For the first time in seven months, the Scioto County Board of Commissioners is finally back to full strength.
Newly appointed Commissioner Will Mault attended his first official meeting Thursday morning, joining Commissioners Scottie Powell and Merit Smith to form a three-member board for the first time since spring.
“We now have a full board,” Powell said with a grin. “This will be new. You’re a whole 48 hours in. We’re glad to have you.”
Mault, a longtime Portsmouth businessman and owner of The Scioto Ribber and Portsmouth Brewing Company, was appointed earlier this week by the Scioto County Republican Central Committee to temporarily fill the seat of suspended Commissioner Bryan Davis, who remains on paid leave pending the outcome of his corruption case.
Back to Business
With all three chairs filled again, the board quickly got back to work — approving appropriations, transferring funds, paying the county’s bills, and accepting reports.
Commissioners also voted to name Merit Smith as vice chair of the board.
“Now that we’re a full board again, it makes sense to have a vice chair,” Powell said. “Before, with just two of us, it didn’t matter — we both had to be here anyway.”
A Citizen Worth Celebrating
The board paused for a proud moment to honor Melody Hall, a maintenance department employee at the courthouse, who recently became a United States citizen.
Powell read a resolution recognizing her achievement, sharing her story of coming to McDermott in 2015 after running a beauty salon and clothing store in Taiwan.
“Melody has always wanted to be an American citizen but hasn’t forgotten those in China who don’t have the freedom to worship and serve the Lord,” Powell said. “She started an online Bible study with over 50 women. Melody loves America and is thankful for the freedom she has in the United States.”
Commissioners and audience members gave Hall a standing ovation, and Powell presented her with an official resolution.
“We are so proud of you,” he said. “You’re a great asset to our team here.”
A Warm Welcome for Mault
Commissioner Smith handed Mault a homemade “New” name card to display on the table.
“I used that for a long time,” Smith joked. “But I can’t use that anymore. It’s up to you now, Will.”
Mault laughed and thanked everyone at the courthouse.
“I want to thank everyone for being so warm and receptive to me,” he said. “I look forward to seeing everyone and getting to work.”
Good News for Brush Creek
Commissioner Powell also announced that Scioto Brush Creek has been officially designated as an Ohio Scenic Waterway, recognizing its outstanding water quality and natural beauty.
“Congratulations to the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek,” Powell said. “They’ve worked on this for years, and their hard work is finally paying off.”
A ceremony celebrating the designation is scheduled for next Wednesday in Otway.
One Step Forward
As Powell wrapped up the meeting, he offered Mault a few words of perspective about his interim appointment:
“It’s an interesting place to be when you’re an interim commissioner,” Powell said. “Merit’s situation is a little different — he was appointed for basically half a term. In your world, it depends on the legal system. If Commissioner Davis is deemed not guilty, your term could be six months or all of next year. But as long as you’re here, we’re glad to have you.”
After months of empty chairs and uncertainty, the Scioto County Commissioners’ office finally feels whole again — at least for now.
