Franklin County Commissioners Approve 2026 Road Resurfacing, $2.2M for Senior Services

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a slate of resolutions including a 2026 road resurfacing program, compensation for property owners on drainage and road projects, and more than $2.2 million for adult protective services.

The board voted 3-0 to declare necessary the 2026 resurfacing program for five roads: Alqaire Road, Central College, Chatterton, Havens Corners and Winchester Pike. A public hearing is set for Feb. 17.

Commissioners also approved $106,318.75 in compensation for six property owners abutting the Zuber Road Plum Run drainage improvement project in Pleasant and Jackson Townships, funded with Ohio Public Works Commission dollars. A separate resolution authorized $3,367 for one property owner on the completed Renner Road project, which included two-way left turn lanes, drainage upgrades and pedestrian infrastructure, resolving eminent domain proceedings.

The board accepted the 2025 annual bridge inspection report, which found that of 550 county-owned bridges, 98.6% are rated 5 or above on a 0-9 scale. Five bridges are rated poor and require planning for repair or replacement.

In other business, the board approved a $2,214,500 subaward agreement with the Franklin County Office on Aging for Adult Protective Services, serving 1,600 senior adults and partnering with the Probate Court’s Guardianship Services Board.

Commissioners authorized a $500,000 contract with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for CASA guardian ad litem services, aiming to serve at least 800 abused or neglected children with 80 volunteers. Commissioner Erica C. Crowley, a former CASA volunteer, raised concerns about volunteer recruitment, noting the caseload burden on a small volunteer base.

A $300,000 grant to Community Partners Youth Development Organization for the League of Creative Disruptors program sparked discussion about potential duplication with the Ready to Work program funded through the Columbus Fashion Alliance. Commissioners called for better coordination among workforce programs. The grant was approved 3-0.

The board also accepted gifts to the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center: $20,000 from E. Louise Reagan and $10,000 from Deval L. Web.

Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce abstained from a $15,000 subaward with the Columbus Urban League for the Journey to Wealth financial education program.

Other approved items included a $75,000 contract with United Way of Central Ohio for free tax preparation services for households earning under $70,000; a $350,000 subaward with TechCore Ohio for a computing career program for 100 ninth and tenth graders; and a $14,000 contract for program management support for justice policy programs.

The board extended a subgrant with Central Ohio Youth for Christ through June 30, 2026, adding $14,158.38 for after-school activities including sports, homework help and arts classes.

Commissioners designated Commissioner John O’Grady as official voting representative and Commissioner Boyce as alternate for the 2026 annual meeting of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.

Before the business meeting, the board acknowledged the historic winter storm that prompted Franklin County’s first Level 3 snow emergency, thanking county staff and first responders. Commissioners also expressed solidarity with Minneapolis following a fatal shooting involving immigration enforcement, calling for accountability.

Key moments

Contentious

Discussion on program duplication and sustainability

Commissioner Cwley questioned how the CPYDO grant differs from the Ready to Work program, and Commissioner O'Grady emphasized the need for coordination and sustainability, stating grants are not forever.

Significant

CASA volunteer caseload concern

Commissioner Cwley expressed concern that 80 volunteers serve 800 children, asking about recruitment plans and noting the importance of CASA volunteers as a steady presence.

Public interest

Winter weather acknowledgment

Commissioner O'Grady thanked county staff and first responders for working around the clock during the historic level three snow emergency.

Significant

Bridge inspection report

Engineer's office reported 98.6% of 550 bridges rated 5 or above, with five bridges rated poor requiring planning for repair or replacement.

Public interest

Minneapolis shooting remarks

Commissioner O'Grady expressed concern about the volatile situation in Minneapolis and called for accountability in the fatal shooting involving immigration enforcement.

Full analysis

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Meeting Analysis

Franklin County (OH) Board of Commissioners — 2026-01-27

Meeting Information

Title: General Session - January 27, 2026

Parish: Franklin County (OH) Board of Commissioners

Date: 2026-01-27

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 1101

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
2026 Resurfacing Program	Resolution 4526 declares necessary the 2026 resurfacing program for five roads: Alqaire Road, Central College, Chatterton, Havens Corners, and Winchester Pike. A public hearing is set for February 17, 2026.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Zuber Road Drainage Improvements Compensation	Resolution 4626 establishes compensation totaling $106,318.75 for six property owners abutting the Zuber Road Plum Run drainage improvement project in Pleasant and Jackson Townships, funded with OPWC dollars.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Renner Road Project Compensation	Resolution 4726 establishes compensation of $3,367 for one property owner on the completed Renner Road project, which included two-way left turn lanes, drainage upgrades, and pedestrian infrastructure. The settlement resolves eminent domain proceedings.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Annual Bridge Inspection Report	Resolution 4826 accepts the 2025 annual bridge inspection report. Of 550 county-owned bridges, 98.6% are rated 5 or above on a 0-9 scale; five bridges are rated poor and require planning for repair or replacement.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Gifts to Dog Shelter	Resolutions 4926 and 5026 authorize acceptance of gifts: $20,000 from E. Louise Reagan and $10,000 from Deval L. Web to the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center to support operations.	Both adopted unanimously.	3-0 each
Grant to Community Partners Youth Development Organization	Resolution 5126 authorizes a $300,000 grant to CPYDO for the League of Creative Disruptors program, a nine-month workforce development initiative for 50 young adults (ages 18-28) focusing on digital marketing, AI, and entrepreneurial skills.	Adopted unanimously after discussion about program differentiation and sustainability.	3-0
Adult Protective Services Subaward	Resolution 5226 approves a $2,214,500 subaward agreement with Franklin County Office on Aging for Adult Protective Services, serving 1,600 senior adults and partnering with the Probate Court's Guardianship Services Board.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Tax Preparation Services Contract	Resolution 5326 approves a $75,000 contract with United Way of Central Ohio for Tax Time services, providing free tax preparation and financial education to households with incomes under $70,000.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Youth Technology Program Subaward	Resolution 5426 approves a $350,000 subaward with TechCore Ohio for a 15-week computing career core program serving 100 ninth and tenth graders, covering coding, hardware, 3D printing, and cybersecurity.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Journey to Wealth Program Subaward	Resolution 5526 approves a $15,000 subaward with Columbus Urban League for the Journey to Wealth program, providing financial education and coaching to 75 residents. Commissioner Boyce abstained.	Adopted with one abstention.	2-0 (Boyce abstained)
Program Management Services Contract	Resolution 5626 authorizes a $14,000 professional services contract with Maurice Lee for program management support for justice policy programs, including children of incarcerated parents and landlord incentive initiatives.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
CASA Guardian Ad Litem Services Contract	Resolution 5726 authorizes a $500,000 contract with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for CASA guardian ad litem services, aiming to serve at least 800 abused/neglected children with 80 volunteers.	Adopted unanimously after discussion about volunteer recruitment.	3-0
Youth for Christ Subgrant Extension	Resolution 5826 extends a subgrant with Central Ohio Youth for Christ through June 30, 2026, adding $14,158.38 for continuation of a positive youth development program including after-school activities.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Designation of Voting Representative for CCAO	Resolution 5926 designates Commissioner O'Grady as official voting representative and Commissioner Boyce as alternate for the 2026 annual meeting of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0

$2,214,500 subaward for Adult Protective Services (largest single annual investment from Title 20 Social Service Block Grant funds).
$300,000 grant to CPYDO for youth creative workforce program.
$350,000 subaward to TechCore Ohio for youth technology program.
$500,000 contract for CASA guardian ad litem services.
$106,318.75 compensation for Zuber Road drainage improvements.
$75,000 contract for Tax Time tax preparation services.
$20,000 and $10,000 gifts to Dog Shelter.
$15,000 subaward for Journey to Wealth program.
$14,158.38 extension for Youth for Christ program.
$14,000 contract for program management services.
$3,367 compensation for Renner Road project.

Public Concerns: none noted.

Commissioner Cwley questioned whether the $300,000 grant to CPYDO for the League of Creative Disruptors was duplicative of the Ready to Work program funded through the Columbus Fashion Alliance. Commissioners discussed the need for better coordination and potential savings from avoiding duplication.

Engineer

2026 resurfacing program declared necessary for five roads; hearing set for Feb 17.
Compensation for six property owners on Zuber Road drainage improvements ($106,318.75).
Compensation for one property owner on Renner Road project ($3,367); eminent domain settled.
Annual bridge inspection report accepted; 98.6% of bridges rated 5 or above; five bridges rated poor.

Animal Care and Control

Accepted $20,000 gift from E. Louise Reagan and $10,000 gift from Deval L. Web for Dog Shelter operations.

Economic Engagement and Community Development

Grant of $300,000 to CPYDO for League of Creative Disruptors youth workforce program approved.

Job and Family Services

Subaward of $2,214,500 to Office on Aging for Adult Protective Services approved.
Contract of $75,000 with United Way for Tax Time tax preparation services approved.
Subaward of $350,000 to TechCore Ohio for youth technology program approved.
Subaward of $15,000 to Columbus Urban League for Journey to Wealth program approved.

Justice Policy and Programs

Professional services contract of $14,000 with Maurice Lee for program management approved.
Contract of $500,000 with Common Pleas Court for CASA guardian ad litem services approved.
Subgrant extension of $14,158.38 to Central Ohio Youth for Christ approved.

Board of Commissioners

Designated Commissioner O'Grady as voting representative and Commissioner Boyce as alternate for CCAO annual meeting.

Staff to provide Commissioner Cwley with accurate count of CASA volunteers and average caseload.
CPYDO and partners to begin seeking other funding sources to sustain the League of Creative Disruptors program beyond the grant period.
County administrator to execute contracts as authorized by resolutions.