Lucas County supervisors approve road work plans, hire deputy and clear $183,364 in claims

The Lucas County Board of Supervisors met March 18, 2026, at the Lucas County Courthouse and approved a series of routine but significant operational items affecting county roads, personnel and finances. Chairperson Cathy Reece called the meeting to order; Supervisors Dennis Smith and Larry Davis were present.

By unanimous vote, the board approved a resolution to hire Wade Flinn as a full-time deputy at the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office effective March 23, 2026, at a rate of $31.41 per hour. The personnel action was recorded as a formal resolution approved by the board.

The board accepted the Secondary Road Department’s recommended propane supplier for 2026, awarding the bid to AGRILAND. The motion as recorded sets the first fill price at $1.25 per gallon and a subsequent price of $1.39 per gallon “until contract ends in March 2026,” as stated in the meeting record. The meeting record lists those prices and the contract end month; the record does not provide further detail about contract length or renewal terms.

Supervisors also approved a vegetation control estimate from B & W Control Specialists for brush and teasel control in four townships—Ottercreek, Liberty, Whitebreast and Jackson—and authorized a $25,623.79 transfer from the Rural Basic Roads fund to the Secondary Roads fund to support road operations.

The board approved the 2026 Farm-to-Market Rock Plans so bid letters can be mailed. The plan calls for granular surfacing on approximately 76.5 miles of Farm-to-Market roads, totaling about 19,425 tons; the motion authorized staff to proceed with the bidding process.

Lucas County Conservation Director Skylar Hobbs told the board the new bridge on Cinder Path is almost complete. The report was informational and no separate action was required.

The board approved the Lucas County Clerk of Court’s February revenue report showing $2,635.99 collected and accepted the Lucas County Sheriff’s bi-monthly expenditures report for March 5–18, 2026 totaling $12,814.36.

Supervisors approved payment of claims totaling $183,364.32 for the period March 5–18, 2026. Large disbursements recorded in the claims list included Blue Cross/Blue Shield ($51,468.07), Cantera Aggregates, LLC ($36,729.26), Hotsy Cleaning Systems ($16,872.82), Martin Marietta ($11,096.81) and Wayne County Sheriff ($9,661.00). The board voted unanimously on the claims motion.

The board authorized a permit allowing W&S Construction LLC to work in the county right-of-way on the west side of 265th Avenue; the recorded landowner at that location is Andy Offenburger. The meeting adjourned to meet sine die.

Meeting minutes were signed by Chairperson Cathy Reece and Auditor Julie L. Masters.