Hocking County commissioners approve small appropriations, reappoint DD board member and recommend land bank as HB 96 lead entity

The Hocking County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 30 approved multiple administrative motions and appropriations and recommended the county land bank as the lead entity for demolition and site revitalization funds created by House Bill 96.

Commissioners approved an additional appropriation for the sheriff's jail operations in the general fund in the amount of $42,400. "Additional appropriation, sheriff's office, general fund 001 ... amount of $42,400," the chair read during the meeting. The motion was seconded and carried on an oral vote of "Aye."

The board also approved an appropriation related to Hapcap (CDBG PY21) for contract services totaling $3,906.25, described in the meeting as "the remaining grant money that we were required to return to the state." A separate certificate of additional revenue recognized a $10,000 deposit from the Ohio CASA Gal Association to revenue account 417000; commissioners accepted and deposited the funds.

The board considered a reappointment recommendation from Jill Schuier regarding Kara Sterner's term on the Board of Developmental Disabilities. Schuier's letter said Sterner was appointed in 2023 to fill an unexpired term and is eligible for a second term beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Commissioners moved to reappoint Sterner; the motion carried after a short discussion about the wording of the recommendation.

On funding tied to House Bill 96, the board discussed statutory language and the director's role in selecting a lead entity before voting to recommend the county land bank as the lead entity for demolition and site revitalization funds. Commissioners noted the recommendation mechanics in subsection (a) and that the director (named in discussion as Lydia Mihalik) will make final selections from the list of county recommendations.

Administrative and operational notes during the meeting included a reminder from the chair that items for the commissioner's agenda must be submitted by noon Wednesday for inclusion in the Thursday meeting, and a progress update on locating a sewer blockage affecting a local school.

Votes at a glance: - Additional appropriation, sheriff's jail operations: $42,400 — Motion passed (oral "Aye"). - Additional appropriation, Hapcap (CDBG PY21) contract services: $3,906.25 — Motion passed (oral "Aye"). - Certificate of additional revenue, Ohio CASA Gal Association: $10,000 deposit to account 417000 — Motion passed (oral "Aye"). - Reappointment: Kara Sterner to Board of Developmental Disabilities (term 01/01/2026-12/31/2029) — Motion passed (second noted; discussion on wording of recommendation). - Recommendation: Appoint county land bank as lead entity for HB 96 demolition/site revitalization funds — Motion passed (roll call noted; one abstention recorded during roll-call procedure).

The chair announced there would be no public comment at this meeting and the commissioners moved into an executive session to discuss collective bargaining with Chief Bickle and Sheriff Langer. The chair stated, "we do have an executive session coming up after public comment. We do not expect any decisions or actions to be taken after that." The motion for executive session was approved by roll call.

The meeting included routine procedural votes to table minutes, approve the agenda and pay bills, all of which carried on oral 'Aye' votes.

Ending: Commissioners scheduled follow-up work and meetings where appropriate; several items (including the HB 96 lead-entity recommendation) will be submitted in written minutes with official names and details to avoid ambiguity.