Fayette County commissioners tackle IT outages, approve Jeffersonville annexations

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — The Fayette County commissioners met Monday to address county IT outages, review health insurance options, and approve two land annexations into the Village of Jeffersonville.

IT Specialist Mike Meadows reported responding to the Fayette County Board of Elections office Sunday afternoon after a backup generator failed during an approximately 45-minute downtown power outage.

Although electricity was restored Sunday, the county administration building and several offices lost internet service Monday morning after a construction crew damaged an underground Spectrum cable along U.S. Route 22 South. Service remained offline until after 4 p.m., the normal close of business.

In land-use business, the commissioners approved an Expedited Type II Annexation moving two parcels from Jefferson Township into the Village of Jeffersonville. The action includes 39.493 acres owned by David Martin and 21.281 acres owned by Gretchen E. Krieger, following a review of legal filings presented by attorney Mike McNamee.

The board also heard a request from Ugo Nwoke, representing SRG Petroleum LLC, regarding the redevelopment of the Midway Mini Mart on State Route 38. Nwoke proposed purchasing a narrow, county-owned strip of land adjacent to the property to accommodate a new driveway entrance. Commissioners took the proposal under advisement pending state approval for the curb cut.

In other business, commissioners:

Approved dog license fees: Maintained the 2026 fee at $14 per dog, with a $14 penalty for late renewals collected through the county auditor’s office.

Reviewed health insurance plans: Heard presentations from insurance agents Rob Herron, Kent Miller and Bryce Heinbaugh outlining upcoming options for county employees.

Updated an open extension position: Learned from Ken Ford of the Ohio State University Extension Office that the county is revising a vacant position previously held by Kate Wells, who left to become county administrator. The job criteria, including degree and experience requirements, are being modified, and the role will be reposted under the title “community educator” rather than “economic educator.”

Upgraded elections telecom: Approved an agreement with GloFiber for a phone system upgrade at the Board of Elections office costing $224 per month.

Fayette County Engineer Jason Little announced an informational open house regarding a proposed roundabout at State Route 41 and Bloomingburg-New Holland Road in Union Township. The meeting will run from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Miami Trace High School cafeteria.

The $4.25 million safety project is primarily funded through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Program. Construction is tentatively slated for 2029.

Meanwhile, a planned public discussion regarding a potential moratorium on data center construction was tabled until Sept. 21. Commissioners noted that the 30-minute total public comment window, with a five-minute limit per speaker, will remain in effect. Officials confirmed that no data center zoning applications have been filed and no vote on a moratorium has been scheduled.

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