Delaware County Land Bank reappoints officers, approves filings and reimbursement authority
April 21, 2026 | Delaware County, Ohio
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Delaware County Land Reutilization Corporation reappointed its slate of officers and approved routine financial actions at its April 20 annual and regular meeting.
Chair Jeff Benton opened the annual meeting and said the board must reelect officers and address annual reporting. Commissioner Gary Merrill was confirmed to continue as treasurer, Sandra was reappointed secretary and Shabbani was chosen as vice chair; Benton said he would continue as chair. Each nomination was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board also approved submitting the land bank’s annual financial report to the state auditor’s reporting system (referred to in discussion as the Hinkle system). Justin Abby, the land bank’s director of finance, told the board the organization contracts with “Julian and Groove” to prepare basic financial statements and that Ryan Associates will perform the independent audit; Abby said the compiled financials were submitted and that staff did not anticipate audit findings.
The board approved six routine invoices in one motion, including an attorney invoice and contract caps for CEC. It then heard and approved the treasurer’s reconciliation for March, which showed recent deposits from grant activity and DTAC collections. The board voted to authorize formal reimbursement of eligible applicants for 2026 demolition and brownfield grants once funds are received from the Ohio department overseeing those grants (ODOD). Scott Gordon, the land bank attorney, recommended the formal authorization to ensure reimbursements follow confirmation that projects were completed and funds have been received.
The meeting closed the annual session and convened the regular meeting to address these routine business items; all votes recorded in the transcript were voice votes with no roll-call tallies provided.
The board did not take action on a separate request from Homeport asking the land bank to advance administrative costs to the developer; that matter was discussed later in the meeting but a majority signaled they would not support using land bank general funds to advance reimbursements.
The board adjourned the annual session and continued through its regular agenda items, including program updates and other business.
Chair Jeff Benton opened the annual meeting and said the board must reelect officers and address annual reporting. Commissioner Gary Merrill was confirmed to continue as treasurer, Sandra was reappointed secretary and Shabbani was chosen as vice chair; Benton said he would continue as chair. Each nomination was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board also approved submitting the land bank’s annual financial report to the state auditor’s reporting system (referred to in discussion as the Hinkle system). Justin Abby, the land bank’s director of finance, told the board the organization contracts with “Julian and Groove” to prepare basic financial statements and that Ryan Associates will perform the independent audit; Abby said the compiled financials were submitted and that staff did not anticipate audit findings.
The board approved six routine invoices in one motion, including an attorney invoice and contract caps for CEC. It then heard and approved the treasurer’s reconciliation for March, which showed recent deposits from grant activity and DTAC collections. The board voted to authorize formal reimbursement of eligible applicants for 2026 demolition and brownfield grants once funds are received from the Ohio department overseeing those grants (ODOD). Scott Gordon, the land bank attorney, recommended the formal authorization to ensure reimbursements follow confirmation that projects were completed and funds have been received.
The meeting closed the annual session and convened the regular meeting to address these routine business items; all votes recorded in the transcript were voice votes with no roll-call tallies provided.
The board did not take action on a separate request from Homeport asking the land bank to advance administrative costs to the developer; that matter was discussed later in the meeting but a majority signaled they would not support using land bank general funds to advance reimbursements.
The board adjourned the annual session and continued through its regular agenda items, including program updates and other business.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
