Morrow County commissioners approve paving and chip-and-seal contracts, fund transfers and a personnel promotion

Morrow County commissioners on May 12 approved two public works contracts — a chip-and-seal contract with 20 20 Enterprises not to exceed $172,475.48 and a paving contract not to exceed $909,965.75 — along with several budget transfers, the county—s first-quarter 2025 investment report and the promotion of Shelly Sparks to planning and zoning director.

The actions came during a regular session of the Board of Morrow County Commissioners. Commissioners called each vote on motions brought during the meeting; recorded votes on the larger contracts and personnel action were recorded as "yes" by the commissioners present. The meeting also included an update on the county jail expansion process.

Why it matters: the contracts commit county funds for road maintenance and paving work in 2025 and the budget transfers will cover immediate facility needs, including replacement of portable air conditioners and additional ramp handrail work for a county building. The personnel promotion fills the county—s planning-and-zoning leadership role.

Contracts and budget moves The board voted to approve a contract with 20 20 Enterprises for the 2025 chip-and-seal program, with a not-to-exceed amount of $172,475.48. Commissioners also approved a 2025 paving contract listed in the record with a not-to-exceed amount of $909,965.75. The meeting record shows commissioners calling the roll and voting "yes" on these items.

Separately, the board approved transfers to cover the cost of replacing portable window air conditioners and to address additional ramp costs at a county facility. The record indicates the county has 15 portable window units and that five had failed; the county plans to purchase five replacement units. County staff explained the ramp work was more expensive than anticipated after a previous director—s measurements produced a slope that did not meet the required 1-to-12 ratio; modifications included additional handrail, which increased the cost. The county had already paid a half-down deposit to put the ramp into production.

Officials also approved a transfer for the general fund board of elections and accepted the county—s first-quarter 2025 investment report, which a commissioner confirmed was balanced during the meeting.

Personnel and jail update The board approved the promotion of Shelly Sparks to planning and zoning director. The motion passed with the commissioners recorded as voting in favor.

County staff provided an update on the jail expansion process. Brooker, a county staff member, said the county "officially received approval of phase 1" of the jail project and described phase 1 as the first of five phases the project must complete. Brooker said the county would finalize related documents and then submit additional phases for approval; some internal improvements may be delayed until later phases are cleared.

Votes at a glance - Approve minutes of the regular session of May 12, 2025: motion passed (recorded yes votes by commissioners present). - Approve bills numbered 1 through 47: motion passed (recorded yes votes by commissioners present). - Transfer funds for portable air-conditioner replacements and additional ramp handrail costs: motion passed. - Transfer funds for general fund board of elections: motion passed. - Accept first-quarter 2025 investment report: motion passed. - Approve contract with 20 20 Enterprises for 2025 chip and seal, not to exceed $172,475.48: motion passed. - Approve 2025 paving contract, amount not to exceed $909,965.75: motion passed. - Approve promotion of Shelly Sparks to planning and zoning director: motion passed.

What—s next: staff said they will finalize documents for the next phases of the jail project and proceed with planned procurement and construction scheduling on the approved road projects.