CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Ross County commissioners voted Oct. 13 to begin creating a Transportation Improvement District, hiring a consulting firm to help the county pursue up to $500,000 a year in state transportation funding for projects meant to draw private investment.
The board agreed to pay Montrose Group LLC a flat $25,000 fee, paid out over five months, to guide the county through establishing the TID and applying to the Ohio Department of Transportation for the annual allocation, according to meeting minutes. The district is meant to fund and manage projects in targeted areas of the county positioned to encourage private-sector investment, the movement of goods and services, and public safety, commissioners said.
At the same meeting, the board opened bids for the county’s long-planned project to overhaul security at the Ross County Jail. Only one bid was submitted, from IP Systems of Valley View, for $450,350, the minutes show. The county’s security team will review the bid and make a recommendation before commissioners decide whether to award the contract.
Commissioners also approved three change orders totaling $38,055 for TAM Construction’s work on the county’s State Route 104 sewer project, including a $33,455 relocation of Pump Station 2, a $1,100 lateral sewer connection at 1629 Stone Road, and $3,500 for an 18-inch culvert and limestone installation. The board approved a $1.46 million payment on the same sewer project earlier this month.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources forester Brian Kelly presented commissioners with a $256,340.12 check in stumpage revenue from state forest timber sales, the minutes show. Of that total, Ross County will receive $64,085.03, Franklin Township $23,203.70, Harrison Township $40,881.33, and the Southeastern Local School District $128,170.06.
County Engineer Charlie Ortman has compiled documentation on flood-related damage to Ross County roads and the cost of repairs already completed, Ohio Public Works Commission representative Nick Rose told the board. Ortman will forward that information to the commission to determine whether any of the repair costs qualify for reimbursement.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Ross County Board of Commissioners.
