MADISON COUNTY, Ohio — The Madison County Board of Commissioners on June 9 adopted a regional transportation plan and authorized a Community Development Block Grant application, but a dispute over an attorney’s invoice that exceeded an agreed $5,000 limit dominated discussion.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve all other bills but pulled an invoice from attorney Daniel Brown after learning it surpassed the cap without prior board approval. Commissioners expressed frustration and directed staff to contact Brown to negotiate payment.

“Have we paid all of his invoices up to the $5,000 limit?” one commissioner asked. The board had paid about $3,000 of the approved amount, records showed. Commissioners agreed to issue a check for the remaining balance of the approved limit and address the overage separately.

The board also received an update from Dennis on zoning process flowcharts designed to clarify rezoning and lot split procedures for townships that have adopted their own zoning, including Kanan and Darby. Dennis said confusion over the process had caused delays, with some projects pending since December.

“When Kanan went to the ballot and the voters decided to use township zoning, I don’t think Kanan thought through the whole thing of what was going to need to be put into place,” Dennis said. He noted that an informal 2002 agreement existed for Summerford but that no formal process had been updated for lot splits or zoning amendments.

Commissioners agreed to use the flowcharts as guiding documents and to coordinate with township officials to formalize the process.

Economic development staff reported on site selection meetings and prospective leads, including a spec building in Jefferson Township, but noted challenges with water and sewer infrastructure. Ongoing discussions with AD about expansion were also mentioned. The board received the update without formal action.

The board unanimously adopted the 2026-2030 Regional Mobility Plan presented by MORPC, which includes goals for safe transportation for older adults and disabled individuals, improved awareness, and affordable cross-county options.

Commissioners also passed a resolution authorizing submission of a Community Development Block Grant application totaling $188,000 plus administrative costs. The grant would fund sewer improvements in South Solon, upgrades at Midway Park, and a drainage planning study in Mount Sterling.

Following the regular agenda, the board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the sale of real property. No action was taken after the closed session, and the meeting adjourned.