Judge Kellogg Raises State Approval Requirement for Ashland County Jail Roof Project
ASHLAND, Ohio — After Ashland County commissioners announced plans last week to replace the county jail’s leaking roof, Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kellogg sent the board a copy of the Ohio law governing approval of major jail and courthouse projects. On Thursday, Nov. 5, she appeared before commissioners to ask what they wanted her and other county officials to review before the project moved forward.
Kellogg addressed Board President Michael Welch, Vice President Denny Bittle and Commissioner James Justice. She said an email from the board’s clerk on Nov. 4 asked for feedback by Nov. 11. Kellogg had understood that commissioners voted to approve a contract at their Oct. 29 meeting, so she asked whether the board wanted comments on the roof design and materials, an assessment of the cost or formal approval.
“Are you asking us to approve the contract as it’s written? Are you asking us to approve the project?” Kellogg asked.
Commissioners said they had sent drawings and other project information to the officials. When Kellogg asked whether a contract had been signed, commissioners said it had yet to be signed.
“We okayed an estimate. We haven’t approved the project,” Commissioner James Justice said.
What Ohio law requires
Ohio Revised Code Section 153.36 requires counties to submit plans, specifications and cost estimates for courthouse and jail construction, additions, alterations, repairs or improvements to the board of county commissioners. When the estimated total cost exceeds $75,000, those materials must also go to four reviewers for approval. They are the clerk of the court of common pleas, the sheriff, the probate judge and a person appointed by the common pleas court judge. At least three of the four must approve before work can begin.
For projects estimated at $75,000 or less, commissioners may approve the work independently and may seek advice from the clerk, sheriff or probate judge. The current version of the law took effect April 9, 2025.
During the exchange, commissioners asked how the four reviewers would act on the proposal, including whether they would need to vote. Vice President Denny Bittle said he knew the process applied to courthouse projects and had just learned it also covered jail work. Kellogg said she had previously brought the statute to the board’s attention during discussions about courthouse renovations. She told commissioners she had yet to speak with the other reviewers and was speaking for herself.
Judge asks to discuss impact on courthouse plans
Commissioner James Justice said he expected the review to focus on finances and offered to have a representative from roofing company Garland answer technical questions. Kellogg said she recognized the need to keep the jail safe and operational. She wanted to know how the county would pay for the roof and whether the expense could affect courthouse operations or planned improvements.
Vice President Denny Bittle said completing the roof replacement as a single project could save the county close to $500,000 compared with doing the work in phases. Kellogg asked to discuss those financial implications directly with the board, and commissioners said they could do so at a public meeting.
Commissioners are holding a special public meeting Nov. 17at 8 am.
Other board business
Commissioners voted unanimously to cancel their Tuesday, Nov. 10, meeting because there were no agenda items. The board said its next regular meeting would be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.
The board approved a $50,000 reduction in the wage appropriation for the sheriff’s opiate fund to align the budget with anticipated 2026 revenue. It also authorized a $35-per-month agreement with MAD Elevator to answer emergency calls from elevators in county office buildings and accepted a $1,270.75 estimate from Point Security for annual maintenance and a radiation survey of the courthouse X-ray machine.
Commissioners also approved the Oct. 29 meeting minutes, travel requests, budget transfers, appropriations and payment of warrants.
