LONDON, Ohio — The Madison County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a grant for a five-year lease program for body-worn cameras, part of a broader agenda that included staffing changes in the zoning and planning department and a proclamation honoring a local chemical company.

The board voted 3-0 to accept a subgrant award from the Ohio Department of Public Safety for the camera program, which will cost approximately $70,000 per year. Sheriff John Schain told commissioners the department opted for a lease rather than a purchase, describing a direct purchase as “financially awful.” The cameras will operate on the Motorola platform, with upgrades included over the lease term.

Commissioner Chris Wallace noted the county is “years behind the ball” on the technology. Commissioner Tony Scifo asked about cruiser cameras, but Schain said no grant funding has been identified for that equipment.

In other business, County Administrator Amy Reese Clark reported that Jody Peters has left the zoning and planning department for a position in Clark County. The board approved hiring Tish Edwards as assistant director at a higher salary to fill the vacancy. Edwards is scheduled to start next Monday.

The board also approved resolutions increasing appropriations for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant application and critical infrastructure programs, as well as trucking bid recommendations for 2026.

Commissioners approved fund transfers for the Madison County Department of Job and Family Services to support its program service delivery system.

A lease agreement between the county and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for property at 13 North Oak Street, Suite B, was also approved.

The board adopted a proclamation recognizing Nissan Chemical Tech America for its participation in a hazardous materials full-scale exercise on April 11, 2026. The exercise involved local fire departments, the London Public Service, and other first responders testing emergency plans, notification procedures, and incident command systems.

“They spent tireless time with us in meetings over the last two years taking time away from their production and just wanting to give us a real life scenario,” said a county official who thanked the company during the meeting. “It was very hard to get into industry to work live situations, and you guys made it an exception for us.”

Commissioners then voted unanimously to enter executive session under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(8) to discuss confidential information related to economic development assistance. No action was taken following the closed session.

The meeting adjourned without further discussion.