Madison County ADA committee reports $336,000 in accessibility upgrades; resident says courthouse remains inaccessible
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Summary
An ADA committee update detailed progress since a 2023 assessment and reported about $336,000 spent on accessibility improvements; during public comment, resident Jim Myers said municipal court facilities still present barriers and alleged the county refused Department of Justice mediation, which county staff said they would investigate and asked for documentation.
The Madison County ADA committee briefed commissioners on work since a 2023 accessibility assessment and outlined next steps while a resident delivering public comment said problems persist at the municipal court.
An ADA committee representative said the committee held its first meeting on Nov. 18 and reviewed the 2023 ADA assessment. The representative said commissioners have authorized approximately $336,000 in ADA-related work over the past 2½ years and that the committee will prioritize outstanding items in a spreadsheet to track completion and set reasonable timelines; staff is gathering quotes for new entry doors at county sites. The representative also noted 50 curb cuts made wheelchair-accessible around the City of London using ARPA funds in 2024.
During public comment, Jim Myers — who identified himself as handicapped — described multiple accessibility problems at Madison County Municipal Court including lack of seating, locked or inaccessible restrooms, and doors that open the wrong way for people using mobility devices. Myers said he had spoken with the Department of Justice and Ohio Disability and alleged the county refused mediation; he offered to share documentation and photos. The ADA committee representative said there is not yet a job description for the ADA coordinator role as appointed and agreed to share the committee's spreadsheet and minutes; county staff asked Myers for documentary evidence so staff can follow up and review his examples.
Commissioners and staff explained constraints of older courthouse buildings and noted security and courtroom control by the judge affect restroom placement in some court facilities; staff said they will continue to offer accommodation by escorting visitors when needed and will take the documents Myers offered for review.
What happens next: the ADA committee will meet again in February, staff will share the tracking spreadsheet and minutes, and county staff said they will review any documents provided by the resident and follow up on mediation records or correspondence if available.
