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Hancock County commissioners approve coroner contract, pool repairs and other routine resolutions
Summary
On March 10, 2026 the Board of Hancock County Commissioners approved the county's coroner services rate for 2026 (net $107,512.59 after a performance discount), authorized change orders for ditch maintenance, approved a $116,700 contract for Mt. Blanchard pool bottom replacement, and opened bids for a Soil & Water spray contract.
The Board of Hancock County Commissioners met March 10, 2026 in the commissioner's first-floor conference room and approved several routine fiscal and contract items affecting county services and infrastructure.
Cindy Land presented Resolution No. 143-26 to continue the county's contract with the Lucas County Coroner's Office for autopsy services. Land explained the contract’s annual price‑increase calculation and a 5% performance discount tied to report‑delivery times; the list price is $113,171.15 and, with the discount applied, the county will pay $107,512.59 for 2026. The board approved the measure on a 3-0 vote (motion by Commissioner William Bateson; seconded by Commissioner Timothy Bechtol).
The board approved two change orders to ditch maintenance contracts with NWO Property Services. Change Order No. 2 adds $1,000 for extra brush removal, bringing that contract total to $4,500; Change Order No. 1 adds $5,187.50 for additional brush and bank removal, bringing the project total to $12,437.50. Both actions were approved 3-0 with Bateson moving and Bechtol seconding.
Phil Johnson presented a package of resolutions including support for farmland preservation, a contract award for pool repairs, and a recognition request for dispatchers. Resolution No. 146-26 expresses county support for preserving farmland and for the West Central Ohio Land Conservancy's effort to purchase an agricultural easement on properties owned by Carson Lugibihl in Delaware and Madison Townships; the resolution authorizes participation in the Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program if necessary. The board approved the resolution 3-0.
Resolution No. 147-26 authorizes entering a contract with Eagle Site Services LLC to remove the existing concrete bottom at the Mt. Blanchard Community Pool and install a new bottom and vapor barrier. Johnson said the project cost is $116,700, with funds to come from the Hancock County Revolving Loan Fund and the Village of Mt. Blanchard. The resolution passed 3-0.
The board also approved Resolution No. 148-26 expressing support for designating 9-1-1 telecommunications officers (dispatchers) in Ohio as "First Responders." The resolution passed on a unanimous vote.
Operational updates included a report from Steve Wilson that Columbia Gas has delayed moving a gas line in the benching area until May and that Norfolk Southern has received a signed work agreement and will return it after signature. Adam Witteman said the county audit team was on site and would be requesting documents from various offices; Kaysie Penzinski said the state audit work was being performed that day and that the county would be notified of results.
At 11:00 a.m. the board opened bids for the Soil & Water spray contract. Assistant Clerk Alec Helms confirmed two sealed bids: Champion Lawn Service submitted $97,063.79 and Right of Way Management submitted $84,028.85; both bids included the required bond. Commissioner Hunker said the bids would be taken under advisement; Jason Althouse indicated he could provide a recommendation by next week and staff will place a resolution to award the contract on next Thursday's agenda.
The meeting record shows routine approvals were unanimous and that next steps include the auditor requests in the coming days and a staff recommendation and formal award resolution for the spray contract at the next meeting.
