DELAWARE, Ohio — The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved a series of routine resolutions, including an addendum to add inmate mental health services at the county jail, and heard an emotional account from the county’s EMS director about preserving patient dignity.
Commissioners Barb Lewis and Gary Merrill voted 2-0 on all five resolutions. Commissioner Eric Benton was absent.
The board approved Resolution 26-359, a first addendum to the county’s agreement with Prime Care Medical to add inmate mental health services at the jail. Officials said the change carries no additional budget impact.
Other approved resolutions included the electronic record of proceedings from the May 18 meeting, batch purchase orders and payments, and a proclamation designating May 17-23 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Delaware County.
During discussion of the EMS proclamation, Director Joe Fishell shared a story about a crew from Medic 2 and the Berlin Township Fire Department that responded to an elderly woman who had fallen and broken her hip in her bathroom.
“She was unable to care for herself, and they did not want to bring her out of her house in that state,” Fishell said. “They helped give this lady a bath. They cleaned her up. The fire department cleaned up her bathroom for her.”
Fishell said the crew transported the patient “nice and calmly” to the hospital, cleaned and dressed, and “extremely appreciative that they gave her back her dignity.”
“Dignity, compassion, empathy — our crews deliver that day in and day out,” he said.
Fishell also announced that Station 11 will begin operations May 23.
The board recognized two Liberty High School students, Ben and Chase, who led the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the meeting. The students won top prizes in C-SPAN’s national documentary competition.
Communications Director Jane Haw reported that the federal deadline for website and digital asset ADA compliance has been extended one year to April 27, 2027, for jurisdictions of 50,000 or more. She credited the National Association of Counties for leading the effort to secure the extension.
“We’re getting our money’s worth from membership in NACo,” Haw said. She noted the county was prepared for the original April 24 deadline and would be issued a compliance certificate if tested today.
The meeting concluded with a Memorial Day remembrance. Commissioner Lewis noted the holiday’s origins as Decoration Day in 1868 and encouraged residents to remember those who died in military service.
No public comment was heard. No contentious issues arose.