News on Highland County recycling was discussed at the weekly Wednesday meeting of the Highland County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Terry Britton said Tara Campbell, who had been previously running the program, agreed to continue to do so until the end of the year. However, after that, he said the recycling coordinators in Pickaway County who run the Southwest District recycling would “pick up the slack.”

Commissioner Dave Daniels; however, said “it’s safe to say” the county is still looking for a partner, as Britton said they’re working on doing a two-county deal.

Commissioner Brad Roades said that one aspect of the recycling coordinator’s job that shouldn’t be lost is the education part of going into schools and teaching children the purpose. He said this is something they’re going to try to not lose.

In other news, Britton said the board of commissioners is still looking for the land acquisition aspect for the MARCS radio tower.

“We did get the information back from the state on what they would pay and it’s not very much. So, we’re still working through that,” Britton said.

He also wished all in the community a happy Thanksgiving season.

“I wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving and, you know, enjoy your family and make sure you enjoy your family and friends and don’t eat too much and all that good stuff,” he said.

The board of commissioners approved changes to the snow removal bid approved last week. Britton said the company came back and revised its quote “just a little bit.” He said there were decreases on the snow removal and ice melting and then the ice melting only for the walkway at Beech Street. He said for the former, it was lowered from $75 to $25, and for the latter it was lowered from $56 to $20.

“So, what happened was, they were thinking it was the whole sidewalks along Beech Street instead of just a little walkway between the areas,” Roades said.

The commissioners approved a letter of support to the Alternatives to Violence Center for Office of Criminal Justice Services funding.

There were seven resolutions approved by the board:

* Res. No. 23-240 is authorization for the Highland County Soil and Water Department to purchase one 2023 Jeep Compass from Mt. Orab Ford, with the price to not exceed $39,192.

* Res. No. 23-241 is authorization for an additional appropriation from unanticipated revenue within the Commissioners, Motor Vehicle fund for $39,120.

* Res. No. 23-242 is authorization for a budget modification within county general fund for $3,300.

* Res. No. 23-243 is an authorization for a budget modification within county general fund for $1,400.

* Res. No. 23-244 is authorization for an additional appropriation from unappropriated funds within the CAO Housing Rehabilitation budget for $118,913.75.

* Res. No. 23-245 is authorization for an additional appropriation from unappropriated funds within the CAO Home budget for $243,656.

* Res. No. 23-246 is authorization for a budget modification within county general fund for $13,000.

There were two contracts approved by the board:

* Contract 93 is between the commissioners, Highland County engineer and Palomino Solar, LLC for a roadway use, repair and maintenance agreement.

* Contract 94 is between the commissioners, Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP and the Highland County Sheriff for a planned service agreement for the Highland County Justice Center.

The board of commissioners announced that it planned to move its meeting from Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, to Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at the same time due to its statewide conference meeting that Wednesday.

Reach Jacob Clary at 937-402-2570.