The Lucas County Board of Commissioners approved a Responsible Contractor policy Sept. 16 that creates a prequalification process for firms seeking construction-related contracts with the county.

Michael Hart of the commissioners’ office said the policy requires county administration to issue an application and guide; entities that meet the responsibility criteria will receive a certificate and be placed on a list so they need not re-prove qualifications on each county project. The policy also allows the county to incorporate responsibility criteria directly into bid packages for competitive procurements. Hart said the policy will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Commissioners voted to adopt the policy after discussion. The board recorded a motion for approval and the clerk completed the roll call with affirmative votes from the commissioners present.