COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Franklin County Board of Commissioners opened 2026 on Tuesday by electing Commissioner John O'Grady as board president and approving a slate of contracts, including a $95.4 million, three-year deal for inmate medical services.
The board voted unanimously to elect O’Grady to the largely ceremonial leadership post for the year. Commissioner Kevin Boyce made the nomination, which was seconded by Commissioner Erica Cwley. O’Grady, who will now preside over meetings, thanked his colleagues and said the board’s focus this year will be on “fiscally responsible decisions” amid challenging economic conditions.
“Franklin County continues to grow and evolve and get larger and become more important on many stages,” O’Grady said. “But with that growth comes great responsibility, and this is a moment where thoughtful leadership and sound decision-making really matters.”
The most significant financial action of the meeting was the adoption of Resolution 9-26, authorizing a contract with Armor Health of Ohio LLC to provide medical services and an electronic health records system for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The contract, effective Jan. 17, 2026, through Jan. 16, 2029, is not to exceed $95,436,164. Commissioner Boyce abstained from the vote; Commissioners Cwley and O’Grady voted yes.
The board also approved a $160,000, one-year emergency veterinary services contract with Veterinary Emergency Group LLC for the county’s Animal Care and Control division. The contract includes four optional one-year renewals and passed unanimously.
In other business, the board authorized a $20,000 contract with Mighty Crow Media LLC for evaluation services tied to a federal opioid, stimulant and substance abuse program grant. Commissioners also approved a $16,000 consulting contract with Franklin Hirs to support the County Hospital Commission for 2026.
A resolution to increase the county’s share of casino tax revenue allocated to Nationwide Arena renovations from 32% to 50% by 2029 was adopted, with Boyce abstaining. The agreement involves the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and the city of Columbus.
The board authorized a 3% salary and wage increase for non-bargaining county employees and approved appointments for O’Grady and designees to the Board of Revision and Microfilming Board for 2026.
Additionally, commissioners authorized the county administrator to approve and execute cybersecurity agreements related to cyber incidents and protections.
County Administrator Kenneth Wilson reported that a $565,372 contract with Granicus was signed Dec. 31 to migrate county websites onto the Open Cities platform. The move is intended to meet federal digital accessibility compliance guidelines by an April 24, 2026, deadline. Wilson said failure to meet the guideline could expose the county to liability.
The meeting also included the journalization of six annexation petitions, including requests to move land from Jackson and Hamilton townships into Grove City and Columbus.