DARKE COUNTY – The Darke County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Darke County Courthouse.
Present for the meeting were Commissioners Aaron Flatter and Marshall Combs, along with Clerk Karen Avore and Assistant Clerk Kim Bair. Commissioner Matthew W. Aultman was absent.
Minutes from the Tuesday, January 6, 2026, meeting were presented and approved.
New Business
Resolution R-8-2026 – Examination and Allowance of Bills
Commissioners approved payment of county bills dated January 8, 2026, including any applicable “Then & Now” certificates, totaling $622,715.30.
General Fund: $353,268.11
Outside General Funds: $269,447.19
Resolution R-10-2026 – Comfort Systems Maintenance Renewals
The board approved three annual maintenance contract renewals with Comfort Systems USA for county facilities, following review and approval by the Darke County Prosecuting Attorney as to form.
The contracts cover January 1 through December 31, 2026, and include:
Darke County Courthouse (504 S. Broadway): $1,248.00
Darke County Criminal Justice Center (5185 County Home Road): $3,262.00Darke County Government Center (300 Garst Avenue): $3,193.00
Resolution R-11-2026 – Transfer of Appropriations (Permanent Improvements – Outside Fund)
Commissioners approved a transfer within the Darke County Auditor’s Permanent Improvements fund to support sprinkler system repairs at Wagner Avenue and an extension of the building wall PIV.
From: Other Operating – $4,903.20
To: Building Construction/Improvements – $4,903.20
Total Transfer: $4,903.20
Darke County will hold the first of two required public hearings on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., in the Board Room of the Darke County Administration Building, 520 South Broadway.
The hearing will provide updates on current and future PY2026 CDBG funding opportunities and include general information on eligible activities, program requirements, and application deadlines. A CDIS planning session will help identify community project needs across Darke County, and Fair Housing Training will be included as part of the hearing.
County officials report that multiple CDBG programs may be available, including community development allocations, neighborhood revitalization, critical infrastructure, economic development loans and grants, residential and public infrastructure projects, flexible grants, and community housing initiatives. Funding amounts may range from approximately $50,000 to $750,000, with some programs subject to negotiation or partnership arrangements.
Citizens are encouraged to attend to provide input, ask questions, and learn how CDBG funds may support local projects.
A second public hearing is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., prior to the county’s submission of any CDBG grant applications. That session will review projects submitted for funding consideration.
The Administration Building is handicap accessible. Individuals requiring special assistance or accommodations should contact the Darke County Grants Office at (937) 547-7362 at least four days prior to the hearing, in accordance with ADA regulations.
