Public commenter flags ORC deadline requiring a service recipient on Developmental Disabilities board

Morrow County — During the Nov. 13 Morrow County Board of Commissioners meeting, a member of the public called to speak about upcoming changes on the county Board of Developmental Disabilities and an apparent statutory requirement.

The commenter, called to the floor as "Mister Cardinal," said the commissioners had received a third notice related to board recruiting and reported that "a board member is opting to not [seek] a final term." The commenter told the board: "Looking at the rules, ORC has indicated that by 07/01/2025, an individual who receives services must be appointed to our board."

Staff responded that they were reviewing the logistics and timing of meeting that requirement, saying they would "get that up as soon as possible" and weighing whether the appointment should occur now or later.

The board subsequently approved the reappointments of Joel Settle and Tina Riedel to final terms during the same session. The public comment highlighted a potential upcoming vacancy and a statutory compliance deadline that staff said they would address.

Next steps recorded on the meeting record indicate staff follow-up on appointment logistics; no formal policy change or amendment to the board composition was enacted during the meeting.