By Terry L. Hapney, Jr.
The Ironton Tribune

The Sept. 17 meeting of the Lawrence County Commissioners included information that county employees may find important regarding another retirement option available to them.
Dylan Bentley, acting administrator, shared that action taken by the county commissioners allows county employees to open a Roth IRA option through the Ohio employees retirement plan.
“It’s an investment tool that will allow you to pay taxes now and forgo them later,” Bentley said. “It’s another retirement tool that county employees are eligible to participate in.”
Anyone interested in starting that plan can get a flyer from Bentley’s office. Those eligible will also receive an email on this new option. Bentley said a representative will visit the county sometime this fall to meet with county employees who wish to have that financial coaching and ask any questions. Those interested may also visit www.ocerp457.com or call 800-284-0444 for more information.
“It’s a great opportunity for our employees and a great way to save up for retirement,” Bentley said.
Those in attendance at the Commission meeting noted an “Operation Warm” event is scheduled for 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 at the Job and Family Services agency—for eligible families to receive new coats and shoes for their children.
“We’re glad to help those who are eligible get shoes and coats,” Commissioner Colton Copley said.
Also, the county’s “Safe Trick-or-Treat” event is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. on Oct. 28, right before Ironton’s Trick-or-Treat.
Commissioner DeAnna Holliday said the county needs to work with Solid Waste, as at one time the organization had a grant for cigarette butt receptacles. She suggested they could install those on the county’s boat ramps.
The Commissioners also:
• Approved floodplain permits (renewals) submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District:
Eric Justice—Project located at 1833 County Road 32.
Eric Justice—Project located at 1233 County Road 32.
Shaun Smith—Stream maintenance project located at 5726 County Road 6.
Approved the appropriations and transfers dated September 17, 2024, under $50,000.00, submitted by Dylan Bentley, acting administrator.
• Approved the 2025 CEBCO renewal for Lawrence County.
Received and filed the Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services social services data report ending August 31, 2024, submitted by Missy Evans, director.
• Approved the Ohio Deferred Compensation ROTH 457 Option Employer Adoption for Lawrence County.
• Approved the donation of $9,000 for the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade from Mike Patterson and one of his accounts.
• Approved the resolution authorizing Patrick D. Leighty, county engineer, to prepare and submit an application to participate in the OPWC State Capital Improvement and/or Local Transportation Improvement programs and to execute contracts.
• Approved the agreement for the Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization Healthy Aging grant.
• Approved and signed a letter of support for the Appalachian Regional Commission ARISE Program.
• Approved the renewal flood plain permit for the Pine Creek dam submitted by Kim Carrico, flood plain administrator.
The commissioners meeting scheduled for Sept. 24 is cancelled.
The next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Oct. 1 on the third floor of the Lawrence County Courthouse.