Delaware County Board of Commissioners approves levy resolution, land purchase, transit authority

DELAWARE, Ohio — The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on June 29 approved a resolution of necessity for a 1.8-mill additional levy for developmental disabilities programs, authorized the purchase of roughly 140 acres for economic development and created a regional transit authority, all during a meeting that lasted more than an hour.

Commissioner Gary Merrell was absent. Commissioners Jeff Benton and Barb Lewis voted 2-0 on all measures.

Superintendent Christine Hodge of the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities requested the levy resolution after voters defeated a prior levy in May by about 600 votes. The new request is for a 1.8-mill additional levy for five years to fund community programs and services.

“Without this money, we will not be able to continue serving people,” Hodge told commissioners. “We will begin having to make severe cuts to our programs and our services.”

Hodge said the county serves about 2,300 eligible individuals and that levy funding for the Medicaid match has grown from $4 million in 2015 to about $18 million this year. She noted the board recently received a three-year accreditation from the state of Ohio, the highest award available.

Commissioners approved Resolution 26-450 unanimously.

In economic development, Dana McDaniel presented a contract to purchase about 140 acres near U.S. 42 and Sawmill Parkway. The purchase aligns with the county’s 2023 strategy to attract corporate campuses or advanced manufacturing. Commissioners approved Resolution 26-465.

The board also approved Resolution 26-466 to reorganize Delaware County Transit as a regional transit authority. Andy Vonick requested the change to accommodate growth in ridership and population.

Brian Gallagher presented the 2027 budget for the Veteran Service Commission, noting increasing demand for services but signs of leveling off. Transportation and disability claims have grown significantly. Commissioners approved Resolution 26-451.

A final hearing on the Harsh 480 drainage improvement project took an unusual turn when the original petitioner testified against his own petition. He cited high costs and said many issues had been resolved privately. The board found costs exceeded benefits and dismissed the petition through Resolution 26-468. Resolution 26-469 distributed $4,000 in costs to landowners.

The county terminated mowing contracts with Commercial Land Management Systems for nonperformance on roadside mowing. Commissioners awarded new contracts to Running G Farms, the second-lowest bidder, through Resolutions 26-463 and 26-464.

The board also approved routine items including purchase orders, a liquor license request and two annexation petitions totaling about 102 acres from Delaware Township to the city of Delaware.

Commissioners adjourned into executive session for employment and collective bargaining matters.

Key moments

Significant

DD levy request and prior defeat

Our prior levy was defeated on May 5th and after tremendous review and analysis, our board has passed a resolution to put this forward to you all.

Significant

Economic development land purchase

The purchase of this property would be for economic development purposes, intended to position the property to attract new businesses and jobs.

Contentious

Harsh 480 drainage project dismissal

It seems to me that the costs then are going to exceed the benefits.

Significant

Transit authority creation

DCT is looking to become a regional transit authority in response to growth in ridership and population.

Significant

Mowing contract termination for nonperformance

We are seeking to terminate the initial mowing contract due to nonperformance and approving a new contract with Running G Farms.

Full analysis

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Meeting Analysis

Delaware County (OH) Board of Commissioners — 2026-06-29

Meeting Information

Title: Delaware County Commissioners' Session- June 29, 2026

Parish: Delaware County (OH) Board of Commissioners

Date: 2026-06-29

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 1703

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
Developmental Disabilities Levy Resolution of Necessity	Superintendent Christine Hodge requested approval of a resolution of necessity for a 1.8 mil additional levy for 5 years to fund DD programs, after a prior levy was defeated in May 2026 by about 600 votes.	Resolution 26-450 approved unanimously.	2-0 (Merrell absent)
2027 Veteran Service Commission Budget	Brian Gallagher presented the 2027 budget, noting increasing demand for services but signs of leveling off. Transportation and disability claims have grown significantly.	Resolution 26-451 approved unanimously.	2-0
Real Estate Purchase for Economic Development	Dana McDaniel presented a contract to purchase ~140 acres near US 42 and Sawmill Parkway for economic development, consistent with the 2023 strategy to attract corporate campuses or advanced manufacturing.	Resolution 26-465 approved unanimously.	2-0
Creation of Delaware County Regional Transit Authority	Andy Vonick requested approval to reorganize DCT as a regional transit authority to accommodate growth in ridership and population.	Resolution 26-466 approved unanimously.	2-0
Harsh 480 Drainage Improvement Project Final Hearing	Final hearing on a drainage improvement petition filed in 2021. The original petitioner testified in opposition, citing high costs and that many issues had been resolved privately. The board found costs exceeded benefits.	Resolution 26-468 dismissed the petition; Resolution 26-469 distributed $4,000 in costs to landowners.	2-0 on both
Termination of Mowing Contracts for Nonperformance	The county terminated contracts with Commercial Land Management Systems for nonperformance on roadside mowing and awarded new contracts to Running G Farms, the second-lowest bidder.	Resolutions 26-463 and 26-464 approved unanimously.	2-0 on both

Developmental Disabilities levy request: 1.8 mil additional for 5 years; prior levy defeated May 2026.
Veteran Service Commission 2027 budget approved; transportation and claims services have grown significantly.
Sheriff's office jail operating budget estimate for 2027 approved; no significant changes.
Family Children's First Council supplemental appropriation from unspent Brown County funds approved.
Harsh 480 project estimated construction cost $83,994.11; dismissed due to cost exceeding benefits.

No public comment was offered during the public comment period.

Harsh 480 drainage project: original petitioner opposed his own petition due to high costs and private solutions; board dismissed the petition.

Engineer's Office

Approved owner's agreement for Arrowhead at Evans Farm subdivision (56 lots).
Approved partial vacation and replacement of drainage easement in Pine Null subdivision.
Accepted roads and established speed limits for Evans Farm Marketplace West, Dublin Court, and Howard Farm sections.
Approved 10 standard utility right-of-way permits, noting increased fiber work.
Approved relocation agreement with Ohio Power for transmission lines related to Homeroad railroad overpass.
Terminated mowing contracts with Commercial Land Management for nonperformance; awarded to Running G Farms.

Economic Development

Approved purchase of ~140 acres near US 42 and Sawmill Parkway for economic development.

Job and Family Services

Approved child placement services contract amendment for one high-needs youth.
Approved transfer of funds and supplemental appropriation for Family Children's First Council.

Sheriff's Office

Approved 2027 jail operating budget estimate.
Approved addendum for six additional Flock cameras.

Transit

Approved creation of Delaware County Regional Transit Authority.

Soil and Water Conservation District

Presented final hearing report for Harsh 480 drainage project; petition dismissed.

Staff to finalize details on wellness program changes for next year.
Land bank meeting at 1:30 to adopt cybersecurity policy.
Executive session for employment discipline and collective bargaining.