COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved a sweeping slate of spending measures, including a $90 million contract extension for home-delivered meals and emergency response systems, a $2.2 million drainage improvement project, and a $477,318 bomb squad robot purchase.

All votes were unanimous except one, where Commissioner John O’Grady abstained.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence for the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died recently. Commissioners shared personal memories of the civil rights leader, with Commissioner Kevin Boyce recalling meeting Jackson as a 24-year-old in 1988 and Commissioner Erica Crowley noting Jackson’s role as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

The board also recognized Black History Month and American Heart Month, hearing a stroke survival story from a community member.

The largest financial action was the approval of a contract extension with 13 vendors and a new contract with one provider for home-delivered meals and emergency response systems. The total amount, $90 million, will fund services through February 2028.

Commissioners also authorized 46 grant agreements totaling $3,762,933 to support social determinants of health for seniors. The vote followed public comment from a representative of Mocon Living, who advocated for home repair funding.

In other business, the board approved a $2,245,500 contract with V3 Construction Group Limited for drainage improvements along Zuber Road in Southwest Franklin County. The project is funded by Ohio Public Works Commission dollars.

Public safety measures included a $477,318 contract with Paraton Remote Tech for a replacement bomb squad robot for the Columbus Fire Division’s FBI-certified Region 4 bomb squad. The purchase is funded by a state homeland security grant.

Commissioners also accepted a $100,000 grant from the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board for a suicide investigator position in the Coroner’s Office.

The board approved a $1.3 million transfer from the general fund to the storm water management fund for operating and capital expenses for the first half of 2026, and a $662,000 annual contribution to the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District.

Road projects included approval of the 2026 resurfacing program for five county roads: Alire Road, Central College, Chatterton, Havens Corners, and Winchester Pike. The project will go out for bids and begin in spring 2026.

Commissioners also approved a $54,949.45 contract with MCM Consulting Group for a hazardous materials commodity flow study, funded by a state grant.

In human services, the board approved a $1.8 million contract with Jewish Family Services to manage Ohio Works First work activity requirements for about 600 residents per month, and a $33,687 contract with Cornerstone Promise Incorporated for transitional recovery housing for justice-involved females with substance use disorders.

A $175,000 subboard agreement with Epic Youth will fund mentoring programs for youth ages 12-18 referred by the family stabilization unit.

Commissioners approved a $5,336,997 agreement with the Regional Council of Governments for case management services under the Senior Options Program, and a $184,896.60 contract with Get Creative LLC for communications consulting for the Office on Aging.

The board also authorized a pipeline relocation agreement with Columbia Gas of Ohio, costing up to $340,000, to move a natural gas service line for the downtown courthouse facility demolition and construction.

Commissioner O’Grady announced he will focus this year on protecting the voting process, saying he plans to discuss the issue at next week’s meeting.