For the first time in months, Scioto County could soon have a full, three-member Board of Commissioners again.
The Scioto County Republican Central Committee has announced a special meeting for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the New Boston Community Center, 3980 Rhodes Avenue. The goal: to appoint an interim county commissioner to fill the vacancy created by the suspension of Commissioner Bryan Davis.
Anyone hoping to be considered for the temporary seat must notify Party Chairman Kevin Craft by Sunday, November 9.
Why There’s an Opening
The vacancy stems from the ongoing corruption scandal surrounding Commissioner Bryan Davis, who was indicted in August along with his wife, Lori. The pair are accused of taking part in a kickback scheme tied to former Economic Development Director Robert Horton and the Southern Ohio Port Authority (SOPA).
Davis faces felony charges including:
- Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity
- Two counts of theft in office
- Aggravated theft
- Money laundering
He was provisionally suspended by the court in September and is currently on voluntary paid leave, still collecting his $64,000 annual salary. Under Ohio law, his political party — in this case, the Republicans — can appoint a temporary replacement until the case is resolved.
Down to Two for Too Long
The Board of Commissioners has been operating short-handed for most of the past year.
The county lost longtime Commissioner Cathy Coleman following a fatal car crash last spring. Merit Smith was later appointed to fill her seat.
Then, with Davis’s suspension in September, the board was reduced again to just two members — Smith and Commissioner Scottie Powell.
That’s created practical headaches: under Ohio’s open meetings laws, a quorum of at least two commissioners is required for official meetings.
If one of the remaining commissioners is absent, no meeting can be held and no county business can move forward.
The upcoming appointment will finally restore the board to full strength.
What Happens Next
- Sunday, Nov. 9: Deadline for anyone seeking the appointment to notify Chairman Kevin Craft.
- Tuesday, Nov. 11: GOP Central Committee votes on the interim commissioner at the New Boston Community Center.
- The chosen candidate will serve until the outcome of Davis’s corruption case determines whether he returns or the seat becomes permanently vacant.
Bottom line: After a year marked by scandal, tragedy, and empty chairs, Scioto County may finally be back to a three-person board — and ready to get back to business.
