Morrow County commissioners approve pay application, contracts and set public hearing for Hidden Lakes

Morrow County commissioners on June 26 approved a series of routine appropriations and contracts, including Pay Application No. 12 to Simonson Construction Services for $84,701.92, and set a public hearing to consider providing ice-and-dust control services to Hidden Lakes Community Association.

The board voted to appropriate certified funds for several purposes, including corrections to the social services fund and property-tax-related transfers for the second half of 2023. It authorized the county to proceed with camera and fob purchases at the Community Service Building after invoices exceeded estimates, approved a change order for Stevens Construction Company Inc. on the 480 Douglas Street asphalt-paving project, and approved a contract with Beaver Excavating Company for landslide repair on CR 225 at Holland Creek. Commissioners also approved a purchase-of-service agreement involving the county juvenile department and Cornell and Braxis Group LLC.

Commissioners discussed and amended the implementation timing for changes to fees for court-appointed counsel under Resolution 22-R-136. After staff raised concerns about mailing and billing timelines, the board agreed to set the effective date to Aug. 1 and to set the per-person rate at $75 out of court and $75 in court for newly appointed cases beginning that date.

The board authorized Cheryl Haycock to sign a construction agreement with Columbia Gas of Ohio related to a generator project at 60 East High Street in Mount Gildan as presented to the commissioners. The board also approved the title for a contract between the county child support enforcement agency and the county common pleas court, and authorized advertising for a final public hearing on the Weidner Ditch project assessment schedule for maintenance.

During a brief recess the commissioners returned to regular session and approved Pay Application No. 12 for Simonson Construction Services, $84,701.92. Project updates reported to the board noted drywall work ahead of schedule at the 480 facility, foundation work at the Home Road office, and expected July start dates for several system startups; staff said remaining funding steps involve the Ohio Water Development Board and remaining ARPA funds.

Votes recorded during the meeting were captured by roll call prompts in the transcript; motions were generally moved and seconded on the record and recorded as affirmative by the callers identified in the transcript as 'Mister Abraham' and 'Mister Mason.' The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that the board approved.