson to the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (the application filled a vacancy created by the resignation of Cameron Millerway); the appointment fills the term that began July 1, 2023 and expires June 30, 2027. Commissioners approved closeout paperwork and a final change order for the Rockbridge Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project (retainage to be held until final inspection). The board approved a certificate appointment for the commissioners' office (document on file).

Events and community items: Commissioners approved use of five parking spaces for handicapped parking during the Washboard Festival (local event running over the coming days). Announcements included: - Hocking Hills Children’s Museum event “Meet your local early intervention team” on June 26, 4:30–6:30 p.m. for ages birth to 3. - League Logan Association family summer fundraiser the following evening at Isaac Walton Lodge (admission fees and family pass information noted by staff). - Courthouse centennial rededication and open house on June 23, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., including a ribbon cutting and presentation of a repaired or replaced courthouse clock; commissioners will provide a cookout.

Land bank and administration items: Commissioners reported on a recent Land Bank meeting with Athens County staff and said they plan to sign a resolution to form a land bank and begin steps to form a 501(c)(3); the board moved the target operational date to July 1, 2025. Commissioners also noted routine contract and county property matters, including work on Hall's building door damage and the Tansky underground tank bills; city crews assisted in excavation work downtown.

Public record and tourism: The board read into the public record a letter from Karen Raymore, executive director of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association, clarifying membership and advertising policies for HHTA and related local artisan/vendor requirements.

IT and facilities: Commissioners noted building-system issues affecting courthouse staff on upper floors (air-conditioning and related systems) and said county staff were working to resolve them.

Adjournment: The board adjourned after public comment and routine business.