Central Committee & Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

Delaware County Democratic Party
Central/Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.
Delaware Township Hall

The Delaware County Democratic Party held its Central/Executive Committee Meeting on September 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Delaware Township Hall.

Present at the meeting were 58 individuals, including 43 members of the Executive Committee and 15 visitors. County Party First Vice Chair Jerrad Christian called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and welcomed those present. After establishing a quorum, First Vice Chair Christian asked James Sipek to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jay Paroda, Superintendent of the Delaware Area Career Center (DACC), spoke about the 10-year levy renewal. The levy was originally approved by voters in 2001 and was subsequently renewed in 2005 and 2015. November 2026 is the final opportunity to renew the levy. The ballot issue would renew the existing levy while reducing it from 1.7 mills to 0.75 mills, a reduction of 0.95 mills. The county auditor estimates that the levy would cost approximately $18 annually for each $100,000 of home value. The proposed reduction reflects the district’s current financial position and long-term planning.

Motion: To endorse the DACC levy.
Moved by: Kevin Kasberg
Seconded by: James Sipek
The motion passed unanimously.

Lewis Borowicz, President of the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD), spoke about the proposed 1.8-mill levy, which is estimated to cost approximately $63 annually per $100,000 of home value. The previous 2.0-mill levy expired on December 31, 2025. The proposed levy would continue to fund essential services supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Motion: To endorse the DCBDD levy.
Moved by: Louise Douce
Seconded by: Stephen Schottel
The motion passed unanimously.

Steve Brown, Communications Director of the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, spoke about the upcoming levy renewal, which includes a 0.5-mill increase to support services and programming in Delaware and Morrow Counties. The proposed renewal and increase would cost homeowners approximately $50 per $100,000 of appraised home value.
Motion: To endorse the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services levy.

Moved by: Cheryl Luce
Seconded by: Kevin Kasberg
The motion passed unanimously.

Crystal James, Deputy Director of the Delaware County Transit Authority (DCTA), spoke about the proposed 0.2% sales tax to support the local public transit system. She noted that this is a sales tax rather than a property tax. The proposed sales tax would generate $0.20 for every $100 in purchases.

Motion: To endorse the DCTA sales tax.
Moved by: James Sipek
Seconded by: Ed Helvey
The motion passed unanimously.

Other business:

  • Volunteers are needed to staff the DelaDems booth throughout the county fair. Shifts are three hours long, with volunteers particularly needed during the afternoons and evenings. Volunteers may sign up through SignUpGenius or contact Pat Meter.
  • The coordinated campaign, Ohio Wins, is asking volunteers to participate in direct voter contact at least once per week.
  • An early-vote party will be held on the first day of early voting at the Delaware County Board of Elections.
  • Phone bankers are needed at the Powell office.
  • Candidates running in the November 2026 election spoke about their current campaign needs and immediate priorities.

Motion to adjourn: Kevin Kasberg
Moved by: James Sipek
The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.