Franklin County Commissioners Approve $6.5M Road Project, Settle ADA Lawsuit in Final Meeting of 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a $6.5 million road reconstruction contract, settled a disability discrimination lawsuit for $215,000 and adopted a $250,000 countywide DUI task force grant in a wide-ranging meeting that also marked the end of Commissioner Erica Crawley’s term as board president.

The three-member board voted unanimously on nearly all of the more than 40 resolutions on its agenda, with Commissioner Kevin Boyce abstaining on three items, including the DUI task force contract with Ohio State University and a $9.1 million building renovation amendment.

The largest infrastructure item was a $6,563,449.82 contract awarded to Shelley and Sands Inc. for the reconstruction of East Cook Road. The project includes adding sidewalks and shared-use paths, funded through the MORPSY and OPWC programs.

Commissioners also approved right-of-way plans for a modern roundabout at the unsignalized Clark State Road and Wagner Road intersection in Jefferson Township after a public hearing that drew no speakers.

In legal matters, the board approved a $215,000 settlement with Kathleen Harter, who alleged the county failed to accommodate her under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Ohio law. All claims will be dismissed with prejudice.

The board authorized a $250,000 state grant for the sheriff’s office to continue operating the countywide DUI task force, with 18 member agencies. Boyce abstained from the vote to add Ohio State University to the task force.

Commissioners approved a $625,000 grant to Made for Medicine for a healthcare workforce pipeline program serving students in grades 6 through 12, and a $384,895.92 grant to Kingdom Image Arts for creative entrepreneurship training for up to 120 youth and adults.

The board also adopted the Franklin County Cybersecurity Program Framework Standard, aligning with NIST and CIS standards as required by Ohio law, and approved a $279,426 supplemental contract with GovBloom LLC for digital accessibility assessments of county mobile apps and websites.

In housing matters, commissioners approved loan modifications for two affordable housing developments: Westerville Senior Housing LP’s Ravine at Central College and Chantry Place Housing LP, both forgiving accrued interest and reducing rates to 0%.

The meeting opened with Crawley delivering farewell remarks as she concluded her term as board president.

“Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my public life,” Crawley said. “This past year has reminded me again and again what public service is supposed to be — a commitment to the common good, a dedication to fairness, and a belief that we can build something better together.”

Commissioners also adopted the 2026 county budget, with officials noting it was the first time in more than a decade the county had to make reductions in discretionary spending due to fiscal uncertainty.

“We simply cannot predict what the broader economic landscape will look like a year or two from now,” Crawley said. “We also know we cannot rely on state government to fill the gaps.”

The meeting adjourned with commissioners wishing staff a happy holiday season.

Key moments

Significant

Commission President's farewell remarks

Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my public life.

Significant

FY2026 budget adoption with reductions

For the first time in over a decade, reductions were required due to the end of pandemic support, concerns about an economic downturn, and uncertainty over upcoming federal and state actions.

Significant

Commissioner Boyce abstains on DUI task force addition

Resolution number 94625 has been adopted with Commissioner Boyce's noted abstention.

Significant

Commissioner Boyce abstains on critical master plan GMP

Resolution number 96825 has been adopted with Commissioner Boyce's noted abstention.

Significant

Commissioner Boyce abstains on youth violence prevention grant

Resolution number 96125 has been adopted with Commissioner Boyce's noted abstention.

Full analysis

Show structured analysis

Meeting Analysis

Franklin County (OH) Board of Commissioners — 2025-12-09

Meeting Information

Title: General Session - December 9, 2025

Parish: Franklin County (OH) Board of Commissioners

Date: 2025-12-09

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 2487

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
Psychological services contract extensions	Approved two-year agreement extensions with Forum Ohio LLC and NetCare Corporation for psychological evaluations ordered by the court, at a cost of $700,000.	Resolution 93725 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Behavioral health services contract	Approved a one-year contract with Quality Moments LLC for behavioral health services at the reception center, costing $37,800.	Resolution 93825 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Clark State Road/Wagner Road intersection project	Approved right-of-way plans for a modern roundabout at the unsignalized intersection in Jefferson Township.	Resolution 93925 adopted unanimously after a public hearing with no speakers.	3-0
East Cook Road reconstruction contract	Awarded a $6,563,449.82 contract to Shelley and Sands Inc. for reconstructing Cook Road, adding sidewalks and shared-use paths, funded by MORPSY and OPWC.	Resolution 94025 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Bridge rehabilitation over Big Derby Creek	Appointed GFT Infrastructure Inc. for engineering services to rehabilitate the Sciota and Derby Creek Road bridge, costing $371,323.	Resolution 94125 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Shared-use path on Galloway Road	Appointed 2LN Inc. for engineering services for a shared-use path on Galloway Road, funded by COTA transit supportive infrastructure, costing $664,736.	Resolution 94225 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Lawsuit settlement (ADA claim)	Approved a $215,000 settlement with Kathleen Harter, who alleged failure to accommodate under the ADA and Ohio law; all claims will be dismissed with prejudice.	Resolution 97825 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Towing and impound services contract	Approved a one-year contract with County Towing and Storage LLC for towing and impound management services, costing $100,000, with four optional one-year extensions.	Resolution 94425 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Countywide DUI task force continuation	Approved the sheriff's office as lead agency for the DUI task force and contracts with 18 member agencies, funded by a $250,000 state grant.	Resolution 94525 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Ohio State University joins DUI task force	Approved a contract for Ohio State University to join the countywide DUI task force.	Resolution 94625 adopted with Commissioner Boyce abstaining.	2-0-1
Child abuse investigation MOU	Approved a memorandum of understanding for investigating child abuse and neglect between Children's Services and community partners, including law enforcement and Nationwide Children's Hospital.	Resolution 94325 adopted unanimously.	3-0
LexisNexis legal research contract	Approved a five-year contract with LexisNexis for legal research database access, costing $732,366, covering 11 agencies and over 300 users.	Resolution 94725 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Cybersecurity program framework adoption	Adopted the Franklin County Cybersecurity Program Framework Standard, aligning with NIST and CIS standards, as required by Ohio law.	Resolution 94825 adopted unanimously.	3-0
ADA compliance consulting services	Approved a supplemental contract with GovBloom LLC for digital accessibility assessment of county mobile apps and websites, costing $279,426.	Resolution 94925 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Spay/neuter and veterinary services extension	Approved the first of three one-year extensions with Shelter Outreach Services for spay/neuter and veterinary services, costing $1,196,500.	Resolution 95025 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Annexation: 15.3 acres from Franklin Twp to Columbus	Approved an expedited type 2 annexation of five parcels (3175 Cherokee St, 1695-1753 N Peg Ave) from Franklin Township to Columbus.	Resolution 95125 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Annexation: 64.8 acres from Brown Twp to Hilliard	Approved an expedited type 2 annexation of five parcels (4322 and 4340 Elliot Rd) from Brown Township to Hilliard.	Resolution 95225 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Annexation: 19.136 acres from Brown Twp to Hilliard	Approved an expedited type 2 annexation of one parcel (split from 2948 Walker Rd) from Brown Township to Hilliard.	Resolution 95325 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Annexation: 5.5 acres from Plain Twp to New Albany	Approved a municipal annexation of a right-of-way parcel at Morris Rd and US62 from Plain Township to New Albany.	Resolution 95425 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Sugar Farm TIF district expansion	Approved the first amendment to the compensation agreement with Columbus to expand the Sugar Farm TIF district to include parcels supporting a 220-condominium development valued at $29 million.	Resolution 95525 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Affordable senior housing loan modification (Ravine at Central College)	Approved a first amendment to loan documents with Westerville Senior Housing LP, forgiving accrued interest, reducing rate to 0%, extending maturity to 2029, and requiring $10,000 annual payments; extends affordability period.	Resolution 95625 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Permanent supportive housing loan modification (Chantry Place)	Approved a first amendment to loan documents with Chantry Place Housing LP, forgiving accrued interest, reducing rate to 0%, extending maturity by 3 months to March 2026, with a future amendment expected for further extension and $10,000 annual payments.	Resolution 97925 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Youth STEAM education grant (C. Brilliance)	Approved a $33,000 grant to C. Brilliance for youth STEAM education and workforce readiness programs serving over 500 youth ages 3-18.	Resolution 95725 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Healthcare workforce pipeline grant (Made for Medicine)	Approved a $625,000 grant to Made for Medicine for a medical pipeline program serving grades 6-12, with anonymous selection, aiming to prepare students for healthcare careers.	Resolution 95825 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Creative workforce training grant (Kingdom Image Arts)	Approved a $384,895.92 grant to Kingdom Image Arts for creative entrepreneurship training for up to 120 youth and adults, with four certification tracks.	Resolution 95925 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Small business readiness and digital skills grant (NOW Foundation)	Approved a $553,328 grant to the NOW Foundation for small business readiness, AI inclusion, and event management training, serving over 600 residents.	Resolution 96025 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Youth violence prevention grant (SARNCO)	Approved a $250,000 grant to OhioHealth Sexual Assault Response Network for middle and high school violence prevention education, reaching approximately 300 youth.	Resolution 96125 adopted with Commissioner Boyce abstaining.	2-0-1
Phone system hardware for Job and Family Services	Approved a $120,686.86 supplemental contract with CBTS Technology Solutions for phone system hardware (desk phones, gateways, headsets).	Resolution 96225 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Tech training program (ColorCoded Labs)	Approved a $450,000 subaward agreement with ColorCoded Labs for a 19-week JavaScript training program for 60 participants, targeting junior developer roles with starting salaries of $60,000.	Resolution 96325 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Trauma-informed care training (Family and Children First Council)	Approved $435,000 in subaward agreements for the Building Better Lives program (trauma-informed care for educators) and Partnerships for Success (social-emotional learning for practitioners), expanding into Hamilton Local Schools and Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools.	Resolution 96425 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Refugee employability services amendment	Approved a $501,888.89 amendment to subaward agreements with four refugee service organizations for employment services (English instruction, job placement) for approximately 360 individuals.	Resolution 96525 adopted unanimously.	3-0
West Community Opportunity Center lease	Approved a $3,613,800 lease with FB Columbus LLC for the West Community Opportunity Center, with a four-year term starting January 1, 2026, and options for two three-year extensions; includes improvements (bathrooms, carpet, ADA parking).	Resolution 96625 adopted unanimously.	3-0
VOCA grant acceptance	Authorized acceptance of a $85,784.12 Victims of Crime Act grant from the Ohio Attorney General, with a $21,446.03 cash match from the general fund, to support victim services for child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.	Resolution 96725 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Critical master plan implementation (bundle 2) GMP amendment	Approved a $9,131,914 guaranteed maximum price amendment with Elford Inc. for construction services (demolition, millwork, HVAC, etc.) for relocating PFM to the 7th floor and Economic Engagement to the 8th floor of the Michael J. Dorian Building, plus vestibule door replacement at the Office Tower.	Resolution 96825 adopted with Commissioner Boyce abstaining.	2-0-1
Refuse and recycling collection contract	Approved a one-year $300,000 contract with Rumkey of Ohio for collection, transportation, and disposal/processing of refuse and recycling from county facilities, with four optional one-year extensions.	Resolution 96925 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Purchasing policy update	Approved an updated purchasing policy with clarifications on public records, requisition notes, and competitive selection thresholds per Ohio Revised Code.	Resolution 97025 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Purchase order batch authority for January 2026	Authorized the county administrator to approve purchase order batches in January 2026, with monetary and time limits, due to high volume.	Resolution 97125 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Reappointment to Children's Services Board	Reappointed Elizabeth Martinez to the Franklin County Children's Services Board of Trustees for a term ending December 31, 2029.	Resolution 97225 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Reappointment to Columbus Metropolitan Library Board	Reappointed Carla William Scott to the board of trustees of the Columbus Metropolitan Library for a term ending December 31, 2032.	Resolution 97325 adopted unanimously.	3-0
2025 appropriation reconciliation	Approved reductions in 21 funds and supplemental appropriations in 5 funds to align appropriations with projected revenues, as required by the auditor of state.	Resolution 97425 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Sales tax administrative fee appropriation	Approved a general fund supplemental appropriation of approximately $4.2 million to record the 1% administrative fee charged by the state tax commissioner for sales tax collection.	Resolution 97525 adopted unanimously.	3-0
Year-end transfers to reserve and capital funds	Authorized transfers to support non-general fund agencies (Job and Family Services, Child Support, Justice Policy, Animal Care), reserve funds (27th pay, risk management), and capital funds (network reliability, fleet).	Resolution 97625 adopted unanimously.	3-0
FY2026 annual appropriation	Adopted a $2.2 billion budget for 35 agencies, with a $687 million general fund (3.4% less than 2025 projected expenditures). Sales tax estimated at $431 million (64% of general fund revenue). Reductions were required for the first time in over a decade due to end of pandemic support, economic downturn concerns, and federal/state uncertainty. 62% of general fund goes to justice and public safety. Rainy day fund remains untouched.	Resolution 97725 adopted unanimously after a public hearing with no speakers.	3-0

FY2026 budget: $2.2 billion total, $687 million general fund (3.4% decrease from 2025 projected).
Sales tax revenue estimated at $431 million, 64% of general fund.
First budget reductions in over a decade due to end of pandemic support, economic downturn concerns, and federal/state uncertainty.
62% of general fund allocated to justice and public safety.
Rainy day fund remains untouched; AAA bond rating maintained.
General fund cash balance kept at levels comparable to other AAA-rated counties.
Supplemental appropriation of $4.2 million for state sales tax administrative fee.
Year-end transfers to various operating, reserve, and capital funds authorized.

Public Concerns: none noted.

Contentious Discussions: none noted.

Domestic Relations

Approved two-year extension agreements with Forum Ohio LLC and NetCare Corporation for psychological evaluations, $700,000.
Approved one-year contract with Quality Moments LLC for behavioral health services at reception center, $37,800.

Engineer

Approved right-of-way plans for Clark State Road/Wagner Road roundabout (Resolution 93925).
Awarded $6,563,449.82 contract to Shelley and Sands for East Cook Road reconstruction (Resolution 94025).
Appointed GFT Infrastructure for bridge rehabilitation over Big Derby Creek, $371,323 (Resolution 94125).
Appointed 2LN Inc. for shared-use path on Galloway Road, $664,736 (Resolution 94225).

Prosecuting Attorney

Approved $215,000 settlement of ADA lawsuit (Kathleen Harter v. Franklin County) (Resolution 97825).

Sheriff's Office

Approved towing/impound contract with County Towing and Storage, $100,000 (Resolution 94425).
Approved continuation as lead agency for DUI task force with $250,000 grant and 18 member agency contracts (Resolution 94525).
Approved Ohio State University joining DUI task force (Resolution 94625).

Franklin County Children's Services

Approved MOU for child abuse/neglect investigation with community partners (Resolution 94325).

Law Library

Approved five-year LexisNexis contract, $732,366 (Resolution 94725).

Franklin County Data Center

Adopted Cybersecurity Program Framework Standard (Resolution 94825).
Approved ADA compliance consulting contract with GovBloom LLC, $279,426 (Resolution 94925).

Animal Care and Control

Approved first extension of spay/neuter contract with Shelter Outreach Services, $1,196,500 (Resolution 95025).

Economic Development and Planning

Approved four annexation petitions (Resolutions 95125-95425).
Approved Sugar Farm TIF district expansion amendment (Resolution 95525).
Approved loan modification for Ravine at Central College senior housing (Resolution 95625).
Approved loan modification for Chantry Place permanent supportive housing (Resolution 97925).

Economic Engagement and Community Development

Approved $33,000 grant to C. Brilliance for youth STEAM (Resolution 95725).
Approved $625,000 grant to Made for Medicine for healthcare pipeline (Resolution 95825).
Approved $384,895.92 grant to Kingdom Image Arts for creative workforce training (Resolution 95925).
Approved $553,328 grant to NOW Foundation for small business readiness (Resolution 96025).
Approved $250,000 grant to SARNCO for youth violence prevention (Resolution 96125).

Job and Family Services

Approved $120,686.86 phone system hardware contract with CBTS (Resolution 96225).
Approved $450,000 subaward with ColorCoded Labs for tech training (Resolution 96325).
Approved $435,000 subaward for trauma-informed care training (Resolution 96425).
Approved $501,888.89 amendment for refugee employability services (Resolution 96525).
Approved $3,613,800 lease for West Community Opportunity Center (Resolution 96625).

Justice Policy and Programs

Accepted FY2026 VOCA grant of $85,784.12 with $21,446.03 cash match (Resolution 96725).

Public Facilities Management

Approved $9,131,914 GMP amendment for critical master plan bundle 2 (Resolution 96825).
Approved $300,000 refuse/recycling contract with Rumkey of Ohio (Resolution 96925).

Purchasing

Approved updated purchasing policy (Resolution 97025).

Board of Commissioners

Authorized county administrator to approve purchase order batches in January 2026 (Resolution 97125).
Reappointed Elizabeth Martinez to Children's Services Board (Resolution 97225).
Reappointed Carla William Scott to Columbus Metropolitan Library Board (Resolution 97325).
Approved 2025 appropriation reconciliation (Resolution 97425).
Approved sales tax administrative fee appropriation (Resolution 97525).
Approved year-end transfers to reserve and capital funds (Resolution 97625).
Adopted FY2026 annual appropriation of $2.2 billion (Resolution 97725).

County administrator to execute settlement agreement and release for Kathleen Harter lawsuit.
County administrator to sign award acceptance form for FY2026 VOCA grant.
County administrator to approve purchase order batches in January 2026.
Office of Management and Budget to submit per-agency cost review for LexisNexis contract annually.
Job and Family Services to inform SNAP recipients about work requirements starting January 1, 2026.
Economic Engagement and Community Development to link C. Brilliance resources with National Education Services.
Made for Medicine to connect with Franklin County Animal Shelter for potential partnership.
Engineer's office to commence right-of-way acquisition for Clark State Road/Wagner Road roundabout.