Delaware County Commissioners Approve Federal Detainee Rate Hike, Development Deals

DELAWARE, Ohio — The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved an updated contract with the U.S. Marshals Service that raises the daily rate for housing federal detainees to $102, up from $83, and increases the transport rate to $49.50 per hour from $36.

Commissioners Jeff Benton and Gary Merrell voted unanimously on the intergovernmental agreement, one of several business items during a meeting that also featured proclamations recognizing Building Safety Month and Older Americans Month.

The board approved a first amendment to the Sawmill Parkway cooperative agreement, restructuring tax increment financing revenues to support the Maridel and AAA Blue Jackets developments and creating a new TIF area for the Addison development.

Commissioners finalized construction costs of $43,395.95 for the Slate Lick Lateral drainage improvement project and established a maintenance easement for the work.

In other action, the board approved a supplemental appropriation to move the East Allen Creek pump station project into the current budget year, authorized vehicle leases for county departments, and approved an owner’s agreement for road and drainage improvements for a 22-lot development in Berlin Township known as Howard Farms section five.

Commissioners set a June 2 bid date for the Dent Road bridge replacement over Eastport Rattlesnake Creek after approving plan specifications. They also approved seven standard right-of-way utility permits.

During two public hearings, the board added an 18-acre parcel in Berlin Township to the Evans Farm New Community Authority District and approved the vacation of a portion of the McNamara ditch and creation of a relocated section for the Jennings Sports Park development.

Dwayne Matlack, chief building official, presented the Building Safety Month proclamation alongside his leadership team, emphasizing the role of building codes in public safety and hazard prevention. SourcePoint representatives presented on age-friendly initiatives during the Older Americans Month proclamation.

Commissioners also recognized Alice Frazier and Becky Williams for their selection to the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging’s 16 over 60 class of 2026.

Administrator reports highlighted a successful community shredding event, student achievements in a national competition, and bond refinancing that will save county taxpayers approximately $1.6 million.

Commissioner Barb Lewis was absent. The board recessed until 1:30 p.m. for a site viewing.

Key moments

Significant

Building Safety Month proclamation

Dwayne Matlack, chief building official, emphasized that building codes are essential regulations that set minimum standards for design, construction, and maintenance.

Significant Part 1 · 34:14

Federal detainee housing contract rate increase

Sheriff Jeff Balzer reported that since 2020, housing federal prisoners has brought in over $1.4 million to the county.

Significant

Sawmill Parkway cooperative agreement amendment

Eric Gostel explained the amendment restructures TIF revenues to support Maridel and AAA Blue Jackets developments and creates a new TIF area for Addison development.

Significant Part 1 · 58:40

Bond refinancing savings

Commissioner Benton announced that refinancing bonds will save county taxpayers about $1.6 million over the life of the bonds.

Significant

McNamara ditch vacation and relocation

Brett Bacon explained the vacation was requested by developers of Jennings Sports Park to accommodate their desired configuration, with work done at no cost to other landowners.

Full analysis

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Meeting Analysis

Delaware County (OH) Board of Commissioners — 2026-05-04

Meeting Information

Title: Delaware County Commissioners' Session- May 4, 2026

Parish: Delaware County (OH) Board of Commissioners

Date: 2026-05-04

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 1587

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
Approval of electronic record of proceedings	Approved the minutes from the April 27, 2026 regular meeting.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Approval of purchase orders and warrants	Approved batch CMAPR0501 of purchase orders, announce certificates, and payments of warrants.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Approval of travel expense requests	Approved travel expense requests for county employees.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Proclamation: Building Safety Month	Declared May 2026 as Building Safety Month in Delaware County. Presentation by Dwayne Matlack and Jamie Upchurch on building codes and safety.	Proclamation adopted	Unanimous (2-0)
Recognition of Alice Frazier and Becky Williams	Recognized Alice Frazier and Becky Williams for their selection to the COAAA 16 over 60 class of 2026.	Proclamations adopted	Unanimous (2-0)
Proclamation: Older Americans Month	Declared May 2026 as Older Americans Month. SourcePoint presented on age-friendly initiatives and strategic plan.	Proclamation adopted	Unanimous (2-0)
Intergovernmental agreement for federal detainee housing	Approved updated contract with US Marshals Service to house federal detainees, increasing daily rate from $83 to $102 and transport rate from $36 to $49.50 per hour.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Amendment to Sawmill Parkway cooperative agreement	Approved first amendment to restructure TIF revenues to support Maridel and AAA Blue Jackets developments and create new TIF area for Addison development.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Slate Lick Lateral drainage project finalization	Finalized construction costs ($43,395.95) and established maintenance easement for the Slate Lick Lateral drainage improvement project.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Supplemental appropriations for sewer district	Approved budget amendment for East Allen Creek pump station project, moving it up to the current year.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Vehicle leases for county departments	Approved resolution of necessity for purchase or lease of motor vehicles, including replacement of a vehicle past useful life.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Owner's agreement for Howard Farms section five	Approved standard owner's agreement for road and drainage improvements for a 22-lot development in Berlin Township.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Dent Road bridge replacement plans	Approved plan specifications and set bid date for June 2, 2026 for the Dent Road bridge replacement over Eastport Rattlesnake Creek.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Right-of-way utility permits	Approved seven standard right-of-way utility permits.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Public hearing: Evans Farm New Community Authority addition	Held public hearing and approved adding an 18-acre parcel in Berlin Township to the Evans Farm New Community Authority District.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)
Public hearing: McNamara ditch vacation and relocation	Held final public hearing and approved vacation of a portion of the McNamara ditch and creation of a new relocated section for Jennings Sports Park development.	Approved	Unanimous (2-0)

Federal detainee housing contract rate increased from $83 to $102 per day, generating over $1.4 million since 2020.
Bond refinancing expected to save taxpayers approximately $1.6 million over the life of the bonds.
Slate Lick Lateral drainage project final cost $43,395.95.
Supplemental appropriation for East Allen Creek pump station project moved up to current year.

Public Concerns: none noted.

Contentious Discussions: none noted.

Administrator

Attended regional planning meeting Thursday night.
Attended Derby High School to acknowledge national winners Ben Curren and Chase Peterson.
Reported on successful shredding event Saturday at Health Department; line was long and truck filled early.
Reminded everyone to vote in primary election tomorrow.
Will speak to general business association Wednesday morning.

Coordinate with Jennifer to schedule future meeting for Derby High School students Ben Curren and Chase Peterson to present their award-winning videos.
Follow up with Jennifer on possibility of holding another shredding event this year or next with two trucks.
Recess until 1:30 p.m. for Bainbridge Mills viewing.