Rittenhouse elected board president; commissioners shift first monthly meeting to evenings

Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse was elected president of the Board of Clark County Commissioners for a one‑year term during the board’s Jan. 7 meeting. Commissioner Charles A. Patterson nominated Rittenhouse; the motion passed with Rittenhouse abstaining on her own election and both other commissioners voting yes.

The board also modified its 2026 meeting schedule so the first Wednesday of each month will begin at 5:30 p.m., with all other regular Wednesday meetings at 8:30 a.m. The change, approved by roll call, is intended to offer an evening option for residents who cannot attend morning sessions. Commissioners asked the commission clerk to amend the official schedule resolution to reflect the new meeting times.

Why it matters: Moving a regular meeting to an evening time is a procedural change meant to improve public accessibility and civic engagement. The board said the trial will begin with the first meeting of each month; the schedule retains statutory meeting frequency and sets dates for quarterly special sessions and Investment Advisory Committee meetings.

What happened: During the vote to elect president, the roll call recorded Commissioner Lohnes and Commissioner Patterson voting yes while Rittenhouse abstained on her own election. When the schedule modification was brought up, the board voted unanimously to adopt the amended meeting times.

What comes next: The clerk will amend the published meeting schedule. The board will hold the first monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. beginning in 2026, and special sessions will be called as needed in accordance with Ohio law.