Published on March 17, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved two resolutions Tuesday to fund and formalize the conversion of former retail space at the county's Morse Road elections facility into dedicated poll worker training rooms.
The construction agreement with NMRD Three Limited covers improvements to Unit 200 of the Board of Elections property, which previously housed the Homeboy Buys retail store. Total project costs will not exceed $11.9 million, financed through a deal with the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority. A companion resolution authorized the term sheet and financing documents needed to structure the debt, with annual payments estimated between $1.1 million and $1.2 million through 2038. Financial advisor Baker Tilly is assisting on the structure ahead of an expected mid-April close.
Jesse Armstrong, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, presented the construction resolution. Zak Talarek from the Office of Management and Budget walked the Commissioners through the financing mechanics, which involve a sublease arrangement with the Finance Authority to enable debt issuance.
Commissioner O'Grady offered remarks alongside his vote, noting that Franklin County's elections infrastructure is becoming the standard other counties measure themselves against. He also used the moment to raise the federal SAVE Act, urging continued vigilance and ongoing outreach to Ohio's congressional delegation. Commissioner Boyce abstained from voting on both resolutions.