DELAWARE, Ohio — The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on Monday unanimously denied a long-pending watershed drainage improvement petition after the original petitioners and multiple landowners testified against the project, citing skyrocketing costs and development concerns.
The 3-0 vote on Resolution 26-441 effectively dismissed the Zerbe-O’Keefe #265 watershed drainage improvement project, a petition first filed in 2019 to address drainage issues across a 249-acre watershed. The board also approved Resolution 26-442, distributing $17,500 in proceeding costs to landowners based on the assessment ratio.
Commissioners said the project no longer met the legal criteria for moving forward.
“Based on the testimony I heard today, I can’t support it,” said Commissioner Gary Merrell. “Is the proposed improvement necessary? I don’t believe it is. Will it be conducive to the public welfare? Same thing. The proposed improvements will be greater than the benefits received.”
The engineer’s report had estimated $258,321 in construction costs. But during the final hearing, the Graham family — the original petitioners — and other property owners testified in opposition, arguing the costs had become prohibitive and that development pressure in the area had eased.
One landowner told commissioners that a planned 150-foot easement through wooded property was “totally unacceptable” and that no development would occur on the property for the next 50 years.
“The costs have significantly escalated,” said Commissioner Barb Lewis. “There have been some improvements made in the area to help the drainage side.”
The board’s decision came after a public hearing that lasted more than an hour, during which no one spoke in favor of the project.
In other business, the commissioners approved a series of routine resolutions, including a design contract with WSP USA for a single-lane modern roundabout at Section Line and Clarkshaw Road. The project is fully funded by federal and state sources for construction, with design and right-of-way costs borne by the county. Construction is scheduled for 2030.
The board also authorized the submission of Victims of Crime Act and state victims assistance grants totaling $81,832.50 for the Prosecutor’s Office Victim Services Unit, and approved a request for qualifications for an arc flash and electrical maintenance program assessment for county facilities.
Safety Coordinator Laura Hatcher told commissioners the assessment would evaluate electrical equipment and safety programs across all county facilities to identify hazards and improve system reliability.
“By proactively addressing these electrical hazards through analysis, maintenance, training, and program development, the county reduces risk, protects employees, and supports reliable operations,” Hatcher said.
The commissioners also held a public hearing on the FY26 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan, which allocates $580,338 for community development projects. No public comments were received.
The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss employment, property purchase, litigation, and economic development matters.