CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Failed HVAC units and mold buildup at the Ross County Juvenile Detention Center pushed county officials into a special session Aug. 27 to weigh emergency remediation options, after a Jackson County judge said his county would stop sending detainees to the facility until the problem is fixed.
Juvenile Court Judge Benson told the Ross County Board of Commissioners, which convened the special meeting at 8:05 a.m., that he was concerned the youths currently housed at the facility could be at risk, according to meeting minutes. He said Jackson County Judge Skaggs had contacted him to say Jackson County would withhold its detainees from the Ross County facility until the issue is resolved.
Judge Benson asked whether Ohio law includes an emergency provision that would let the county bypass its standard competitive bidding process so cleanup and remediation could begin sooner, the minutes show.
County Administrator Brad Cosenza contacted attorney Ben Hyden of the Bricker Graydon law firm during the meeting to get a legal opinion on the question. Hyden advised commissioners that the situation at the detention center does not meet the legal threshold for an emergency exception to the state’s standard bidding requirements, according to the minutes.
Hyden told commissioners bid documents for the remediation project were expected to be finished by the end of the week, with the project going out to bid afterward. Bids on the work are expected to be received by the end of September, he said.
Clevinger, also in attendance, told commissioners a mold study had already been completed and determined the mold currently in the building is inert and non-toxic. She said the mold had been treated with a solution to prevent further growth.
Judge Benson said that finding gave him confidence in the proposed timeline for completing the bidding process and starting the remediation project.
The commissioners adjourned the special meeting at 9 a.m.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Ross County Board of Commissioners.
