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Franklin County commissioners approve slate of contracts, grants and budget transfers
Summary
The Board of Commissioners voted May 5 to approve multiple resolutions including DOJ grant application for the Conviction Integrity Unit, a $3.525 million agreement with Experience Columbus, youth program grants and a Columbus Zoo lease extension; most measures passed unanimously with a handful of abstentions.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners adopted a series of funding, contract and administrative resolutions Tuesday, approving grants and agreements covering public safety, economic development, youth services and county operations.
Among the actions, the board authorized a Department of Justice grant application and acceptance for the county’s Conviction Integrity Unit; approved a $100,000 on-demand services contract with CDW Government for the county data center; and authorized a $3.525 million marketing agreement with Experience Columbus for 2026 convention, leisure and sports promotion.
The board also approved youth-focused investments: a $500,000 funding agreement with the Kaleidoscope Youth Center for transitional housing and supportive services, and a $150,000 grant to the Neighborhood Design Center to expand the Youth CoLab paid internship and design‑learning program. County staff described the CoLab as a three‑phase program for ages 14–18 that pairs students with design firms and community projects.
A contract amendment with Freedom Equity to expand the Build, Grow, Go small‑business platform was approved with a recorded abstention by Commissioner Boyce; Freedom Equity said the pilot will launch May 27 and aims to onboard 1,000 small businesses and facilitate about $5 million in capital and contracting opportunities.
Other routine administrative actions included a $21,311 transfer of appropriations to replace print‑shop equipment, extensions and modifications to temporary staffing provider contracts (not to exceed $5 million in total), and approvals of multiple agency purchase orders totaling roughly $1.12 million.
The board also approved a Fourth Amendment to the county’s amended and restated lease with the Columbus Zoological Park Association to extend the lease through 2067 to facilitate long‑term development and financing; that measure passed with Commissioner O'Grady recorded as abstaining. Journalizations recorded U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approvals of prior amendments to the county’s 2019 Annual Action Plan. The meeting was then adjourned.
Votes were recorded on the public record for each resolution at the meeting. Several items passed unanimously; where abstentions were recorded, they are noted in the meeting minutes.
