Tuscarawas County commissioners approve supplemental appropriations, contracts and appointments

The Tuscarawas County Board of Commissioners met July 13, 2026, in New Philadelphia and approved a slate of routine and substantive actions, including multiple supplemental appropriations and a contract for road resurfacing. The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Kristin Zemis.

Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 499-2026, a set of supplemental appropriations that included: $120,000 for Road & Bridge equipment; $200,000 for the CR 62 Bridge Project; $25,000 for emergency replacement of well pump #1 in Water & Sewer; $1,000 for Recorder travel and lodging; $500 for Dog Pound equipment; and several appropriations in the Job and Family Services (JFS) budget related to payoffs and employee raises. The motion to adopt the appropriations passed with Commissioners Zemis, Greg Ress and Mitch Pace voting yes.

The board approved Resolution 501-2026 to award a contract and public improvement agreement to Newton Asphalt Paving, Inc. for Project #3-2026 (roadway reprofiling and resurfacing). The action was taken on the recommendation of Engineer Doug Bachman and approved as to form by Assistant County Prosecutor Kristine Beard.

By Resolution 503-2026 the board authorized the satisfaction and release of a deferred‑recapture mortgage for the Jane Roup property associated with the FY2012 CHIP program, releasing a remaining balance of $4,303.50 on the recommendation of Scott S. Reynolds, Director of the Office of Community & Economic Development.

The commissioners re‑appointed Travis Hahn as the Board of County Commissioners’ representative to the Board of Trustees of the Tuscarawas Water and Sewer District for a three‑year term beginning July 8, 2026 and ending July 8, 2029 (Resolution 505-2026). The reappointment was made pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 6119.

Commissioner Kristin Zemis, speaking about a separate personnel action, said she was glad Jennifer McClain would continue to help in the Office of Community & Economic Development and with the All American 250th Homecoming Picnic after approving a change in McClain’s status from full‑time to part‑time effective July 13, 2026 (Resolution 507-2028).

The board approved payment of bills listed on the agenda (Resolution 508-2026) and approved a transfer of $821,033.50 in OTSCI grant funds from an OCED Jail Safety line to the Engineer for property acquisition (Resolution 509-2026). All votes noted in the minutes were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.

Votes at a glance

- Res. 497-2026 — Approve minutes (July 6, 2026): approved (Zemis, Ress, Pace — yes).
- Res. 498-2026 — Remove from table: Supplemental Appropriation — Recorder: approved.
- Res. 499-2026 — Supplemental appropriations (multiple departments, detailed in minutes): approved.
- Res. 500-2026 — Dog & Kennel Report (June 2026): approved (submitted by Elizabeth Lewis).
- Res. 501-2026 — Contract & Public Improvement Agreement with Newton Asphalt Paving, Inc. (Project #3-2026): approved.
- Res. 502-2026 — Treasurer’s Investments (June 2026): approved.
- Res. 503-2026 — Satisfaction & Release of Mortgage — Roup (FY2012 CHIP): approved (release $4,303.50).
- Res. 505-2026 — Re-appoint Travis Hahn to Tuscarawas Water & Sewer District Board of Trustees (term to 7/8/2029): approved.
- Res. 506-2026 — Authorize Cooperative Agreement (OWDA and Tuscarawas Water & Sewer District): approved (see separate item).
- Res. 507-2028 — Change Jennifer McClain from full-time to part-time, OCED: approved.
- Res. 508-2026 — Pay bills: approved.
- Res. 509-2026 — Transfer of funds (OCED to Engineer) $821,033.50: approved.

The board did not record any dissents in the meeting minutes for actions taken at this session. The meeting adjourned after the listed business was completed.